The train drivers’ union GDL has called for a strike lasting several days. From Wednesday morning until probably Friday evening, not only long-distance traffic will be at a standstill, but also many regional and S-Bahn trains. There is then rail chaos all over Germany.
What can passengers do if they get stranded while changing trains because their train was so late? Or if a connecting train is canceled? Travelers who do not even start their journey due to the strike can either travel later or have their ticket refunded.
Reading tip: Bahn wants to stop the GDL strike through court
What happens to train tickets on strike days?
Deutsche Bahn is very accommodating during strike days and refunds tickets without any problem. But in order for you to get your refund, it is also important to contact them German railway – to the employees on site, online or by telephone. The service staff are at the number 08000-996633 accessible free of charge.
You can use the Deutsche Bahn website to get yours Passenger rights claim or directly in the Goodwill form ask for a refund of the ticket. In consultation with the employees, you can also choose alternative travel connections in order to still get to your destination.
The passenger rights for Deutsche Bahn customers changed in June last year. Your rights in the event of a strike remain unchanged, so you can rely on them.
Further information can be found here: Local and long-distance transport – New rail passenger rights from June 2023 will have an impact on compensation
Are the train tickets still valid at a later date?
Deutsche Bahn writes: “All passengers who use their for Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 to Friday, January 12th, 2024 If you want to postpone your planned trip due to the GDL strike, you can use your ticket at a later date. The train connection has been lifted. The ticket is valid for the journey to the original destination, even with a changed route. Seat reservations can be canceled free of charge.
In addition, as part of a special gesture of goodwill, passengers also have the opportunity to… Trip to be brought forward and already on Monday, January 8th, 2024 and Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 to leave earlier.”
What should I do if I couldn’t continue and got stranded?
If you can no longer reach your destination by train, there are alternatives. If the railway can no longer find a replacement connection, or if this is unreasonable, then it either has to ensure that you get to your destination differently or has a hotel paid for.
Communication is important in such a situation. If you can’t get any further, you should get confirmation from the train attendants on the train. The railway would then have to take care of accommodation and the journey there and back again. If this is not possible and you have the railway confirm this, you can also organize a hotel yourself. You should definitely keep the bill for this.
Since Deutsche Bahn’s train connection is canceled if there is a delay of more than 20 minutes, you can then continue on the next connection. In the event of such a delay, anyone who has a local transport ticket can also use a higher-quality train that does not require a reservation. You can then have the additional costs for the new ticket reimbursed by the railway. However, this does not apply to passengers with a significantly reduced ticket, such as the Deutschlandticket.