Your Rights if Your Night Train is Cancelled or Downgraded
Night trains to and from Switzerland have become popular again, offering a green alternative to flying. However, cancellations and downgrades can happen. Here’s a simple guide to your rights.
Problems with Night Trains in Switzerland
Since 2020, more people are using night trains in Switzerland and Europe. This increase in demand has caused issues because the old carriages weren’t maintained well. Most carriages used by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and its NightJet and EuroNight services are over 20 years old.
Cancellations and Downgrades
Old trains often cause cancellations and downgrades. For example, between January and July, an average of 44 passengers per day had their sleeping rooms cancelled on the night train between Zurich, Basel, and Amsterdam. Many passengers are downgraded from sleeping carriages to couchettes or standard seats. Since July 2024, about 20 people each night have been affected by cancellations and downgrades.
How Will I Know if My Train is Cancelled, Delayed, or Downgraded?
ÖBB and SBB say they will inform passengers via email. It’s a good idea to check the train status yourself using their websites and apps.
Can I Get a Refund if My Train is Cancelled?
Yes. If your night train is cancelled, you can cancel and get a full refund. If you’ve started your journey, you can cancel and get a refund for the part you haven’t taken. You can also rebook on another service for no extra charge and apply for compensation for the delay.
Will Hotel Costs Be Covered if My Night Train is Cancelled?
Yes. If your night train is cancelled and it’s the last connection of the day, SBB and ÖBB will cover the cost of a mid-range hotel room and breakfast. This also applies if the train is cancelled en route.
What Compensation is Available for Delays?
If your night train is late or cancelled, you get 25% of the ticket price if you arrive over 60 minutes late and 50% if the delay is over two hours.
What if My Ticket is Downgraded?
If downgraded from a sleeping car to a couchette or seat, you can choose not to travel and get a full refund. If you travel in a downgraded class, you get 50% refund for one category downgrade and a full refund for two categories.
How to Apply for Compensation?
Apply for compensation and refunds with the company you booked with, either SBB or ÖBB. SBB recommends filling out the ÖBB compensation form. Have your ticket number and confirmations ready. Choosing a travel voucher gives you 10% more in compensation.
