AGB

Beförderungsbedingungen für die Benutzung des “Urlaubs-Express”, ein Produkt der Train4you Vertriebs GmbH

Valid from 13.02.2025

Publisher: Train4you Vertriebs GmbH, Kolumbastrasse 5, 50667 Cologne
(hereinafter referred to as Train4you)

1. Scope of application/preliminary remarks

These Terms and Conditions of Carriage apply to the carriage of persons as well as persons and their vehicles (passenger cars with or without trailers as well as motorbikes with or without sidecars as well as trikes and quads, also bicycles, e-bikes and pedelecs). In this process, the vehicles are transported by rail in open rail cars from the loading station terminal to the destination station terminal. The carriage of vehicles is subject to the statutory rules for luggage in accordance with the “Uniform Rules concerning the Contract for International Carriage of Passengers and Luggage by Rail (CIV)” in the version of Annex I to “Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations”. In these Conditions of Carriage, the term “customer” refers to the natural person making the booking as a party to the contract of carriage. The term “passenger” refers to the customer and all other persons for whom the customer has booked and whom the customer has designated by name.

2. Subject matter and conclusion of the contract of carriage

2.1 Contractual content

By the contract of carriage Train4you as the contractual carrier undertakes to transport passengers and, if applicable, its motor vehicle to the agreed destination in accordance with the contract of carriage concluded. The content of the contract is documented in the tickets or reservation documents issued by the carrier. Contracts of carriage for several routes may be presented on one transport document, but even then they must be considered legally independent of each other. The ticket(s) for the person(s) is (are) supplemented, if necessary, by reservation receipts for accommodation on the train. Urlaubs-Express tickets issued by Train4you are in no case through tickets.

2.2 Posting

The booking can be made in writing, by telephone, by fax or electronically (by e-mail or via the Internet at www.urlaubs-express.de) to Train4you. The contract of carriage is concluded upon confirmation of the successful booking by Train4you. The customer will receive this confirmation in the form of an invoice – showing all service features and contract components as well as in particular the vehicle registered, if applicable, with the data and dimensions named in your booking request. These can be sent to the customer both by post and electronically by e-mail. If Train4you sends an additional confirmation of receipt of a booking, this does not represent the confirmation of the successful booking or invoice.

2.3 Travel agents

Travel agents (e.g. travel agencies) are not authorized by Train4you to make agreements, to give information or to make assurances which change the agreed content of the contract of carriage, go beyond the contractually promised services of the carrier or contradict the advertised transport service.

3. Transport documents, obligations of the customer, environmental zones

3.1 Transport documents

The transport documents are delivered after full payment of the fare either by e-mail or, at the request of the customer, in writing by mail at a charge. On the documents all services to be provided by Train4you are again explicitly stated. The transport documents contain all relevant information on departure and arrival times as well as loading times in the sense of these GTC and are to be checked by the customer immediately after receipt for correctness, in particular with regard to the specified vehicle dimensions. Any discrepancies are to be reported to Train4you immediately. Later objections, especially after the trip has been carried out, cannot be considered. The documents must be presented to the staff on request at any time at the start of the journey or during the journey. The period of validity of the transport documents is determined by the dates of reservation indicated on the documents. The reservations are only valid on the designated day of travel for the booked train or for the booked vehicle transport.

3.2 Obligations of the customer

When booking, the customer is obliged to state the surnames and first names of all other passengers on the booking. Changes to additional passengers after booking are governed by point 5.4. The customer is obliged to truthfully and correctly provide the information required for the booking regarding vehicle dimensions (height, length, width with exterior mirrors folded in according to the vehicle registration certificate or corresponding registration documentation), vehicle type (e.g. convertible), vehicle weight, the license plate number, information on roof and rear carriers approved for the purpose. If this information is incorrect, Train4you may refuse to take the vehicle; in this case, the customer may not claim damages. Further reasons for exclusion are summarised under point 6. Information on loading times is printed on the transport documents. The passenger must be on the train no later than the train departure time indicated on the transport documents. If the Customer has also booked a car transport, he/she is obliged to arrive with his/her vehicle at the DB Autozug terminal no later than at the time or within the period specified on the transport documents. If the customer does not arrive at the car train terminal on time, his entitlement to transportation of the vehicle expires. In this case, the customer cannot assert any claims for damages. The personal data provided by the customer and stated in the transportation documents will be checked on the train using the official photo ID to be presented by the passenger. In the event of misuse, transportation is deemed to have taken place without valid transportation documents, which will result in an increased fare being charged (double the current daily fare for the respective travel date). The increased transportation fee must be paid immediately in cash or by credit card to the train manager. Train4you reserves the right to block the customer for further bookings with Train4you. If the customer has forgotten his transportation documents at the start of the journey, the same applies in principle, however, the increased transportation fee is reduced to 7 euros if the customer proves within one week of the start of the journey that he was in possession of a valid ticket at the time of the start of the journey.

