German Train Delays: How to Claim Compensation via the DB App

GermanInsightsByInsights Team Published Updated
How to Claim Compensation via the DB App?

To claim train delay compensation via the DB Navigator app, log in, go to the “Travel” menu, select “My journeys” (past trips), find your ticket, and use the “Further actions” button to “Apply for compensation,” making the process simple and digital after a delay. 

Why This Matters

Delays are a frequent reality of train travel in Germany. Knowing your rights transforms a stressful situation into a manageable one—and often puts money back in your pocket. You are legally entitled to a 25-50% cash refund for significant delays, and you often gain the right to hop on any train to get to your destination faster.

Key Points & Passenger Rights

1. Compensation Tiers

  • 60+ minutes delay at destination: 25% refund of the ticket price.
  • 120+ minutes delay at destination: 50% refund of the ticket price.
  • Seat Reservations: If you miss your reserved seat due to a delay or cancellation, you can claim the full cost of the reservation back (usually €4.50 – €5.90).

2. The Golden Rule: “Zugbindung aufgehoben” (Train Binding Lifted)

Most cheaper tickets (Sparpreis/Super Sparpreis) are bound to a specific train. However, this restriction is lifted if:

  • Your train is cancelled.
  • You are expected to arrive at your destination 20 minutes later than scheduled.
  • You miss a connecting train due to a delay on a preceding leg.

What this means: You can take any train to your destination (including other expensive ICEs/ICs) to get there sooner. You do not need to buy a new ticket; your existing one becomes valid for the new route.

  • Note: This usually excludes Flixtrain or ÖBB Nightjets unless you buy a new ticket and claim reimbursement later.

3. Missed Connections

  • Domestic: If you miss a connection due to a DB delay, the “Zugbindung aufgehoben” rule applies immediately. Just hop on the next train.
  • International: If you are traveling internationally and miss a connection (e.g., ICE to Brussels), the AJC (Agreement on Journey Continuation) usually allows you to take the next train without cost. Speak to the conductor or service staff to get your ticket endorsed if possible, though often the digital delay record is enough.

Step-by-Step: Claiming in the DB Navigator App

You can claim compensation directly in the app after your journey is complete. It is much faster than mailing a paper form.

Step 1: Locate Your Ticket

  1. Open the DB Navigator App.
  2. Go to the “Reisen” (Trips) or “My Journeys” tab at the bottom.
  3. Switch to the “Vergangen” (Past) tab to find your completed trip.

Step 2: Start the Claim

  1. Tap on the delayed ticket to open the details view.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom or look for the three dots / “More” menu.
  3. Select “Entschädigung beantragen” (Claim compensation) or “Fahrgastrechte” (Passenger Rights).
    • If the app is in English, look for “Passenger Rights” or “Apply for compensation”.

Step 3: Fill in the Details

The app will pre-fill most data, but verify the following:

  • Arrival Time: Enter the actual time you arrived at your final destination.
  • Reason: Select “Verspätung am Zielort” (Delay at destination) or “Zugausfall” (Train cancellation).
  • Alternative Transport: If you took a different train than booked, indicate that you did not take the original connection.

Step 4: Choose Your Payout

You will be offered two options:

  1. Voucher (Gutschein): Often processed instantly or within minutes. Good if you travel often.
  2. Bank Transfer (Überweisung): Cash sent to your IBAN. Usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Step 5: Submit

Review your data and hit submit. You will receive a confirmation email immediately.

Pro Tips

  • Take Screenshots: If the app shows a delay during your trip, screenshot it. Sometimes the system “forgets” a delay occurred if the train makes up time later, but you still missed your connection.
  • The 60-Minute Threshold: If you arrive 59 minutes late, you get nothing. If you arrive 60 minutes late, you get 25%.
  • Deadlines: You officially have 3 months to submit a claim for guaranteed processing under EU rules, though DB generally accepts claims up to 1 year after the ticket validity expires.
  • Taxi/Hotel: If you are stranded at night (scheduled arrival after midnight) or the last train is cancelled, DB may reimburse taxi costs (up to €120) or a hotel. Always speak to DB Information desk staff first if possible to get a voucher; otherwise, keep detailed receipts.

If you’re looking for more blog like Do You Actually Need a Seat Reservation on German Trains? (DB Guide) and DB Navigator App: How to Easily Buy Train Tickets in Germany subscribe to join us.

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