Tip 10: Train Delay Refund

Train Delay Refund Netherlands | Get Compensation Easily

Waiting for a train that’s running late? Don’t just wait around—get your money back! Learn how to claim a refund for train delays in the Netherlands and get compensated for your lost time, whether you’re traveling with NS or an international service.

Train delays. We’ve all been there, staring at the departure board, willing those numbers to stop creeping upwards. But hey, while you might lose some time, you don’t have to lose money! In the Netherlands, you can get a refund if your train’s delayed, and that’s good news for both your wallet and your patience.

Whether you’re dealing with a 30-minute hold-up or a full-on hour-long wait, this guide will show you exactly how to claim your cash back from NS or streamline the process using handy third-party platforms like trein-vertraging.nl. Ready to turn that frustrating delay into a sweet little refund? Let’s jump in!

A train delay refund is basically a financial hug from the train company for making you wait. In the Netherlands, if your NS train is delayed by 30 minutes or more, you’re entitled to some form of compensation. The amount you get depends on how long you’ve been cooling your heels at the station.

Delays of 30-59 minutes? You get 50% of your ticket price back. If you’ve been stuck for 60 minutes or more, you’re entitled to a full refund. And yes, this goes for both single tickets and day passes!

Even better—if you’ve got a season pass, you’re still in the game! NS calculates your compensation based on the per-journey price of your subscription. So whether you’re traveling for work, fun, or just getting from point A to point B, NS has a refund for you when things go off-track.

And speaking of savings, did you know that you might be able to claim certain travel costs, like commuting, as part of your income tax savings? Make sure you’re maximizing your benefits by checking out our Dutch Income Tax Savings Guide

So your train was late. You’re annoyed, sure, but you also want your money back. Good news: NS has made it pretty easy to claim your refund. Here’s what you do:

1. Log in to Your NS Account: Go to the NS website or use the NS app. If you don’t already have an account, it takes just a minute to set up.
2. Fill in the Refund Form: Here’s where you give NS all the juicy details—your departure and arrival stations, the date and time of your delayed journey, and of course, how long the delay was. You can fill out the NS refund form directly online.
3. Submit the Claim: You’ve got up to one month after your delayed trip to submit the claim. Then, all you have to do is sit back and wait—NS usually processes refunds within a few weeks. You’ll get your money back via the same method you used to pay.

Common Hiccups with NS Refunds:

Now, before you pop the champagne, let’s talk about a couple of hiccups. If your journey involves multiple transfers, delays on one leg might not always qualify for compensation on the entire trip. And though NS is generally good with processing, some passengers report delays during peak travel seasons. So, keep that ticket safe and be patient—your refund is on the way!

Train Delay Refund in a Nutshell

• Compensation Starts at 30 Minutes: For delays of 30+ minutes, you’re entitled to a refund!
• NS Refund Process: Submit your claim within a month for 50% or 100% back, depending on the delay length.
• Regional Trains: Arriva, Keolis, and Connexxion all have similar refund policies, so you’re covered on regional lines.
• Third-Party Platforms: Trein-vertraging.nl handles your claim for a small fee, making it a hassle-free option.
• International Refunds: Traveling abroad with NS International, Eurostar, or Thalys? Don’t forget to claim your compensation.
• Stay Updated: Apps like Trainline keep you informed about delays and help you claim your refund faster.

Sure, NS is the big name in Dutch rail, but what about the smaller players? If you’re traveling regionally, you might be using Arriva, Keolis, or Connexxion. The good news? Their refund systems are pretty similar to NS.

Arriva:

Running trains in the north and south of the Netherlands, Arriva also offers refunds starting from 30-minute delays. You can file your claim on their website, and the process mirrors that of NS—50% refund for delays of 30-59 minutes, and 100% for anything over an hour.

Keolis:

If you’re catching the Blauwnet trains in the east, Keolis has you covered. Delays over 30 minutes are eligible for a refund, and claims can be submitted online.

Connexxion:

Connexxion covers train services in Zuid-Holland and some other regions, and like NS, they’ll compensate you for delays starting at 30 minutes. Head to their website to file a claim!

Thinking of skipping the train altogether and driving instead? Don’t forget to check out our tips for finding cheap car parking before you hit the road!

Now, if navigating refund forms isn’t your thing—or if you’re just too busy—you might want to use a third-party platform. That’s where trein-vertraging.nl comes in. This platform does all the heavy lifting for you. Here’s why you might want to use it:

1. Trein-Vertraging.nl: The Easy Button:

• Simple Process: All you need to do is provide the basic journey details, and trein-vertraging.nl handles the rest. They track down your refund and get it processed, all without you lifting a finger.
• No Cure, No Pay: If they don’t get your refund, you don’t pay. If they do, they take a small commission.

2. What’s the Cost?:

• Up to €30 Refund: They take €2.50 from your refund.
• Over €30 Refund: For refunds over €30, their fee is €5.00.

While it’s not free, it’s a good option if you’d rather skip the hassle and let someone else handle the paperwork!

Now, for the seasoned travelers among us (or anyone who wants to make life easier), there’s Trainline. This handy app gives you real-time updates on train delays, lets you book tickets, and even helps you navigate refunds. It’s a one-stop shop for all things train-related, and it works across borders, too! Need it? Download Trainline for iOS or Android.

Thinking bigger? If your travels take you beyond Dutch borders, the refund rules change a bit, but you’re still in luck.

NS International:

Taking the train to Belgium, France, or Germany? NS International offers refunds starting at delays of 60 minutes. Depending on the delay, you can get between 25% and 100% of your ticket price back.

Eurostar:

If you’re headed to London, Eurostar compensates for delays of 60 minutes or more. Depending on how late you arrive, you could get a full refund or a voucher for future travel.

Thalys:

Thalys, the high-speed line to Paris and beyond, offers refunds starting at 30-minute delays. The compensation ranges from 20% to 50% of your ticket price, depending on the length of the delay.

So whether you’re taking the scenic route to Amsterdam or zipping off to another country, don’t forget to claim your money back when things don’t go as planned!