3.2.1 Consequences of incorrect (too low) vehicle weight data

While incorrect, too low information from the customer regarding the vehicle width and height must inevitably lead to exclusion from transportation in individual cases due to the design of the car transport wagons and the nature of the railroad line, the loading personnel will, in the case of incorrect, too low weight information, attempt, within reason and taking into account the legitimate interests of other passengers at the loading terminal, to redistribute the vehicles still to be loaded to the remaining free spaces in such a way that the permissible total weight of each individual car transport wagon can be adhered to. For this additional effort, Train4you will charge a fee of € 35,- analogous to point 5.5 in the event of success, which is to be paid on site in cash or by credit card.

3.2.2 Behaviour towards the train crew

The instructions of the train crew must be followed. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from the journey. Reimbursement of costs for the missed part of the journey is excluded. The customer shall also bear the costs for the return of his vehicle, which for operational reasons can only be unloaded at the respective destination.

3.3 Low emission zones

If so-called environmental zones have been set up in individual cities, driving in and through these cities is only permitted with an “environmental badge”. An overview of the environmental zones for Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Environment Agency http://gis.uba.de/website/umweltzonen/umweltzonen.php. Vehicles without an “environmental badge” may only use the car train terminals located in these cities in accordance with the regulations of these cities. The driver is responsible for complying with these regulations. If there are delays in loading or unloading a car train due to a violation of the requirement to use the prescribed thoroughfares or if it is not possible to travel in a car train as a result, the vehicle driver shall indemnify Train4you against all resulting claims. In particular, an extension of the loading times is not possible.

3.4 Munich South Terminal

For passengers and their accompanying persons with departure or arrival in Munich South, the following applies due to the structural conditions:

A distinction is made between the passenger platform (track 25) and the motorail terminal (track 49). The locations are connected by a public road with a footpath outside the railroad operating area over a distance of approx. 250 meters. Use of the public road is at your own risk. Train4you assumes no liability for accidents, damage or loss of luggage and other items carried by the customer and accompanying persons. Train4you recommends that customers and accompanying persons use the route on the Thalkirchner Straße designated on the Urlaubs-Express homepage(https://urlaubs-express.de/terminals-und-fahrzeugmasse/). Customers must inform themselves about the local conditions on the Urlaubs-Express homepage before check-in in Hamburg (southbound journey) or Munich car train terminal (northbound journey) and start the journey in good time at their own discretion. Train4you accepts no liability for late arrival at the passenger platform after the car loading (northbound journey). On southbound journeys, customers and their accompanying persons must proceed immediately to the car train terminal for unloading after arrival at the passenger platform. Persons who fall under the provisions of § 229, SGB IX, must notify Train4you of this at the time of booking, but no later than 14 days before the planned train journey.

3.5 Diesel vehicles

The provisions under point 3.3 also apply mutatis mutandis to current or future restrictions on diesel vehicles imposed by local, state or federal authorities as well as foreign authorities.

4. Transportation of persons, vehicles, animals and luggage

Train4you transports passengers and their vehicles on national and international routes. Vehicles can be passenger cars with and without trailers, motorcycles with and without sidecars, trikes and quads, as well as bicycles, e-bikes and pedelecs. The transportation of animals is limited to dogs and cats (see point 4.9.). Transportation is only carried out within the scope of the available spaces. Train4you can commission other authorized companies with the operational execution of the journey. Insofar as Train4you only arranges the services of third parties, their terms and conditions shall apply.

4.1 Transportation of passengers

Train4you reserves seats in its trains for passengers in seating, couchette and sleeper carriages according to the respective booking. In seating and couchette carriages, both individual seat bookings and compartment bookings are offered, in sleeper carriages only compartment bookings. There is no gender segregation for single seat bookings. For single seat bookings, a maximum of one child up to the age of three can be transported free of charge. For compartment bookings, a maximum of two children up to the age of three can be transported free of charge per compartment. The price for booking a couchette compartment for single use applies to a maximum of four people including children over the age of three. Only compartment bookings are offered in sleeping cars.

4.1.1 Smoking ban

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the train. Violations of the smoking ban will always lead to exclusion from the train. Train4you charges a fee of € 1500 for alarms triggered by smoking. Train4you will charge a fee of €200 for additional cleaning work caused by smoking in the compartments or corridors. Violations of the smoking ban are considered an administrative offense within the meaning of § 5 para. 2 of the Federal Non-Smoking Protection Act (BNichtRSchG) and will be reported to the police.

4.2 Carriage of vehicles

Vehicles are transported in open vehicle transport wagons (railroad wagons). In principle, only vehicles approved for public road traffic (StVO) and roadworthy vehicles can be transported. The following are accepted for transportation

• Passenger cars (passenger cars according to StVO) with and without trailer,
• Motorcycles with and without sidecar,
• Trikes and Quads
• Bicycles (two-wheelers, non-motorised)
• E-Bikes and Pedelecs

4.2.1 Duties of the vehicle driver

The driver undertakes to take all precautions to avoid damage to the vehicle (to his own vehicle, to other vehicles, to the railroad vehicles or to the property of other third parties). This includes in particular

• closing and locking the sliding roof or the folding roof on convertibles
• closing the ventilation flaps and windows
• retracting the antenna or removing roof antennas as well as antennas that cannot be retracted and folding in the exterior mirrors
• Securing wind deflectors, external blinds and other attachments, luggage, bicycles, sports equipment etc. on the vehicle against being torn off by the wind, alternatively dismantling these parts before loadin
• the adequate protection of the water-bearing systems against frost
• load securing that meets the requirements of railroad operations. Trailers with cargo must be closed with an appropriate tarpaulin (lower loading level) or with a hard shell made of plastic or metal (upper loading level). The decision on the suitability of vehicles for transportation is the responsibility of the loading supervisor on site.

