Challenges in Long-Distance Bus Journeys: Entitlements to Consider
Long-distance bus travel has emerged as a popular and affordable option for reaching destinations like Paris, Rome, Stockholm, and Madrid. With numerous benefits such as no airport check-in, less traffic, environmental friendliness, and often lower costs compared to train or plane, it's no wonder that more and more travellers are opting for this mode of transport.
However, it's essential to be aware of your rights as a bus passenger, especially when embarking on longer journeys. For detailed information on bus travel, you can visit the website of the European Consumer Centre Germany. There, you can find valuable resources such as the free brochure "By Bus through Europe", available as a PDF download.
When it comes to national regulations, rest assured that even on shorter bus trips, passengers are not left unprotected. The regulations of the respective country apply, ensuring a minimum level of protection for all travellers. For long-distance trips over 250 kilometers, EU-wide bus passenger rights apply, securing certain claims.
One of these claims is that if your trip takes place at night and there is a risk of being stranded, travelers are entitled to up to two overnight stays, each at a maximum of 80 euros per person. However, costs for unused concert tickets or missing a connecting flight due to a bus delay may not be refunded.
In case of overbooking, the bus company is obliged to offer a free continuation of the journey or refund the ticket price and additional costs for a self-organized continuation. If the long-distance bus company does not fulfill its information obligations regarding bus passenger rights, passengers are entitled to a compensation of 50 percent of the ticket price. It's crucial to keep originals of tickets and receipts for any follow-up questions with the bus company.
For problems with a bus company from another EU country, Iceland, Norway, or the United Kingdom, travelers can contact the European Consumer Centre Germany via the "Questions and Complaints" form. In case of issues with long-distance bus travel, always keep records of alternative travel or take a photo as evidence.
If you encounter problems with a long-distance bus company that is a member of "Reise & Verkehr e. V.", the arbitration board offers support. For self-organized continuation, train or bus trips are primarily refundable, while rental cars and taxis are only covered in exceptional cases.
It's important to note that the 120-minute rule carries risks. If passengers are informed about a significant delay but the bus arrives earlier than expected, it is not considered delayed. In the event of a bus delay, cancellation, or unexpected departure without passengers, passengers may face issues such as overbooking or being forced to stand for the journey.
The Federal Railway Authority (EBA) is responsible for violations of passenger rights regulations. If you need to submit a complaint to a bus company, there is a three-month deadline, and copies of tickets and receipts should be attached for proof.
Our website is a German-language service and news portal that informs readers about life and work abroad. By being aware of your rights and preparing for potential issues, you can make your long-distance bus journey a smooth and enjoyable experience.
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