Train delays: How to get a refund or compensation

A storm rocked the southern part of England overnight causing havoc for commuters with many train lines delayed or services cancelled completely.

Depending on the situation you may be able to get a refund on your train fare if you were delayed or unable to travel. We explain.

Will I get a refund if my train is delayed or cancelled?

Maybe. In general train companies have to pay out for delays for longer than 30 minutes, but this doesn't cover reasons outside of their control.

If Network Rail deems the weather to be 'exceptionally severe' then companies don't have to compensate you. However, it's still worth trying as they have to consider all claims for compensation.

It is up to the individual networks on how they assess this. Some of the train companies, including FCC and South West Trains, has said that passengers who have purchased a ticket for travel today, may use it tomorrow or get a full refund from point of purchase.

While Greater Anglia said that tickets for today can be used tomorrow or on Wednesday 30 October instead.

Southern Rail's Twitter feed today advised that they could claim for delays via its website.

You can access a list of the train companies operating in the UK on the National Rail website.

How do I claim?

There should be compensation forms at ticket offices and many of the train companies allow you to submit your claim online. You must file your claim within 28 days of completing your journey.

Can I get a refund if my tube journey is delayed?

Yes. Transport for London (TFL) will offer customers a refund if their journey has been delayed for more than 15 minutes for reasons within its control.

Your refund might be rejected if the reason was beyond the control of TFL - for example, bad weather or security alerts.

You will get back the cost of the single delayed journey and this will be in the form of a voucher to be used for a future journey.

You can claim via the TFL website. Have your ticket or Oyster card number handy as you will need it to make your claim.

What about DLR and London Overground delays?

Again yes. You must have been delayed for more than 15 minutes to claim for the DLR and more than 30 minutes to claim for an London Overground journey that is disrupted. You can claim via the TFL website.

Have you been affected by a train delay? Let us know what happened in the comment section below.