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How to Complain to Northern
Northern says its customer relations team takes complaints by phone, email, an online contact form or post, and staff at stations and on trains can also help. It states it acknowledges email and web complaints within 2 hours and aims to resolve complaints within 10 to 20 working days. If it is not put right, you can take it to Rail Ombudsman.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Complaining to Northern
How to Complain
Northern says its customer relations team takes complaints by phone, email, an online contact form or post, and staff at stations and on trains can also help. It states it acknowledges email and web complaints within 2 hours and aims to resolve complaints within 10 to 20 working days. source
When You Can Escalate
Once you have a final (deadlock) response, or if the complaint is not resolved within 40 working days of receipt, provided no more than 12 months have passed since the final response Scheme: Rail Ombudsman. source
Claiming Delay Repay
What Delay Repay Is
Most train companies run Delay Repay: you can claim compensation when your train reaches your destination late. Many start at 15 minutes, but the threshold and rules are set by each company, so check the one that ran your train. source
How Much You Get
As Great Western Railway states it: 15 to 29 minutes late, 25% of a single or season ticket and 12.5% of a return; 30 to 59 minutes, 50% of a single and 25% of a return; 60 to 119 minutes, 100% of a single and 50% of a return; 120 minutes or more, 100% of a single or return and 200% of a season ticket. Other companies' figures may differ. source
Tickets That Count
Tickets that count usually include singles, returns, season tickets (weekly, monthly, annual and flexi), carnets, smartcards and eTickets. Check your company's list. source
How to Claim
You claim from the train company that ran the delayed train, normally online with proof of your journey. