How long do you have to complain to a ferry company in the EU?
Complaint deadlines under the EU ship rules.
Short answer
Your Europe says you must submit a complaint to the carrier or terminal operator within two months of the date the service was performed or should have been performed. The carrier must react within one month and give you a final reply no more than two months after it received the complaint. These deadlines are shorter than for long-distance buses, where you have three months to complain.
Why
- Complain within two months of the service.
- The carrier must react within one month.
- The final reply comes within two months.
Details
For luggage and vehicle damage there is a separate 15-day notice deadline, according to Your Europe.
Tip
Attach your booking number, times and photos to the complaint.
What may differ
Your Europe last checked the ship rights page on 15 September 2026.
Common misconception
Ferry complaints have the same deadline as bus complaints.
What actually happens
Ferries have two months, long-distance buses three.
People also ask
- How long do you have to claim for luggage damaged on a ferry?
- How long do you have to complain about a bus journey in the EU?
- Where does the ferry to Stockholm leave from in Helsinki?
Sources
- Your Europe: Ship passenger rightsChecked at:
- Your Europe: Bus and coach passenger rightsChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Passenger rights depend on the airline, route and situation, so check Your Europe or the European Consumer Centre.
Transport, roads, car rentalRelated questions
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Can you get assistance at Kamppi bus station if you have reduced mobility?
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Can you store luggage at Kamppi bus station in Helsinki?
The Kamppi Centre says the long-distance transport terminal is open 24/7 and that you can leave luggage for short or long periods in the 24/7 storage.
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Where do long-distance buses leave from in Helsinki?
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How do you get to Vuosaari Harbour in Helsinki by public transport?
Port of Helsinki says the Hansa Terminal is in Vuosaari Harbour, about 3 kilometres from the nearest metro station, Vuosaari.