The steps to take depend on why you missed your connection and how your journey was booked. Separately purchased leg-of-the-journey tickets and a through ticket may have different consequences. Do not board another flight simply on the assumption that your old ticket is still valid.
Contact the operator
Show both tickets and explain why you missed your connection. If the first train was delayed, keep your proof of delay and check what options are available to continue your journey. EU rules have a scope of application and exceptions; they do not automatically apply to every international journey. Ask for clarification specifically regarding your ticket and the proposed route.
Keep your evidence
Keep any messages, the actual arrival time and proof of any additional costs. Before buying an expensive transfer yourself, find out which options are covered and what might be reimbursed. Ticket refunds, travel extensions and compensation are different solutions. For the last connection of the day, check separately for assistance and the possibility of an overnight stay.
See also: Train tickets in Poland: how to check PKP Intercity and stations; Kyiv–Bratislava train: how to plan your journey without assuming a direct service.
Official sources
Your Europe: rail passengers’ rights. Check current services, prices and conditions for your travel dates; the photographs illustrate rail travel and do not confirm the configuration of a specific service.
Image details
- ICE 4 Berlin Südkreuz (20171004 144102).jpg — DeffiSK; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
- 20230804 ICE 11 Weimar.jpg — G7; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
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Questions and Answers
Does one payment mean one contract?
Not necessarily. Please check the terms of sale and the status of the journey segments.
Can I travel on the next train without confirming my ticket?
Do not assume this. Obtain confirmation that your ticket is still valid or get a new one issued.
What should I keep?
Tickets, confirmation of delays, correspondence and receipts for necessary expenses.
Are compensation and a refund the same thing?
No. They are different processes with separate conditions.