The use of wagon covers to protect the vehicles is not permitted. However, the use of a tarpaulin belonging to the vehicle and specially adapted is allowed. After loading the vehicle, switch off the ignition and remove the ignition key. Apply the handbrake and engage first gear. For vehicles with automatic transmission, move the selector lever to the “P” position or – if specified by the manufacturer – to the “0” position. Windows, doors, roof and soft tops must be closed; the vehicles must be locked. As vehicles can be transported backwards along the entire route or on sections of the route (alternating direction of travel), the safety measures must also be set up for this. In particular, all (attachment) parts on the vehicle that cannot withstand the stresses of such reverse transportation must be removed before the start of the journey. To protect the windshields of the motorcycles against damage during possible transportation against the natural direction of travel, the customer must secure the windshield with a windshield safety belt. The customer is responsible for ensuring that his vehicle is suitable for reverse transportation up to 140 km/h.

4.2.2 Vehicle restrictions

The vehicles may have a maximum of eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. Each vehicle must be accompanied by at least one adult with a valid driver’s license (driver). The total number of persons permitted in the vehicle depends on the number of seats permitted in the vehicle registration document.

4.3 Bicycles, e-bikes, pedelecs

Bicycles, e-bikes and pedelecs can be booked and loaded separately, subject to space availability. Bicycle transportation is subject to a charge. Cargo bikes, special bikes or two-track bikes are excluded from transportation. The permissibility of transporting bicycles connected to the vehicle, e-bikes and pedelecs on luggage racks is regulated under points 4.12 and 4.13. Liability for damage to or loss of bicycles is governed analogously by the provisions in points 4.7 and 4.10. It is prohibited to charge batteries for e-bikes and pedelecs at the sockets on the train.

4.4 Vehicle dimensions

Vehicle dimensions, in particular the permissible height, may differ for individual destinations (see Appendix 1). Train4you will point this out separately on the product homepage of the Urlaubs-Express (www.urlaubs-express.de). The following restrictions generally apply to the transportation of vehicles on the vehicle transport wagons:

• Ground clearance of the vehicle (even when loaded) at least 11 cm
• Permissible overall width of the vehicle as published on the homepage of the Holiday Express (www.urlaubs-express.de) and in Appendix 1; measured with folded-in exterior mirrors.
• permissible total height of the vehicle as published on the homepage of the Holiday Express (www.urlaubs-express.de) and in Annex 1;
• permissible total length of the vehicle 530 cm
• maximum nine passenger car seats (incl. driver’s seat)
• Permissible length for vehicles with trailers 10 metres;
• Loading height for trailers maximum 155 cm.

4.4.1 Loading of vehicles, duties of the driver, safety regulations

The vehicles must be ready for loading at the car train terminal specified therein within the loading times specified in the transport documents. The transport documents must be presented to the loading personnel at the loading terminal. Vehicles arriving at the car train terminal after the loading time has expired cannot be transported. Unless otherwise instructed by the staff on site, the loading and unloading of vehicles and any necessary transfer to the vehicle transport wagon is always the responsibility of the vehicle driver at his own risk and peril. Due to the design, the loading area for vehicles is limited laterally by safety rails at a distance of 1940 mm. Train4you is not liable for damage to the rims and tires of the vehicles due to contact with the safety rails. In order to better avoid damage, the company offers to instruct the driver to the final location free of charge at the driver’s request. The loading personnel can instruct the driver to drive on one side of the securing rail or to use other aids to prevent damage. Train4you is only liable for any damage arising during loading or unloading in cases of its own fault or in cases of fault of vicarious agents of Train4you. The vehicle driver must leave the car transport vehicle immediately after loading the vehicle. If an employee of the loading personnel exceptionally takes over the loading and unloading, the vehicle driver must sign a “liability release declaration”. The instructions of the loading personnel must be followed at all times. The vehicle driver must exercise the necessary care when loading. This includes moving the vehicles on the vehicle transport wagons at walking speed. No persons other than the driver may be in or on the vehicle during loading and unloading. As certain parking spaces are allocated due to the dimensions and weight of the vehicle, it cannot be guaranteed that the request to correct the parking space can be met.

4.4.1.1 Launch failure at destination

If the vehicle cannot be started under its own power during unloading at the destination due to a discharged battery due to a violation of point 4.2.1, Train4you can provide the vehicle driver with an electric starting aid if available, in order to minimize a delay in the unloading of other vehicles and consequential damages for Train4you due to disruptions in the operating process. The driver is responsible for starting the vehicle with the starting aid. The vehicle driver can transfer the execution to the loading personnel. Train4you and its vicarious agents are not liable in this case for damage to the vehicle during the starting attempt.

