What is train delay compensation?

Delay Repay is the industry scheme through which rail passengers claim money back when services run late. Each train operating company sets its own thresholds, but the majority follow a tiered model: partial compensation from 15 or 30 minutes late, increasing to 100% of the fare for delays of an hour or more. Some operators use a '15-minute' version; others start at 30 minutes.

You can usually claim online through the operator's website or app. Keep your ticket or booking reference, note the scheduled and actual arrival times, and submit within the operator's deadline — commonly 28 days from the journey. Season ticket holders can claim a proportion of the delay based on the cost per journey.

Compensation is separate from your right to a refund if you choose not to travel because of cancellation or severe delay. Under consumer rail conditions, you may be entitled to a full refund of an unused ticket in some circumstances, or to take a later train at no extra cost.

If your train was delayed because of infrastructure problems, you still claim from the operator that sold you the ticket — not Network Rail directly. For missed connections on split tickets, each leg is assessed separately. Persistent disruption on your route may also qualify for additional goodwill schemes announced by the operator or Department for Transport.