Overview
- Deutsche Bahn and passenger advocates classify the current snow and ice as seasonal, so compensation generally applies: 25% of the fare after 60 minutes’ delay and 50% after 120 minutes.
- Payouts can be denied only when delays stem from extraordinary events outside operators’ control, which do not include normal winter conditions.
- Key protections remain in place, including meals, hotel stays when stranded, and the option to switch to another train if a 20‑minute delay is expected domestically or 60 minutes on international journeys.
- Season‑ticket holders receive fixed lump sums per disruption (€1.50/€2.25 for local and €5/€7.50 for long‑distance, by class), paid only once accrued entitlements exceed €4.
- Self-booked taxis are reimbursed only in narrow late‑night or last‑connection cases up to €120, and passengers now have three months after ticket validity to file claims.