How to reclaim if your train is cancelled due to bad weather

Apparently there is heavy rainfall on the way which may affect train travel. If your train is cancelled due to the weather then here is a handy guide on how to claim compensation.

I know how annoying this can be if you need to be somewhere, however you always have the option of reclaiming.

If your train is cancelled

Firstly if you find that your train is cancelled, don’t feel like you are stranded and can’t get home. There is no need to panic because service staff have a duty to arrange alternative travel. Whether it be a replacement bus or a taxi. Remember if you decide to book your own taxi you may not be able to reclaim the cost.

If your train is delayed

If there are delays and you choose not to travel, unused train tickets can usually be returned to the ticket office for an immediate refund.

If your train is delayed by half an hour or more but you still use the tickets, you could still be owed compensation.

The minimum compensation is:

• if you bought a single ticket – 20 per cent of the ticket value
• if you bought a return ticket and one leg of the journey is delayed – 10 per cent of the ticket value
• if you bought a return ticket and both legs of the journey are delayed – 20 per cent of the ticket value.

Remember compensation isn’t automatically given by train companies. You should request compensation by writing to or emailing the customer service department of the train companies.

Citizens advice stress that if you are making your claim by post, make sure you get a certificate of postage. If there is a problem with your claim then the certificate will prove that you posted it.

CLICK HERE to use Which’s train delay compensation calculator.