4.4.2 Helmet obligation

For motorcyclists, helmets are compulsory when loading and unloading the motorcycle on the vehicle transport trolley.

4.5 Hazardous substances

The transportation of hazardous substances (in particular highly flammable, combustible or explosive substances) is not permitted, with the exception of fuel required for the operation of the vehicle. The carriage of fuel is only permitted for passenger cars and is limited to 1 reserve canister with a maximum capacity of 20 liters. It is forbidden to take spare canisters – even empty ones – with you on motorcycles. Shut-off valves for fuel lines must be closed. All fuel lines must be tightly sealed, as must the fuel containers, which must be tightly sealed. Fuel must not be removed or added while the vehicles are on railroad facilities.

4.6 Parking the vehicle Earth.

Once the vehicle has been parked, access to the vehicles is not permitted after they have been loaded or before they have been unloaded – especially during transportation. Neither persons nor animals may remain in the vehicles during transportation. After arrival, the vehicles will be unlocked by the loading personnel. The car transport vehicles may only be entered after clearance by the loading personnel and only by the vehicle driver. Train4you points out that there are risks to life and limb when entering the car transport wagons when the overhead line is switched on. For driving off the car transport wagon, the obligations of the vehicle driver according to point 4.4.1 apply.

4.7 Vehicle damage

Transport damage to vehicles must be reported by the driver to the loading personnel immediately upon discovery, but at the latest upon unloading, and must be recorded in writing. It is not possible to assert claims for damage after the vehicle has left the motorail terminal.

4.8 Liability of the vehicle driver

If the driver violates the obligations listed in section 4.2.1 to 4.6 above and causes damage, he is liable to Train4you as well as to third parties for any damage caused by the violation.

4.9 Transportation of pets

With the exception of dogs and cats, animals are generally not permitted on board. Dogs and cats are permitted if they do not suffer from infectious diseases, if one compartment per animal has been booked for exclusive use and the animal has been registered at the time of booking. In addition, dogs or cats may only be taken on board under the following conditions: Dogs that are not placed in containers such as hand luggage may only be taken on board if they are kept on a lead outside the compartment and fitted with a muzzle suitable for them. Guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs within the meaning of Section 145 (2) No. 2 SGB IX are exempt from the muzzle requirement. Cats may only be taken on board if they are not dangerous and are placed in containers such as hand luggage. The containers must be designed in such a way that there is no risk of harm to persons or property. For hygienic reasons, animals are not allowed to use the bed, couch and sitting areas. Animals – with the exception of guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs within the meaning of Section 145 (2) No. 2 SGB IX – may not be carried in carriages with catering facilities. The customer is responsible for compliance with any official requirements (in particular veterinary requirements in the case of cross-border transportation). It should be noted that the animals may not be left alone in the compartment and that the train does not stop during the journey. Train4you reserves the right, in addition to the ticket price for the animal, to claim damages caused by the animal, or increased cleaning costs, in the amount of € 50 per journey.

4.10. Transportation of baggage and other items

In principle, the customer alone is responsible for compliance with any customs and administrative regulations and obligations. Luggage may be left on, on top of and in the vehicles during transportation by car train. However, only approved, commercially available, permanently mounted roof boxes or carriers may be transported on the vehicle. The provisions of point 4.2.ff must be observed. The driver of the vehicle must ensure that the load is securely lashed down and that the permissible loading dimensions are observed. It is not permitted to attach objects, e.g. surfboards, fir trees, winter sports equipment, cupboards etc. to the roof rails. Luggage attached to motorcycles may remain on the motorcycle if the luggage forms a fixed complete unit, the pieces of luggage are firmly attached to the motorcycle and no attachment points required for lashing are covered. Motorcycle helmets must not remain on the motorcycle during the train ride. It is expressly pointed out that the vehicles are transported on open vehicle transport trolleys. Guarding is not possible. Train4you is therefore not liable for non-attributable acts of third parties (burglary of wagons and vehicles, vandalism, etc.) and not for damage or loss of luggage left in or on the vehicle. Train4you is only liable in cases of own fault or in cases of fault of vicarious agents of Train4you. It is recommended to take out additional insurance cover.

4.11 Carriage of roof racks

Roof racks or roof boxes are only permitted if they are commercially available (no self-made), approved permanently mounted roof boxes or roof racks and the total height of the passenger car permitted on the car carrier is not exceeded as a result. Roof racks and roof boxes must be registered at the time of booking. The loading staff may instruct the customer to remove roof racks or the roof box from the vehicle for safety and loading reasons. Train4you is authorized to load roof boxes separately from the vehicle onto the car transport vehicle.

4.12 Carriage of bicycles on rear carriers

Bicycles on rear bicycle carriers can only be transported if the bicycles do not exceed the total vehicle height and total vehicle width specified at the time of booking. Otherwise, the provisions of point 4.11 apply analogously to rear carriers. Bicycles stored in motor vehicles can be transported without restriction, provided they are adequately secured.

