How much do you get back for a train delay? The percentages
Domestic NS: 50% at 30 min delay, 100% at 60 min. International (Eurostar, ICE, TGV, Thalys): EU 2021/782 — 25% at 60-119 min, 50% at ≥120 min.
Two different schemes for train delays — depending on whether it's domestic NS or international.
Domestic NS — "Money back on delay" (NS goodwill scheme, better than the EU regulation for domestic trips):
- 30-59 minutes delay: 50% of ticket price back.
- 60+ minutes delay: 100% of ticket price back.
- Applies to both single tickets and subscription travel.
- Apply via ns.nl, online form, ticket number or OV-chip number needed. Payout within ~4 weeks to your IBAN.
International — Regulation (EU) 2021/782 (Eurostar/ICE/TGV/Thalys-Eurostar/NightJet/EuroCity):
- 60-119 minutes delay: 25% of ticket price back.
- ≥120 minutes delay: 50% of ticket price back.
- Compensation must be in cash (transfer to IBAN) — not just voucher (Art. 19(1)).
- Threshold: compensation owed only above €4 — low threshold to avoid "cents" claims.
Which scheme prevails? NS goodwill is more favourable than EU 2021/782 for domestic. So for NS domestic the NS scheme (50%/100% of price) applies. For international where NS is just marketing partner and operator is different (DB for ICE, SNCF for TGV/Eurostar): EU 2021/782 applies.
What is NOT covered: delay caused by force majeure (extreme weather, terrorism). But like aviation: technical fault or staff shortage is NOT force majeure — simply claim.
Examples:
- NS Amsterdam → Eindhoven (€18.90), 35 min delay: 50% = €9.45 back.
- NS Amsterdam → Maastricht (€31.80), 75 min delay: 100% = €31.80 back.
- Eurostar Amsterdam → London (€95), 90 min delay: 25% = €23.75 back.
- NightJet Amsterdam → Vienna (€140), 3 hours delay: 50% = €70 back.
Train delayed? Refund — NS scheme or EU regulation
We draft a formal refund letter (EU 2021/782 Art. 19 or NS Money-back-on-delay). For domestic + international trips.
Start — €9,99