Last updated: 1 May 2026
A train delay compensation calculator claim is one of the easiest UK refunds to make. Most operators pay 50% of your fare for delays of 30 minutes or more, and 100% for delays of 60 minutes or longer. The scheme is called Delay Repay, and you must claim within 28 days of your journey.
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How train delay compensation works in the UK
Every train operator in Great Britain runs a Delay Repay scheme — the official train delay compensation system. It’s a contractual entitlement, not a goodwill gesture, backed by the National Rail Conditions of Travel and your operator’s passenger charter.
The scheme replaced the older Passenger’s Charter system in 2007 and has been gradually upgraded since. Most operators now use Delay Repay 15, paying train delay compensation from delays as short as 15 minutes. A handful still use the older Delay Repay 30 threshold.
Delay Repay 15 vs Delay Repay 30
Delay Repay 15 applies to most UK operators. You’re entitled to:
- 25% of your single fare for delays of 15-29 minutes
- 50% for delays of 30-59 minutes
- 100% for delays of 60-119 minutes
- 200% for delays of 120 minutes or more
Delay Repay 30 still applies to ScotRail, Transport for Wales and Merseyrail. The thresholds are 30, 60 and 120 minutes — there’s no 15-minute payout.
How to claim train delay compensation
Claim train delay compensation directly on the operator’s website. You’ll need:
- Your ticket (photograph or scan)
- The journey date, scheduled time and actual arrival time
- Your bank details for the refund
Most claims are paid within 14 working days. If your operator refuses or delays the payout, you can escalate to the Rail Ombudsman for a free, binding decision.
Common reasons train delay compensation claims get rejected
Train delay compensation claims get rejected when the delay was caused by something outside the operator’s control. This includes strikes called by another union, severe weather warnings issued before your journey, or trespass on the line.
Operators cannot reject claims for signal failures, staff shortages, train faults or planned engineering works that overran. If yours is rejected for one of these, push back in writing.
If your claim is rejected for a reason you don’t accept, ask for the rejection in writing and forward it to the Rail Ombudsman within 12 months.
Don’t miss other refunds you might be owed
If you’ve had a train delay, you may also be eligible for other UK refunds. Check our full list of refund calculators, including the flight delay compensation calculator for air travel and the PPI calculator for mis-sold insurance refunds.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to claim train delay compensation?
28 days from the date of your journey for most operators. Some stretch to 12 months but always claim early.
Do I get cash or vouchers?
By law, you can demand cash. Operators must offer it as the default — vouchers are only acceptable if you specifically choose them.
What if I bought a season ticket?
Season ticket holders get train delay compensation pro-rated against the daily cost of their season ticket. Most operators have a dedicated season ticket form on their website.
Can I claim for a delay that wasn’t my operator’s fault?
Yes — if you were delayed on a service run by Avanti West Coast and the delay was caused by Network Rail signal failure, you still claim against Avanti. They settle internally with Network Rail.
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