4.13 Carriage of e-bikes and pedelecs on rear carriers

For the transportation of e-bikes and pedelecs on rear carriers, the following applies in addition to 4.12:

1) For rear carriers, the vehicle driver must present a general operating permit (ABE) from the manufacturer or the TÜV to the loading personnel on request before loading, stating the permissible load weight of the rear carrier. If the vehicle driver is unable to present the ABE, the loading personnel may refuse transportation. Such a refusal shall not give rise to any claims for damages on the part of the customer.

2) The loading personnel may, at their own discretion, carry out additional load securing measures on the rear carrier or load the e-bikes or pedelecs separately.

3) Batteries must be removed from the e-bike or pedelec and stowed in the driver’s car.

5. Transportation charges, payment, rebooking, cancellation

5.1 Transport charge

The transport charge varies depending on the days of travel, booking date, vehicle and accommodation type and is made up of the transport charge for the passengers and, if applicable, the transport charge for the vehicle. The transportation charge includes a non-refundable system fee of EUR 25 per booking and route.

5.1.1 Child discount

Children up to and including the age of 3 travel free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult if they do not occupy their own seat/bed. Special children’s prices apply for children aged 4 to 14.

5.1.2 Reduction for persons accompanying disabled personsn

A necessary accompanying person (mark B) as evidenced in the disabled person’s ID card is carried free of charge. This is only relevant for single seat bookings in a couchette coach. No further reductions are granted. A reduction for the disabled person will not be granted. For compartment bookings in couchette or sleeper carriages, the current compartment price applies. Bookings can only be made by telephone or in writing (fax, letter, e-mail), but not via the Internet. Seated, sleeper and couchette carriages and, where applicable, the on-board restaurant or club carriages on Train4you trains are currently only suitable for customers with restricted mobility to a limited extent. In particular, the width of the side aisles and the dimensions of the toilets do not allow wheelchairs to be used. Against this background, it is essential that people with restricted mobility are accompanied by a companion when traveling on the Urlaubs-Express. Train4you will assist with the organization of boarding and alighting aids on request, provided these are available at the boarding and alighting stations.

5.2 Payment

5.2.1 Payment period (I)

If the total invoice price exceeds € 500, 30% of the transportation charge and other services shall be due as a deposit within 14 days of receipt of the written booking confirmation/invoice. The deposit includes the non-cancellable system fee from 5.1. The deposit will be credited against the transportation charge. The balance must be paid – without further request – no later than 28 days before the date of travel. If the deposit of 30% of the transportation fee is not received by Train4you within the specified period, the entire transportation price is due immediately.

5.2.2 Payment period (II)

If the total invoice price does not exceed € 500, the entire transportation fee including any insurance (e.g. travel cancellation insurance) is due upon receipt of the written booking confirmation/invoice within 28 days. In the case of bookings made at short notice – if there are less than 28 days between the booking date and the travel date – the transportation fee is payable in full immediately.

5.2.3 Consequences of default

If the full deposit/remaining amount (point 5.2.1) or total amount (point 5.2.2) is not received within the deadlines stated on the booking confirmation/invoice (see above) and is not paid even after a request with a deadline and threat of refusal, Train4you is entitled to terminate the contract without notice and cancel the booking. In this case Train4you can claim the costs to be calculated in accordance with point 5.3 as compensation, provided that there is not already an effective reason for withdrawal in favor of the customer at this time. Without full payment of the fare, there is no entitlement to the provision of the transportation service.

5.2.4 Payee

Payments are to be made exclusively to the recipient shown on the invoice, stating the invoice number. If the amount is paid to someone else, the payment is made at your own risk and therefore only entitles you to use the transportation service if the fare has been received in full by Train4you. Payments will only be accepted by bank transfer.

5.2.5 Credit notes

Any credit notes (e.g. for rebooked or canceled transport documents (see point 5.3 and point 5.4) shall be made exclusively to an account to be specified by the customer for this purpose.

5.3 Cancellations by the customer

The customer is entitled to cancel the transportation contract in whole or in part in writing up to the start of the journey. The hand-signed declaration of cancellation must be sent by post or e-mail to the following address: Train4you Vertriebs GmbH, Kolumbastraße 5, 50667 Cologne or info@train4you.de. After receipt of the booking confirmation, a free (partial) cancellation is no longer possible. In the event of a (partial) cancellation, reasonable compensation for the arrangements made and expenses incurred will be charged. Decisive for the calculation of the cancellation fee is the receipt of the cancellation declaration by Train4you. The (partial) cancellation fee is charged on all booked services, in particular passenger transportation, animal transportation, vehicle transportation, shortening of the route, catering services. Compartment bookings can only be canceled in their entirety; the non-participation of booked passengers in a compartment booking is not refundable. After deduction of the system fee, the cancellation fee is calculated as follows:

up to 90 days before departure	20% of the fare or partial fare
89 to 42 days before departure	35% of the fare or partial fare
41 to 28 days before departure	50% of the fare or partial fare
27 to 14 days before departure	60% of the fare or partial fare
13 to 4 days before departure	70% of the fare or partial fare
From the 3rd day before departure or no-show	90% of the fare or partial fare

The refund of the remaining fare shall be made at the request of the customer. The fare will only be refunded in full if the customer is unable to start the journey for reasons for which Train4you is responsible. Further claims for damages are excluded.

