Train cancellation in Cottbus: How to get your ticket money back!

Train cancellation in Cottbus: How to get your ticket money back!

Train traffic in the Cottbus area caused a stir on June 26, 2025, when a RE2 train was unable to continue its journey due to severe damage to the overhead line caused by a storm. Of course, this not only affected local travelers, but also many commuters who wanted to get to Berlin or back to Cottbus quickly. Many of them were forced to order taxis to continue their journey. But this begs the question: What can passengers expect in terms of compensation in such situations?

Reassuring news comes from Deutsche Bahn (DB): If there are delays of more than 60 minutes, passengers can expect compensation. As the LR Online reported, those affected sometimes receive up to 50% of the ticket cost back. For delays in local transport when traveling with the Deutschland Ticket, there is a flat rate of 1.50 euros per case, but only if the payout is at least 4 euros.

Regulations on exceptional circumstances

An important detail that travelers should keep in mind is that EU Regulation 2021/782. This excludes compensation in cases of so-called exceptional circumstances, and these include major natural disasters. However, an ordinary storm does not fall into this category, meaning passengers are usually entitled to compensation.

However, before you get into a taxi, you should also note the specific conditions: DB will only reimburse taxi costs if the last scheduled connection to the destination station does not reach the station by midnight without other means of transport or if the scheduled arrival is between midnight and 5 a.m. but is delayed by more than 60 minutes. The costs will be reimbursed up to a maximum of 120 euros, but this option will no longer apply if an emergency bus service is set up, which was the case with the RE2.

Driving rights in detail

Further attention is paid to the rights of passengers Federal Minister for Transport, which summarizes the most important passenger rights in rail transport. This includes, among other things, information about connections as well as a quick and easy way to file a complaint, which can be submitted within three months of the trip. In the event of train delays or cancellations, passengers have the right to information and, if necessary, can expect assistance in applying for compensation.

In these turbulent times, commuters and travelers can only keep their nerve and be well informed. Deutsche Bahn and the applicable passenger rights are there to support travelers in exceptionally difficult situations. Whether by train, bus or taxi – it is important that you take the right steps and are aware of your rights.