Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Train Delay Compensation UK: I Got £50 Back for a 40-Minute Delay — Here’s How You Can Too
Vicky Parry
20th Oct 2025
A few days ago, I was travelling from London to York when my train ran over 40 minutes late. Like most passengers, I sighed, accepted it, and assumed there was nothing I could do.
But I decided to check, and within five minutes I had submitted a claim that got me £50 back.
That is when I realised that millions of UK train passengers are missing out on money they are entitled to simply because they do not claim. With train delays and cancellations still common across the UK in 2025, it is time to make sure you know how to get your money back when your journey does not go to plan.
You Could Be Owed Money for Delays as Short as 15 Minutes
Thanks to the Delay Repay scheme, most train operators across the UK must pay you compensation if your journey is delayed by 15 minutes or more.
The amount depends on the length of your delay and the type of ticket you bought.
| Delay Length | Compensation (Single Fare) |
|---|---|
| 15–29 minutes | 25% refund |
| 30–59 minutes | 50% refund |
| 60–119 minutes | 100% refund |
| 120+ minutes | Full return fare refund |
Even short delays can be worth real cash, and longer ones can double your money back if you had a return ticket.
How to Claim Train Delay Compensation
It is much easier than most people think. Most train companies now have automated systems that take less than five minutes.
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Go to your train operator’s website, search “Delay Repay [Train Company Name]”
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Fill in the online claim form, you will need your ticket, booking reference, and journey details
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Submit within 28 days of your delayed journey
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Choose how you want to be paid, cash, PayPal, or vouchers (always choose cash if you can)
Common Myths That Stop People Claiming
❌ “It was only a short delay, not worth it.”
Even 15 minutes can get you compensation.
❌ “I used a Railcard or discounted ticket, so I cannot claim.”
You absolutely can. Your refund is calculated on what you paid.
❌ “It is too much hassle.”
The form takes less time than making a coffee.
What If My Train Was Cancelled?
If your train was cancelled and you did not travel, you are entitled to a full refund, not compensation. Contact your retailer or train operator directly, this is protected under the National Rail Conditions of Travel.
If you travelled on a later train, you can still claim under Delay Repay if your total delay was 15 minutes or more.
Don’t Leave Money on the Tracks
With ticket prices rising again in 2025, passengers deserve to be treated fairly. Whether you are a commuter or a weekend traveller, you should never lose out when the rail network lets you down.
It only takes a few minutes to claim, and as my £50 payout proves, it is well worth doing.
So next time you are stranded at a station, do not just fume, claim what is yours.
Still no improvement in the trains in 2019.
South West Trains have so far not implemented this scheme, even though they claim the refunds themselves from Network Rail
Yes, frustratingly some operators are working to older franchise agreements with the government (Passengers Charter) and therefore not obliged to follow the Delay Repay scheme.