5.4 Changes to booked services (rebooking by the customer)

Changes to the booked passenger transport services are only possible in the cases listed below, provided that the seat capacities required for a rebooking request are still available and the written rebooking request is received by Train4you before the actual journey date:

1. a) Rebooking of the accommodation on the train

It is possible to rebook from a lower booking class to a higher booking class. The processing fee for such a rebooking is €35 per leg. In addition, the difference between the accommodation price at the time and the current accommodation price in the new category must be paid. Special on-board tariffs apply to rebookings on the train. Rebooking from a higher to a lower booking class is deemed to be a partial cancellation. In this case, the provisions of point 5.3 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

1. b) Rebooking of travel date and/or route

Changes of travel date and/or route can be made once up to 14 days before departure of the train if seats are available on the alternative travel date. The new travel date may not be more than four weeks before or after the original travel date. It is essential to ensure that there are at least seven days between the date of the rebooking and the new travel date. A processing fee of €35 per route and transaction will be charged for such a rebooking. In addition, the original fare will be refunded and the new, daily updated fare will be charged in addition to the processing fee.
A shortening of the booked route, other changes as well as non-commencement of the journey or withdrawal are deemed to be a cancellation in accordance with point 5.3.

1. (c) changes in participating passengers

The customer must notify Train4you in writing of any changes to the passengers belonging to his booking immediately after becoming aware of the change. A change is the exchange of a person to the booking conditions of the person no longer participating. Train4you will charge a processing fee of €35 for this change. The carriage of unnamed passengers is deemed to be carriage without valid transportation documents in accordance with point 3.2.

5.5 Changes to the vehicle to be transported by the customer

If a vehicle other than the one specified in the booking is to be transported, a corresponding rebooking is only possible in the following cases:
a) The other vehicle is identical in its technical dimensions and weight to the vehicle specified in the booking.
b) The other vehicle has smaller dimensions or a lower weight,
The prerequisite for such a rebooking is that the written rebooking request is received by Train4you up to 7 days before the actual date of the journey. A rebooking to a vehicle that does not fall under a) or b) is generally only possible if there is still sufficient space available for such a vehicle on the vehicle transport wagons and a corresponding written rebooking request has been received by Train4you up to 7 days before the actual date of the journey. A processing fee of €35 will be charged for rebooking the vehicle.

5.6 Rebookings by Train4you

Train4you reserves the right to make changes to bookings on board at short notice due to operational necessity. Any resulting refunds will be made subsequently via the Service Center. Cash payments on board are excluded.

6. Cancellation by Train4you

6.1 Termination for cause

Train4you can terminate the transportation contract before the start of the journey and during the transportation for good cause. An important reason exists in particular if:

• the actual dimensions of the vehicle or other details important for transportation (e.g. fabric roof, roof superstructure, vehicle weight) deviate during loading from the details originally stated at the time of booking and noted on the vehicle registration document. In this case, the customer is not entitled to a refund or compensation
• the full down payment / remaining amount (point 5.3.1) or total amount (point 5.3.2) is not received by Train4you within the deadlines specified there and is not paid even after a request with a deadline and threat of refusal. In this case Train4you is entitled to terminate the contract without notice and to cancel the booking. Train4you can assert the costs to be calculated in accordance with Point 5.3 as compensation, provided that there is not already an effective reason for withdrawal in favor of the customer at this time.

6.2 Termination due to force majeure

If the journey is made considerably more difficult, endangered or impaired as a result of force majeure (strike, natural disasters, route closures, official measures, etc.) not foreseeable at the time the contract was concluded, both Train4you and the customer can terminate the contract. Additional costs for the return transportation are to be borne equally by the parties. Otherwise, the additional costs shall be borne by the customer.

6.3 Withdrawal due to failure to reach a minimum number of participants

6.3.1 General

Train4you can withdraw if a minimum number of participants of 20 booked vehicles per trip is not reached in accordance with the following regulations:
a) The minimum number of participants and the latest time of withdrawal by Train4you must be stated in the concrete trip offer or, in the case of uniform regulations for all trips or certain types of trips, in a general notice (or on the booking platform on the Internet or in a general service description). on the booking platform on the Internet) or a general service description.
b) Train4you is obligated to immediately declare the cancellation of the journey to the passenger if it is certain that the journey will not be carried out due to the minimum number of participants not being reached.
c) A withdrawal by Train4you later than 28 days before the start of the journey is inadmissible.

6.3.2 Alternative offer

In the event of a cancellation, the customer can demand participation in another trip of at least equal value if Train4you is in a position to offer such a trip from its offer without additional costs for the customer. The customer must assert this right to Train4you immediately after the declaration of the cancellation of the trip by Train4you.

6.3.3 Repayment

If the trip is not carried out for this reason, the customer will be immediately refunded any payments made on the fare.

