This is how you get the money for the nine-euro ticket back

The first weekend on which travelers could use the nine-euro ticket was accompanied by chaos in some places: there was a large rush, and some overcrowded trains even had to be evacuated. At times there were also many delays or cancellations due to the high rush. It’s annoying, but travelers don’t have to despair: if you know your passenger rights, you can assert a number of things.

When do I get my money back?

Basically according to Deutsche Bahn the European passenger rights regulation. After this, the train must

• 25 percent the ticket price more than 60 minutes late or
• 50 percent the ticket price from 120 minutes lateness

reimburse

These rules apply to unforeseen events such as Thunderstorm and strikes as well as delays caused by the railways, for example the classic catenary disruption.

However, anyone who arrives with another means of transport that is already delayed, such as the subway or bus, and misses the train cannot claim a refund.

A special rule applies if the delay occurs after the ticket has been purchased but you have not yet boarded the train.

An example: You travel from Frankfurt to Berlin, but the train is already late in Munich. Then you can withdraw from the trip and the price will be refunded.

Alternatively, you can also travel at a different time – but this should be clarified in advance at the DB travel center.

What compensation do I get?

In addition to reimbursement of 25 or 50 percent of the purchase price, return tickets can also be reimbursed. Here, the amount to be refunded is calculated from half of the sum of both prices.

For example, if you paid 80 euros for the outward journey but only 40 euros for the return journey, these amounts are added up and divided by two. Depending on the delay, 25 or 50 percent of these 60 euros can then be reimbursed by the train.

The following regulations apply to season tickets for long-distance transport:

• Lump sum refunds above five euros (2nd class) respectively 7.50 euros (1st class)
• For Bahncard100 customers: ten euros (2nd class) or 15 euros (1st class)

Will I also be reimbursed for baggage?

In contrast to air travel, rail travelers only receive compensation for lost luggage in special cases. Compensation is only given if the loss is due to the fault of Deutsche Bahn employees – for example, in the case of baggage that has been checked in separately. If you forget your suitcase on the ICE or if it is stolen, Deutsche Bahn is not liable.

What rights do I have if I’m still on the road?

Unfortunately, it happens far too often: you’re sitting on the train, haven’t even arrived at the destination station and are already more than an hour late. But here, too, you won’t be left stranded: because the railways have to provide free drinks and food where possible. This is possible on most trains in the BordBistro. However, this only works if provision is feasible: If, for example, the train is between two stations and does not have an on-board bistro, procurement is unlikely and can therefore not be claimed.

If the destination cannot be reached before midnight due to a delay of more than 60 minutes, the railway must offer the passenger accommodation and possibly also a transfer.

If you want to go to Hamburg but get stuck in Kassel before midnight, you are entitled to a hotel with transfer.

However, travelers do not get a luxury hotel stay – the railways are only obliged to stay in middle-class hotels. You can also organize accommodation and transfer yourself and submit it later for reimbursement. It is also possible to take a taxi to the destination station. Here, however, the upper limit for reimbursement is 80 euros.

My train is late: can I take another train?

The short answer is: Yes, from a delay of 20 minutes this is possible. But there are a few things to note here:

• Changing to another train with the same destination is permitted, but there is a surcharge.
• In addition, the train must not require a reservation.

For example, if your IC to Frankfurt is late, you can board an ICE that also goes to Frankfurt after 20 minutes. An additional charge may be due here.

You can have the surcharge reimbursed later at the DB Travel Center or Service Center. In addition, this rule applies even if the ticket is linked to a specific train or if the train on which you are changing is actually more expensive. However, this rule does not apply to travelers who have state tickets or cross-country tickets.

When do I not get compensation?

As nice as all these passenger rights are, there are exceptions. Anyone who has missed a flight due to a train delay and has to rebook cannot claim these costs from the train.

Will I also be reimbursed for the 9 euro ticket?

In addition, there is a so-called de minimis limit. This means that smaller amounts of up to four euros will not be reimbursed. For the 9-euro ticket, this means that compensation is not due for a delay of 60 minutes, but only from 120 minutes. Because only then can you have 50 percent of the ticket price reimbursed – in this case 4.50 euros.

For smaller amounts, it makes sense to collect them and then apply for compensation. Even if you don’t wish it on anyone: With the 9-euro ticket in particular, it would make sense to collect these in the event of several delays and then apply for compensation.

How can I request compensation for the ticket?

There are several options here:

• Via the so-called passenger rights form, which the train attendants distribute on trains with a delay of 60 minutes or more
• The form is also also on-line available
• Via an informal, written application, i.e. by e-mail or post. To do this, however, travelers must have all the necessary information ready: in addition to their name, address, account details and travel date, the planned train connection and the actual itinerary as well as a signature must also be included.

However, the easiest way is to apply for compensation via the DB Navigator app, because all this information is already stored there. This is even mandatory for electronic tickets.

How can I request a refund?

Travelers who have stayed in a hotel or had to take a taxi can apply for a refund – receipts are essential for this!

This can also be done either online or via the DB Navigator app. It is also sufficient to upload photos of the receipts. The amounts must not exceed 120 euros – for higher compensation you have to contact the service center.

Anyone who bought a ticket at the counter or machine must apply for a refund at the DB Travel Center or by post to the service center. That sounds complex, but the DB Reisezentrum has a decisive advantage: If all the information is correct, you will receive the amount to be reimbursed instantly. Deutsche Bahn has four weeks to refund all other amounts.

How does compensation work with other companies?

Other companies, be it Flixtrain or the Bayerische Oberlandbahn, are also bound by the European passenger rights regulation. Most companies offer compensation through their respective passenger rights service centers. With Flixtrain you have to register directly

Report.

How long do I have to request a refund?

The right to a refund expires after the end of the validity period of the ticket after 365 days. For example, if you have a train-related ticket for a journey to Hamburg on May 18, 2022, the right to a refund expires on May 19, 2023.

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