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    Does the bus company pay for meals or a hotel if a long-distance bus is cancelled?

    Assistance on long bus trips when things go wrong.

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    Short answer

    Your Europe says that when a long-distance service with a scheduled journey of more than three hours is cancelled, or its departure is delayed by more than 90 minutes, the company must give snacks, meals or refreshments in proportion to the waiting time. If you need to stay overnight, it must provide accommodation for up to two nights at a maximum of 80 euros per night, plus transport to and from the terminal. If severe weather or a natural disaster endangers safe operation, accommodation and transport costs are not covered.

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    Why

    1. The journey must be scheduled to last more than three hours.
    2. Accommodation is capped at 80 euros a night for two nights.
    3. Severe weather removes the right to accommodation.

    Details

    The meals rule applies when departure is delayed by more than 90 minutes.

    Tip

    In winter, ask the driver or the company what they offer before you book a hotel yourself.

    What may differ

    Your Europe says the rights apply to regular services with a scheduled distance of 250 km or more.

    Common misconception

    The bus company always pays for a hotel if your bus is cancelled.

    What actually happens

    Hotel costs are not covered when severe weather is the cause.

    People also ask

    • Can you get compensation for a cancelled long-distance bus?
    • How long do you have to complain about a bus journey in the EU?
    • Do express buses stop at every stop?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Passenger rights depend on the airline, route and situation, so check Your Europe or the European Consumer Centre.

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