7. Changes to services and prices

7.1 Deviations of individual services and duties

Changes and deviations of individual travel services and obligations from the agreed content of the contract of carriage that become necessary after conclusion of the contract are possible, provided they are not significant and do not affect the overall nature of the journey. This includes changes to the booking class and timetable changes, e.g. due to roadworks or route closures.

7.2 Increase of fees

If the charges existing at the time of conclusion of the contract of carriage, such as station, track and terminal charges, are increased vis-à-vis the carrier, the fare may be increased by the corresponding pro rata amount. The same applies in the event of an increase in value added tax. The fare shall be increased in accordance with the following calculation:

1. a) In the case of an increase related to the seat reservations, the carrier can demand the increase amount from the customer.
   b) In other cases, the additional transportation costs demanded by Train4you per means of transportation shall be divided by the number of seats or parking spaces (for cars, motorcycles, etc.) of the agreed means of transportation. The carrier can demand the resulting increase amount for the individual seat or parking space from the customer.

An increase in the transportation price is only permitted if there are more than 4 months between the conclusion of the contract and the agreed transportation date and the circumstances leading to the increase had not yet occurred before the conclusion of the contract and were not foreseeable for the carrier at the time of the conclusion of the contract. In the event of a subsequent change in the transportation price, the carrier must inform the customer immediately. Price increases from the 20th day before departure are invalid. In the event of price increases of more than 5%, the customer is entitled to withdraw from the contract free of charge or to demand participation in a journey of at least equal value if the carrier is in a position to offer such a journey from its range at no extra cost to the customer. The customer must assert this claim against the carrier immediately after notification of the price increase.

8. Liability of the customer

8.1 Compliance with the obligations

The customer is obliged to comply with the obligations set out in these Conditions of Carriage. This applies in particular to compliance with the prescribed maximum dimensions of the vehicle.

8.2 Liability reasons

The customer shall be liable to Train4you for any damage caused by its failure to comply with these obligations, unless it proves that the damage was caused by circumstances which it could not avoid and the consequences of which it was unable to prevent, despite exercising the care required of a conscientious customer.

8.3 Limitation

The provisions of Article 60 of CIV as amended by Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations shall apply to the limitation of claims arising from the contract of carriage.

9. Liability of Train4you towards customers for delays, cancellations, missed connections

9.1 Onward Transportation / Fare Reimbursement

1.) Customers without a vehicle booking: If it must be reasonably assumed at the time of departure that upon arrival at the destination according to the transport contract the delay will be 60 minutes or more, the customer shall immediately have the choice between

• Continuation of the journey or continuation of the journey with a changed routing under comparable transport conditions to the destination at the next opportunity;
• Continuation of the journey or continuation of the journey with a changed routing under comparable transport conditions to the destination at a later time at the passenger’s choice.
• reimbursement of the full fare, under the conditions under which it was paid, for the part or parts of the journey not made and for the part or parts already made if the journey has become pointless according to the passenger’s original travel plans, together with a return journey to the first point of departure at the earliest opportunity, if appropriate.

2) Customers with vehicle bookings: If it can be reasonably assumed before the start of loading that a car train will arrive at the destination station more than 60 minutes late in accordance with the contract of carriage, the provisions under 1) apply.

3) If it can be reasonably assumed after the start of loading (from the time the car transport wagons are driven onto the train) that a car train will arrive at the destination station more than 60 minutes late in accordance with the contract of carriage, the customer shall immediately have the choice between

• a) the continuation of the journey or the continuation of the journey with a changed route to the destination at the next opportunity, or
• b) the continuation of the journey or the continuation of the journey with a changed route to the destination at a later date.

9.1.1 Discharge

Since, in the case of 3), the immediate unloading of the motor vehicle is not possible for operational reasons, but the motor vehicle must always be transported on to the destination station in accordance with the contract of carriage, the following applies in the event that a claim is made by the customer in accordance with No. 9.1:

1. a) The driver hands over his vehicle key to the train manager and signs a declaration of release from liability in accordance with the Annex to these Conditions of Carriage. The vehicle will then be unloaded at the booked destination station and, if possible, made available for him at the car train terminal or in the immediate vicinity. If the authorized person has demonstrably suffered damage as a result of the delay, he/she shall be entitled to compensation not exceeding the amount of the carriage price.

9.1.2 Information about delay

The customer is not entitled to compensation if they were informed of the delay before booking. For tickets issued earlier than one month before departure, the travel times stated there are provisional and correspond to the status at the time the ticket was issued. Train4you informs on its homepage and on the tickets about the valid arrival and departure times. It is the responsibility of the customer to find out about deviations and the final journey times. The passenger will also be informed individually about changes after the ticket has been issued and the reasons for these by sending a newly issued ticket and/or by e-mail. Information about delays and connection options during the train journey is provided by the train crew via the on-board intercom system or individually during the night (23:00 – 05:00). The arrival time is the time of arrival determined by the network operator, not the unloading time. Customers must allow for waiting times.

