Can You Claim Compensation for Train, Bus, or Ferry Delays in the EU?

When your flight is delayed or canceled, you may already know about EU261 and the possibility of claiming up to €600. But what if your travel plans fall apart on a train, a long-distance bus, or even a ferry? Are there similar protections for those?

The short answer: Yes, there are EU-wide regulations that cover train, bus, and ferry passengers, but they work differently from EU261, and fewer people know how to use them.

In this article, we’ll explain the basics of what you may be entitled to (and what you’re not) depending on your mode of transport.

Train Delays and Cancellations – Regulation (EU) 1371/2007

If you're traveling by train in the EU, you may be protected under Regulation 1371/2007, which applies to international and most domestic rail journeys. Here's what it covers:

• 25% refund of the ticket price for delays of 60 to 119 minutes.
• 50% refund for delays of 120 minutes or more.

These rights apply even if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances.

However, not all rail services are included. Urban, suburban, or regional trains may be exempt. Each country and operator may interpret the regulation slightly differently, and refund procedures are handled by the railway companies themselves.

Some well-known rail operators covered under this regulation include:

• Deutsche Bahn (Germany)
• SNCF (France)
• Trenitalia (Italy)
• ÖBB (Austria)

Key tip: Always keep your ticket and ask for written confirmation of the delay, especially if no official notice is given.

Bus and Coach Travel – Regulation (EU) 181/2011

EU passenger rights don’t stop on the road. If you’re traveling by long-distance bus (over 250 km) and experience delays or cancellations, you might be eligible for compensation.

Some examples:

• If your trip is delayed by more than 2 hours or canceled and the operator doesn't offer rerouting or a refund, you may be entitled to compensation up to 50% of the ticket price.
• If you’re stranded, you may also have the right to assistance, such as snacks, drinks, or even hotel accommodation, depending on the situation.

Shorter journeys (under 250 km) typically aren’t covered under this regulation. Also, as with trains, each operator handles compensation directly.

Notable companies often subject to the regulation:

• FlixBus
• Eurolines (some routes)
• ALSA (for international routes)

Ferry and Water Transport – Regulation (EU) 1177/2010

If you're traveling by sea, you might have rights under Regulation 1177/2010, which applies to most passenger ferries and cruise services operating to or from EU ports.

You're potentially entitled to:

• 25% refund if your ferry is delayed by 1 to 2 hours.
• 50% refund for delays of more than 2 hours.
• Accommodation and meals in certain cases where you're stranded.

Again, the company is responsible for processing any refund or compensation request.

Some exclusions apply: very short ferry crossings and inland waterway services might not be covered.

Can You File These Claims Through Langround?

Langround is focused exclusively on helping air passengers claim compensation for flight disruptions under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. This means:

• We do not currently assist with claims for buses, trains, or ferries.
• We recommend contacting the transport operator directly if your issue involves non-air travel.

While these other EU regulations exist, they generally lack a centralized enforcement structure, and the claim processes can vary greatly from one company to another. Unlike EU261, there are no specialized intermediaries (like Langround) who regularly handle these types of claims on your behalf.

Conclusion

The EU offers one of the strongest passenger rights frameworks in the world, not just for flights but also for rail, road, and sea travel. But unless you're aware of these rights, it's easy to miss out on compensation you're legally entitled to.

While Langround focuses solely on flights, we believe every traveler should be informed. If you're ever dealing with a train, bus, or ferry disruption, it's worth checking the operator's website for their specific passenger rights policy. And if it’s a flight delay or cancellation you’re facing? That’s where we can step in. Langround makes it easy to claim up to €600 in compensation under EU261. Submit your claim today!