On this webpage, you will find relevant links to legislation, policies and studies on rail passenger rights. For specific information and advice on your rights as a rail passenger and how to claim these rights, please visit 'Your Europe'.
EU legislation lays the foundation for helping passengers understand and exercise their rights when travelling by rail in the EU. The single market for passenger rail transport is currently in development and the rail industry should benefit from a level playing field. A high quality of rail services and the protection of users' rights are essential to fulfil the objective to increase the share of rail transport in comparison to other modes of transport.
Legislation
The rail passenger rights Regulation, which entered into force in June 2021 and applies as of 7 June 2023: Regulation 2021/782 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations
7 June 2023: Rail transport: passengers to enjoy better protection and smoother travel experience
Questions & answers: New Rail Passenger Rights Regulation
This Regulation repealed the previous Regulation on passenger rights: Regulation 1371/2007 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations
Communication from the Commission - Interpretative Guidelines on Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on rail passengers' rights and obligations.
This Regulation is complemented by the Commission Implementing Regulation 2024/949 establishing a common form for rail passengers’ reimbursement and compensation requests for delays, missed connections and cancellations of rail services.
An editable PDF-version of the form can be found below under ‘Useful links and documents’. This version is adapted to the needs of persons with visual disabilities.
National exemptions from the scope of Regulation (EU) 2021/782 on rail passenger rights
In principle, EU rail passenger rights are applicable to all rail passenger services in all EU Member States. However, Member States may exempt certain types of services from the application of these rights under Regulation (EU) 2021/782. More information on the rules on possible exemptions can be found in the above mentioned ‘Questions & answers’ on the new Rail Passenger Rights Regulation.
The table below provides information about granted or intended national exemptions under Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of which Member States have informed the Commission. The table also indicates to what Articles of the Regulation the exemptions refer to, if applicable.
The Commission constantly updates this information based on contributions from Member States.
In case of doubt, please contact the National Enforcement Body for the Rail Passenger Rights Regulation (NEB Rail) of the country concerned.
National exemptions from the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 on rail passenger rights
Under Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, which has been repealed by Regulation (EU) 2021/782 as of 7 June 2023, Member States could also exempt certain types of services from the application of rail passenger rights.
Report: Exemptions granted by Member States under Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 on rail passengers' rights and obligations, COM/2015/0117 final.
The table below provides information about granted national exemptions on Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of which Member States have informed the Commission. The table also indicates to what Articles of the Regulation the exemptions refer to, if applicable.
In particular, this table contains an overview of Member States that have exempted long-distance domestic rail passenger services from the application of the Regulation until 2024. Exemptions under Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 for other services no longer apply as of 7 June 2023, unless where Member States opted to continue them under Regulation (EU) 2021/782 (see above).
In case of doubt, please contact the National Enforcement Body (NEB) for the Rail Passenger Rights Regulation of the country concerned.
Useful links and documents
Your Europe - detailed information and advice on your rights as a rail passenger and how you can claim them.
Online enquiry form : Enquiry form for Rail passengers
Common form for reimbursement and compensation requests for delays, missed connections and cancellations The editable PDF-version of the common form for reimbursement and compensation requests prepared by the Commission services (see also ‘Legislation’ above). This version is adapted to the needs of persons with visual disabilities.
National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs)
According to Article 28(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007, the railway undertakings' reports on service quality shall be made available on the ERA website.