9.1.3 Failure, Delay or Missed Connection

Train4you shall be liable to the customer for the damage caused by the fact that the journey cannot be continued on the same day due to cancellation, delay or missed connection, or that a continuation on the same day is not reasonable under the given circumstances. Compensation shall cover the reasonable costs incurred by the customer in connection with the overnight stay and with the notification of the persons expecting him, but may not exceed the amount of the transportation price. Any fare reimbursements shall be calculated on the basis of the ticket value of the persons transported.

Train4you is exempt from this liability if the cancellation, delay or missed connection is due to one of the following causes:

• circumstances outside the railway operation which Train4you could not avoid despite exercising due care in the circumstances of the case and the consequences of which it was unable to avert (e.g. theft of cables, persons on the track, official measures, delay due to exceptional circumstances such as extreme weather conditions or major natural disasters which jeopardised the safe operation of the transport service) or
• if the delay was caused by a serious public health crisis, such as a pandemic; or
• fault of one or more passengers, or
• Behavior of a third party that Train4you could not avoid despite applying the care required according to the situation and whose consequences it could not avert. Rights of recourse remain unaffected.

9.1.4 Compensation for delay

Without losing the right to transportation, a customer is entitled to compensation for delays if he or she suffers a delay between the point of departure and destination indicated on the ticket for which no fare refund has been made in accordance with point 9.1.3. The compensation for delays is as follows:

1. a) 25 % of the price of passenger transport per route in the event of a delay of 60 to 119 minutes
2. b) 50 % of the price of the fare for passenger transport per route from a delay of 120 minutes onwards

Train4you is exempt from this liability if the cancellation, delay or missed connection is due to one of the following causes:

• circumstances outside the railway operation which Train4you could not avoid despite exercising due care in the circumstances of the case and the consequences of which it was unable to avert (e.g. theft of cables, persons on the track, official measures, delay due to exceptional circumstances such as extreme weather conditions or major natural disasters which jeopardised the safe operation of the transport service) or
• if the delay was caused by a serious public health crisis, such as a pandemic; or
• fault of one or more passengers, or
• Behavior of a third party that Train4you could not avoid despite applying the care required according to the situation and whose consequences it could not avert. Rights of recourse remain unaffected.

9.2 Entitlement to fare compensation

The customer concludes a transportation contract with Train4you for each route with additional transportation services (freight) if applicable. In this respect, the contract does not contain an entirety of travel services. Train4you does not owe any overall success beyond the transportation. A delay does not deteriorate the transportation service regularly and without further ado and therefore does not justify a claim for compensation for immaterial damages.

9.3 Assertion of claims

The assertion of claims takes place exclusively in writing and using the forms issued by Train4you. These are: a) Passenger rights form (available for download on the Urlaubs-Express homepage, and b) Vehicle damage report (issued at the vehicle terminal by the loading staff/train manager). All applications must be submitted by e-mail to info@train4you.de or by post to

Train4you Vertriebs GmbH
– Customer Management –
Kolumbastraße 5
50667 Cologne

9.4 Limitation

Claims under the above points 9.1 – 9.3 become time-barred within three months of the expiry of the validity of the ticket.

9.5 Reasons for exclusion of liability

Train4you shall only be liable to the passenger (apart from claims arising from Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 29, 2021 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations and from the CIV) in the event of intent or gross negligence; in the event of a breach of essential contractual obligations (cardinal obligations such as the obligation to use exclusively safe railroad vehicles for the transport of passengers and motor vehicles) and the causation of injury to life, limb or health also in the event of slight negligence. In the event of a breach of material contractual obligations, however, the obligation to pay compensation shall be limited to typical, foreseeable damage. Except in cases of intent, gross negligence or breach of material contractual obligations, liability for property damage to each traveler is limited to a maximum amount of € 1,000. The provisions of the German Liability Act (HPflG) remain unaffected.

10. Online dispute resolution platform

Under applicable law, Train4you is obliged to inform consumers of the existence of the European Online Dispute Resolution Platform, which can be used to resolve disputes without the need to involve a court. The European Commission is responsible for setting up the platform. Please click here for the European Online Dispute Resolution Platform.

Train4you Vertriebs GmbH does not participate in dispute resolution proceedings before the Federal Arbitration Board or other arbitration bodies (§ 36 VSBG).

11. Electronic data processing

Train4you stores and processes personal data for the purpose of contract processing and customer service in compliance with data protection regulations in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation, which came into force on May 25, 2018. The Train4you data protection guidelines can be found here.

12. Insurance, safety advice

Train4you recommends the conclusion of insurances (travel cancellation costs, car train damage during loading, travel and unloading, burglary) in order to mitigate the risks and costs basically associated with a cancellation or transportation.

13. Applicable law; place of jurisdiction

The provisions of German law apply to the transportation. All services are provided by Train4you exclusively under the stated conditions. If the transportation contract is concluded by a merchant in the context of his commercial business, the place of jurisdiction is exclusively Cologne.

14. Inquiry; Contact

Booking information:
Train4you Vertriebs GmbH
Kolumbastraße 5
50667 Cologne
E-mail: info@train4you.de
Tel.: 0221 800 20 820