Missed your appointment because of a delayed train? You’re not alone and good news: you can likely claim compensation. Most UK train operators participate in Delay Repay, a hassle-free scheme offering partial or full refunds for delays. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re in Edinburgh for the festival, our Fringe Travel Guide will help you avoid transport headaches altogether.
1. Delay Repay: Your Right to Claim
Most rail operators now run a Delay Repay scheme, meaning you can claim compensation even if the delay wasn’t their fault, including for strikes or technical issue.
Minimum delays required:
- Generally 15+ minutes delay = 25% refund
- Delays over 30 minutes = 50% refund
- Delays of 60+ minutes often entitle you to a full fare refund
Some companies may have different thresholds, so check your train provider’s policy.
If you travel regularly in the UK, also read our UK Transport Section.
2. What Counts as a Delay?
Compensation is based on your arrival time at your final destination, not departure time.
If you miss a connection due to a delay and arrive later, you can still claim even if the delay happened earlier in the journey. Operators usually consider the standard alternative route time, not your actual arrival route.
3. Tickets & Claims: What You Need to Do
What’s needed for a claim:
- Your ticket (photo or scanned copy)
- Train details (train company, date, times, etc.)
- Evidence of delay (if needed)
- Claim made within 28 days of your journey
Step-by-step:
- Visit your train company’s official Delay Repay page.
- Upload your ticket and enter required details.
- Submit the claim. It usually takes minutes.
- Wait for processing (typically within a few days).
Claiming as season ticket holder?
Your compensation could be higher, like automatic discounts on renewals or if your travel was consistently disrupted.
If your claim is rejected or mishandled, you can escalate it via Transport Focus, the UK’s rail passenger watchdog.
4. Can You Claim for More Than Just Refund?
If your delay caused other losses like missed pre-booked events, taxis, or childcare, then you can still claim additional reimbursements under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, especially if the issue was within the train company’s control.
If your claim is denied or unresolved, you may escalate to the Rail Ombudsman or Transport Focus.
Most UK train companies are part of the National Rail Delay Repay scheme, allowing you to claim for delays of 15 minutes or more.
✅ Quick Guide Summary
| Issue | Delay Repay Status |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Delay of 15–29 mins | ~25% of ticket cost |
| 🕒 Delay ≥ 30 mins | ~50% refund |
| 🕒 Delay ≥ 60 mins | Full refund of fare |
| 🔄 Missed connection | Claim based on arrival delay |
| 🧾 Season ticket holder | Eligible for more extensive compensation |
| 💥 Additional lost costs | Claim under Consumer Rights Act |
| 🚨 Claim deadline | Within 28 days of delayed journey |
Find your train operator’s Delay Repay form on their official website, like LNER’s compensation portal or ScotRail Delay Repay.
If your train is delayed or cancelled and you decide not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund if you return or cancel the ticket. This applies even if your delay was only a few minutes.
Tips to Claim in <5 Minutes
- Visit MSE’s Train Delays Claim Guide.
- Prepare your ticket and journey details.
- Submit your claim on the train operator’s website or use their paper form.
- Most people receive a refund within a week.
Train delays are frustrating but they don’t have to cost you. With the Delay Repay scheme, refunds for 15+ minute delays are straightforward and usually fast.
That extra few minutes on the clock? It could make a few pounds back in your pocket. 💷
