How-to

Missed Your Train Connection?

Exact, step-by-step guide for what to do when you arrive at Frankfurt Hbf 3 minutes after your ICE to Munich has departed — whether that's DB's fault or yours.

Step 1 — Don't panic

Most missed-connection scenarios in Germany end with you on the next train at no extra cost, provided the delay was caused by DB. The German rail system has clear passenger-rights rules (EU Regulation 2021/782 and national equivalents). Here's the decision tree.

Step 2 — Whose fault was it?

DB's fault (your rights kick in)

First train arrived late at the interchange.
Engineering work or signal fault caused delay.
The connecting train departed before you could physically walk platform-to-platform despite arriving on time at the station boundary.

Your fault (buy a new ticket)

You were shopping, using toilets, or had a coffee before boarding.
You booked a connection with less than the DB-suggested minimum time (usually 10 min; less at some stations).
You were on a non-DB train (flight, FlixTrain, local bus) that arrived late at the DB station.

Step 3 — If DB's fault: get delay confirmation

Ask the conductor of the late first train: "Können Sie eine Verspätungsbestätigung ausstellen?" (Can you issue a delay confirmation?). This slip proves when the delay occurred and who was responsible. Shows conductor on connecting train that you're not freeloading.

Alternatively, the delay is recorded automatically in DB Navigator — if you booked via the app, the system knows. Show the app's booking with the delay notice.

Step 4 — Find the next train

Open DB Navigator. Enter your destination. The app will:

Show all next departures in real-time.
Factor in live delays.
Offer a "rebook" button if you're logged in — works for many fare types.

If the alternative is an ICE (higher class than your original RE ticket), you're usually still entitled to board it under EU passenger rights when your delay at destination is 60 min+.

Step 5 — Board and explain

Board the next train. When the conductor checks tickets, show your original ticket + delay confirmation. Phrase to use: "Ich habe den Anschluss wegen Verspätung verpasst — kann ich diesen Zug nehmen?" (I missed my connection due to a delay — can I take this train?). In 90%+ of cases: yes, no extra charge. For edge cases, the conductor may note your ticket or ask to see ID — cooperate and move on.

Step 6 — If it's the last train of the night

If DB caused your delay and the last train to your destination has departed, your rights include:

Hotel refund up to €80/night — pay and keep receipt; claim via Fahrgastrechte.
Taxi refund for short distances (usually up to €50 within a region).
Rebooking for the first train next morning at no extra cost.

Ask at the DB Reisezentrum (service centre) — usually open at major stations until late evening. If closed, pay for hotel yourself and submit receipts later.

Step 7 — Claim compensation for the total delay

Regardless of how you reach your destination, if the final delay is 60+ min you get 25% refund, 120+ min you get 50%. File online at bahn.de/fahrgastrechte (English available) within 12 months. Processing 2-4 weeks. Refund to original payment method.

Common mistakes

Buying a new ticket — often unnecessary and complicates refund claims.
Not getting delay confirmation — some conductors are strict about evidence.
Panicking and switching operators — hopping on FlixTrain means your DB ticket is void for that leg.
Not filing the refund claim — people leave hundreds of euros on the table every year. The form takes 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my first train is late and I miss my connection, do I owe anything extra?

Usually no. If the missed connection was caused by a delay on the DB system (first train late arriving), you have the right to take the next available train to your destination without buying a new ticket — including the next ICE if your original was an RE, as long as your total journey time increases by at least 20 min. Show your original ticket and explain to the conductor. This right applies even on Sparpreis tickets, provided the delay is DB's fault.

What if I missed the connection because I was slow getting off the first train?

That's your problem, not DB's, and a standard Sparpreis ticket won't be re-honoured. You'd need to buy a new ticket for the next train. Lesson: never book a connection with less than 10 minutes at a major hub, and add buffer for a first-time visitor.

How do I find the next train when I arrive late?

Open DB Navigator app and enter your destination — it'll immediately show the next options factoring in live delays. Or check the departure board at the station for your destination city. Announcements in German plus bilingual (English) on long-distance lines. Conductors on the platform can help redirect you to another train.

What if it's late and the last train is gone?

If your missed connection was DB's fault and the last train of the night has departed, you have the right to a hotel refund up to €80 per night. Keep receipts. Alternatively, DB may pay for a taxi if the distance is short. Ask conductor or at the DB service centre: 'Welche Möglichkeiten habe ich wegen der Verspätung?' (What are my options due to the delay?).

Am I entitled to compensation for the delay?

Yes, if delay at final destination is 60 minutes or more: 25% of the ticket price back. 120 minutes or more: 50%. Fill out the Fahrgastrechte form at any DB service centre or online at bahn.de. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Tourists can claim via the online English form even after returning home. See our <a href="/guides/delays-cancellations-refunds/">refund guide</a>.

Should I buy a new ticket to be safe?

No — buying a new ticket can actually jeopardise your refund claim. If you take an alternative DB train and the conductor challenges your original ticket, explain the missed connection caused by delay (get the delay printed on a 'Bestätigung' slip from the original conductor if possible). Only buy a new ticket if you're switching to a non-DB service (like FlixTrain) where your original doesn't apply.