Train ticket refunds in France & Europe
What are the refund conditions and applicable fees?
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🚨 Need information about train ticket refunds?
We've gathered all the information you need about refunding your train tickets.
You'll find the refund conditions, the steps to follow to request a refund, as well as tips to make the process easier and ensure a quick resolution.
Our goal is to make your train travel experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, even when requesting a refund.
Before buying a train ticket, it's essential to know how to book a train ticket, to know the train timetables, the price of train tickets as well as the departure and arrival stations.
If you still have questions before setting off on your train journey, we certainly have the answers:
- Not sure what luggage to bring on the train?
Here's the full train luggage policy. - Need to cancel your train ticket?
Check out the page on train ticket cancellations. - Is your train delayed?
Find out about the refund policy for train delays. - Want to pay less for your train tickets?
Discover loyalty and season ticket programmes for trains!. - How does travelling work for children on trains?
Check the fares and conditions on our children's train ticket page. - Got a bike?
Visit the page to find out everything about the conditions for taking bikes on trains. - Want to travel with your pet?
Visit the page to find out everything about the conditions for taking pets on trains. - Not sure what luggage to bring on the train?
Here's the full train luggage policy.
Bought a train ticket but can no longer travel? Whether it's due to a cancellation, a delay or a change of plans, it's important to know how to get a refund.
Amounts Refunded by Case
The amounts refunded can vary depending on the reason the refund is requested. Here's a summary of the amounts for different scenarios:
Train Cancellation by the Company
If the train is cancelled by the rail company, you're entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Train Delay
If your train experiences a significant delay, refunds are generally as follows:
- Delay of 30 to 59 minutes: No refund.
- Delay of 60 to 119 minutes: Refund of 25% of the ticket price.
- Delay of 120 to 179 minutes: Refund of 50% of the ticket price.
- Delay of 180 minutes or more: Refund of 75% to 100% of the ticket price, depending on the company's specific policies.
Cancellation by the Traveller
If cancelled by the traveller, the amount refunded depends on the ticket type and the timing:
- Flexible ticket: Full refund if cancelled before departure.
- Non-flexible ticket: No refund, except in cases of force majeure (proof required).
- Ticket with cancellation insurance: Partial or full refund depending on the insurance conditions.
Refund Conditions
Eligible ticket types:
- Standard tickets
- Non-flexible tickets
- Tickets with cancellation insurance
Eligibility criteria:
- Train cancelled by the company
- Significant delay (generally more than 60 minutes)
- Medical reason (with supporting evidence)
- Booking error
Exceptions and special situations:
Promotional or reduced-fare tickets may not be refundable. Partial refunds are possible for partially used tickets.
Refund Request Procedure
Detailed steps:
- Check the refund conditions to make sure your ticket is eligible.
- Prepare the necessary documents: ID, original ticket, supporting evidence (if applicable).
- Submit your request:
- Online: Via the rail company's website or mobile app.
- In person: At the station ticket office.
- By post: Send the necessary documents to the customer service address.
Required documents:
- Original train ticket or booking confirmation
- Proof of ID
- Supporting evidence (medical certificate, cancellation notice, etc.)
Where and how to submit the documents:
- Online: Refund form on the company's website.
- In person: Bring your documents to the ticket office.
- By post: Send a registered letter with the required documents.
Timeframes and Processing
Timeframes for submitting a request:
Generally between 24 hours and 60 days after the planned travel date, depending on the company.
Processing time by rail companies:
Varies from 7 to 30 working days.
Notifications and request tracking:
You'll usually receive confirmation by email or SMS. You can track the status of your request online via your user account.
Contact and Support
Customer service contact details:
SNCF: Phone, email, postal address, online chat.
Eurostar: Phone, online form.
Thalys: Phone, email, online chat.
Channels available for getting help:
- Phone: Customer service number available on the company's website.
- Email: Dedicated email address for refund requests.
- Online chat: Available on the website of some companies.
🔄 What to Do if You've Booked a Combined Journey (Train + Bus or Carpooling) on Tictactrip?
At Tictactrip, we offer multimodal journeys combining several modes of transport such as train, bus and carpooling.
In this case, refund requests may vary depending on the carrier concerned for each leg of your journey.
Here are the possible scenarios:
- Cancellation or change to a single leg (train or bus):
You'll need to refer to the specific refund conditions of the carrier concerned (SNCF, Flixbus, Blablacar, etc.). - Partial refund possible:
If part of the journey is cancelled (e.g. train cancelled, bus maintained), only the cancelled leg may be refunded. - Request via Tictactrip:
For any combined ticket bought on our platform, we help you centralise the process. Simply contact us via your customer account or the link in your confirmation email.
💡 Tip: If you miss a connection due to a delay or cancellation, be sure to keep your supporting evidence. Tictactrip can help you assess the options for a refund or rerouting.