Financial compensation varies depending on the train you travel on, the type of ticket purchased and the delay compared to the scheduled arrival time.

   MADRID, 30 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

In recent years, the railway system in Spain has experienced a notable evolution, especially in the field of high speed, which has led to a change in the way in which train travel is conceived and valued, giving greater relevance to the element weather. In this new context, punctuality has become a crucial factor so that passengers can plan their trips with precision and confidence.

To ensure punctuality in its services, the Spanish railway company Renfe has a commitment to financial compensation that goes beyond what is established by law and far exceeds the compensation offered by other operators, both nationally and internationally in some cases.

In accordance with community regulations, the regulation establishes that if a train suffers a delay of at least one hour, the passenger can opt for a complete or partial refund of the ticket, considering the unused part and the part already completed if it is of no interest to the traveler. If he decides to continue the trip despite the delay, he is entitled to compensation of 25% of the ticket price if the delay is 60 to 119 minutes, and 50% if the delay is at least two hours.

In Spain, the regulation establishes that, in the event of a delay of more than one hour, the traveler has the right to compensation of 50% of the transportation ticket used and 100% when 90 minutes have passed.

In the case of Renfe, financial compensation varies depending on the train you travel on, the type of ticket purchased and the delay compared to the expected arrival time. On the AVE, for example, if the delay is more than 15 minutes, 50% of the ticket price is refunded; If the delay exceeds 30 minutes, 100% of the ticket price is refunded.

For Alvia and Euromed trains, if the delay is more than 30 minutes, 50% of the ticket price is refunded, and if the delay is more than one hour, 100% is refunded. Regarding the Intercity Long Distance train, if the delay is equal to or greater than one hour, 50% of the ticket price is refunded, and if the delay exceeds 90 minutes, 100% is refunded.

On the other hand, in Avlo, Renfe's high-speed 'low cost' brand, if the delay is equal to or greater than one hour, 50% of the ticket price is refunded, and if the delay exceeds 90 minutes, returns 100%.

A little over two years ago, the railway sector was liberalized in Spain, which allowed the entry of several foreign high-speed operators into the market. The first of these companies to arrive was Ouigo, of French origin, in March 2021, followed by Iryo, an Italian company, in November 2022.

Avlo tickets stand out for their affordability, with fares starting from just 7 euros for the Madrid-Barcelona route, compared to Ouigo tickets, which have a starting price of 9 euros.

When it comes to commitment to punctuality, AVE, indisputably, leads with great advantage over its 'low cost' competitors. While Renfe AVE compensates for delays of more than 15 minutes by returning 50% of the ticket price, Ouigo and Iryo do so with delays of more than one hour in arrival at the destination (50%) and only compensate with 100% when the delay exceeds 90 minutes. On AVE, 100% of the ticket price is refunded when the half hour delay passes.

In the neighboring country, SNCF (French National Railway Company) and TGV Lyria (SNCF high speed) offer the 'Garantie Voyage', a punctuality guarantee that compensates for delays attributable to the SNCF operator itself and results in a refund of 25 % of the ticket price for delays of 30 minutes or more. For delays of two hours or more, 50% is refunded, and for delays of three hours or more, 75% is refunded.

On Ouigo France, SNCF operator's low-cost high-speed rail brand, delays of one hour or more entitle a refund of 25% of the ticket price, and delays of two hours or more, 50%.

On Eurostar, delays of 60 to 119 minutes give the right to compensation of 25% (30% with electronic voucher), delays of 120 to 179 minutes 50% (60% with electronic voucher), and delays greater than 180 minutes at 75% (75% with electronic voucher).

For delays of one hour or more on Thalys high-speed trains, compensation can be requested in cash or in the form of a Thalys voucher. Compensation is calculated according to the delay in arrival at the destination.

In Italy, the conditions for compensation for delays on Trenitalia vary depending on the type of train used. With Frecce high-speed trains, you are entitled to compensation after 30 minutes of delay, while with the rest of the trains, one hour of delay is required.

In the case of the private high-speed train company Italo, compensation is granted if the train arrives an hour or more late. On the other hand, the private railway operator Thello offers compensation of 25% of the ticket price for journeys one hour or more late, and 50% after two hours.

For its part, the Deutsche Bahn railway company offers compensation of 25% of the ticket price for journeys that arrive one hour or more late, and 50% after two hours.

In comparison, Renfe's commitment to punctuality and its compensation for delays exceed the average compensation offered by the rest of the European railway operators, positioning it as a European benchmark in the sector.

In addition, its wide offer of more than 300 daily long-distance services, which includes AVE, Avlo, Alvia or Euromed trains, together with the diversity of destinations, safety in circulation, the comfort and accessibility of the trains, the presence of Staff on trains and stations, as well as the diversity of tickets and prices, have made Renfe an undisputed benchmark in the mobility sector in Spain.