Delayed bus? Canceled trip?
If you’ve ever faced such a situation, you probably don’t realize that you may have the right to compensation. What does the law say? Bulgarian and European legislation give passengers specific rights when traveling by bus. However, not every delay automatically gives you compensation. It depends on the reason for the delay, how the carrier reacts, and what actions you take as a consumer. Many people miss the chance to claim compensation—not because they lack grounds, but because the procedure is unclear, with deadlines, proof requirements, and complex terminology.
Our team helps you understand when, how, and under which conditions you can protect your rights.
Your rights come from Regulation (EU) No 181/2011 and apply to all international and long-distance domestic bus routes over 250 km. They apply only under certain conditions, such as:
- A delay longer than 90 minutes on journeys over 250 km.
- A canceled bus without an alternative offered within a reasonable timeframe or without any information provided.
- A missed connection that is part of a single ticket journey—when one ticket covers multiple legs and part of your trip is missed due to delay or poor organization.
- Failure to provide promised services during long trips—such as drinking water, rest breaks, and facilities for passengers with disabilities. The specific obligations vary depending on the transport type (international, domestic) and the carrier’s policies, so it’s best to seek legal advice if you face such issues.
What compensation can you receive?
If you qualify for compensation, you may get:
- A full refund of your ticket or reimbursement for alternative transport costs to your final destination.
- Compensation equal to 50% of the ticket price if the journey is seriously delayed or canceled.
- Reimbursement for extra expenses like food, drinks, hotel stays, and other transport caused by the disruption.
To claim compensation, you need to prove everything to the carrier, which is where many passengers struggle.
To submit a claim against the bus operator, provide all necessary documents such as your ticket, receipts, and photos of information screens or boards. Then send an official request to the carrier and wait about 30 days for their response. If the bus company refuses or doesn’t reply, you can contact the relevant authorities or take legal action to protect your rights.
At expertissimo.net, we offer consultations and full administrative support—from reviewing your case to communicating with institutions and carriers. Contact us for a free initial evaluation of your case. Save time and effort—we know how to handle these cases effectively.
19/05/2025
