It may seem like late trains in Switzerland are as likely as pigs taking flight, but in 2023 over 20.000 passengers successfully claimed compensation for delays. Is your Swiss public transport service running at a snail's pace? Here’s what you need to know about your rights and how to claim compensation.

How likely are train delays in Switzerland?

While 92,5 percent of Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) trains reached their destination within three minutes of their set arrival time in 2023, and 98,7 percent of passengers made their connections on time, there are cases where short delays turn into long waits. According to the latest data, 20.689 passengers successfully claimed compensation for delayed trains in Switzerland last year, a number that continues to grow.

Though not a nationwide phenomenon, some rail services in Switzerland can be chronically late. Largely a consequence of issues at Deutsche Bahn, in 2023 the EuroCity service from Munich to Zurich via St. Gallen was late 77 percent of the time, making it (arguably) the most delayed train in Switzerland.

Rail delay rights and compensation in Switzerland

Say you are one of the unfortunate few whose train in Switzerland is delayed or cancelled. Here are the rights and compensation you are entitled to:

When I am entitled to compensation for a delayed Swiss train?

In Switzerland, passengers are compensated when the train they are on is more than 60 minutes late. The same compensation applies if a service is cancelled, and you end up arriving at your destination more than an hour late.

How much compensation will I receive?

If your train or journey is delayed by 60 minutes or more, you are entitled to receive compensation worth 25 percent of the price of your ticket. For delays of two hours or more, this payout rises to 50 percent.

Bear in mind that any compensation that totals less than five Swiss francs will not be paid out.

Will I still get a refund if I use a GA or monthly pass?

If you are using a zonal pass or a GA travel card on your delayed journey, SBB will refund a sum of money that is proportional to the daily cost of the pass and the size of the delay. While this will vary, this refund will always be at least five Swiss francs.

How to claim rail delay compensation in Switzerland

To claim this compensation, passengers must apply for it online within 30 days of the journey taking place. Bear in mind that this must be done online and cannot be paid out in cash. The official form to claim compensation can be accessed here.

Can I choose not to travel if my Swiss train is delayed?

If you have yet to board your first service, and your train is cancelled or delayed to the point where starting the journey is pointless, you can claim a full refund. This can be done via the SBB app or website for digital tickets, and at staffed ticket centres for paper tickets.

If you are already on the delayed train and your journey becomes pointless, you are able to get off at the next station and return to where you began the journey free of charge on the next suitable connection. You can then receive a refund for the cost of the ticket.

What if the delay means I miss the last connection of the day?

If your journey is delayed to the extent that you miss the final connection of the day to your destination, SBB will cover the cost of overnight accommodation, breakfast and transport to and from the train station. This compensation goes up to a maximum of 200 Swiss francs.

If you are able to reach your final destination via taxi, and it costs less than 200 Swiss francs, SBB will cover the cost of a cab instead of a hotel. In cases where multiple people need to travel to the same destination, shared taxis will be organised.

This compensation can be applied for via the train crew or staff at station counters. They will then be able to help find a hotel or taxi for your journey.

What will Swiss rail company not compensate for?

However, there are also some cases where SBB and other companies provide no compensation. For instance, Swiss rail firms will not reimburse customers the cost of missing things like theatre performances, events, concerts, and exams at school or university, nor will they compensate companies or employees for lost working hours.

Perhaps most importantly, SBB will not offer alternative connections or compensation if the delayed or cancelled train leads to a missed flight. This is unless the train and flight ticket is purchased as part of the Air Rail scheme from SBB and SWISS.

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