How to return a train ticket

Is your vacation on hold or are you late for your train? In any of these cases, train tickets need to be (and can be) returned.

We've delved into the intricacies of online and counter-purchased tickets to share this information with you. Choo-choo!

How to return a train ticket?

Electronic

To do this, you need to go to the "Orders" section in your personal account and request a refund. It's important to double-check your personal email, where you will receive a response confirming the request, a letter with the calculation, and confirmation of consent for the refund. The deadline for applying is no later than one hour before the train departs from the passenger's departure station.

Purchased at the ticket office

A train ticket can also be returned at any ticket office officially approved by Russian Railways (RZD). This is especially true for cases where the train has already departed – it will not be possible to process a refund otherwise.

Only the person whose name is on the ticket can return it. You will need the control coupon or the electronic ticket number and the passport specified on the ticket (if you are processing a refund for a child, their birth certificate).

How to get a refund for a ticket before the train departs?

If you decided in advance that you need to process a refund and you definitely won't be going on a long tour, for example, a Trans-Siberian journey — great. This will allow you to receive the fullest possible refund amount.

The easiest way to do this is online. If you travel frequently, the most convenient option is to download all useful travel apps in advance — for example, RZD or Kupi.com. After installing them and logging into your personal account, you need to select the relevant ticket from your orders and request a refund. Usually, after responding to your request, the company sends funds through the bank, which are returned to your card within 30 days.

• if you process a refund no later than 24 hours before departure, you are entitled to a refund of the ticket price and the reserved seat price + the cost of service fees;
• if you process a refund less than 24 hours but no later than 6 hours before departure, you can receive the ticket price + 50% of the reserved seat price + the cost of service fees;
• if you process a refund less than 6 hours before and up to the train's departure, you will receive a refund only for the ticket price without the reserved seat price + the cost of service fees.

If you purchased tickets on the Kupi.com website, you need to write to customer support about your desire to make a return.

How to get a refund for a ticket when the train has already departed?

As we mentioned, you should immediately go to the RZD ticket office and be prepared that only a partial refund will be issued — for example, fees for meals or linen. Important: you must apply for a refund within 12 hours after the train's departure.

If missing the train was due to a valid reason (passenger illness or involvement in an accident), the company refunds the full ticket price, excluding only purchase and refund fees. You need to bring your main documents, a sick leave certificate or a medical certificate confirming the illness, and apply to the ticket office within five days.

Is it possible to get a full refund for a ticket?

The full amount is refunded only in certain cases:

• the trip was cancelled or delayed;
• you fell ill or were injured;
• you were not provided a seat in the carriage.

In other cases, service fees and service costs will be charged.

Non-refundable RZD fare

A "non-refundable" fare is non-refundable precisely because it does not provide for sending money back to the client for the ticket. The same rules apply to such a fare as for a full ticket refund — cancellation and delay of the trip, passenger illness, lack of a seat in the carriage.

Done! Now you definitely know a little more about train ticket refunds than other travelers and can confidently buy tickets to St. Petersburg, without worrying about an unfulfilled refund!