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Taking the train in Spain this summer? Here's what you're owed if it's late or cancelled
Knowing your rights before you travel could save you money, so it's worth a few minutes of your time
Summer is here and plenty of people are already on the move, with trains one of the most popular ways to get around Spain during the holiday season. Most journeys go smoothly, but delays and cancellations do happen, and the good news is that passengers have more protection than many realise. Here's what you're entitled to and how to claim it.If your train is delayed
The rules vary depending on which type of service you're travelling on, so it's worth knowing which category your train falls into before you go.
For long-distance services, including AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, Intercity and Long Distance trains operated by Renfe, as well as the private operators Iryo and Ouigo, the compensation works as follows: a 50% refund if your arrival is delayed by 60 minutes or more, and a full 100% refund for delays over 90 minutes.
Avant high-speed mid-distance trains kick in earlier, with 50% back for delays over 15 minutes and 100% for delays over 30 minutes. Standard mid-distance services offer 25% for delays over 15 minutes, 50% for over 30 minutes, and 100% for delays exceeding an hour. Regional and Regional Express services offer 25% for delays over 30 minutes, 50% for over 45 minutes, and 100% once the delay hits 60 minutes.
If you decide not to travel at all because a delay of more than 60 minutes is expected, EU regulations give you the right to a full refund or an alternative route to your destination instead.
If your train is cancelled
A cancellation entitles you to a full refund of your ticket price or alternative transport to your destination as soon as possible, or on a date that suits you. The railway company is also required to keep you informed throughout, and if the delay or cancellation is significant, they should provide free meals and refreshments where possible, and accommodation if you end up stranded overnight.
How to claim
You can submit a compensation claim 24 hours after your train's scheduled arrival, and you have three months from the date of travel to do so. Don't leave it too long.
Refunds can be requested in different forms: back to your original payment method, as a discount code for a future journey, or in Renfe Points. Standard refunds to your original payment method can be claimed online via renfe.com or in person at a station service point or travel agency. Discount codes and Renfe Points, however, can only be requested through renfe.com, and neither option is available on Avlo trains or international routes.
One thing to bear in mind if you're on a connecting journey: if the delay occurs on a train before your final destination rather than on the last leg, that particular claim can only be made in person at a station, not online.
Image: Spanish News Today
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