Travel guide
Bus and coach passenger rights in Europe
The scheduled length of the service—and whether the delay happens at departure—changes the available remedy.
Prepared by the FlyVentis editorial team and regularly reviewed for travel and event accuracy.
EU rules cover scheduled services that start or finish in an EU country, but not every right applies to every route.
If a coach connects to a flight, use the buffer principles in the connecting-flight guide. Separate tickets are not automatically protected.
When the 250 km threshold matters
The broader rights mainly apply when the scheduled service, not merely your segment, is at least 250 km. A cancellation or departure delay beyond two hours should trigger a choice between reimbursement and continuation or rerouting under comparable conditions.
Practical checklist
- Keep the ticket, booking and scheduled departure time.
- Photograph departure-board notices.
- Ask for the carrier's offer in writing.
- Keep itemised receipts for reasonable expenses.
How to complain
Contact the operating carrier first with the route, date, reservation and requested remedy. If unresolved, use the competent national enforcement body.
Continue planning
Frequently asked questions
Does every bus delay qualify for a refund?
No. Service type, scheduled distance and departure delay determine the remedy.
Does 250 km mean my segment?
It refers to the scheduled distance of the regular service.
Who receives the first complaint?
The operating carrier, followed by the competent national body if necessary.
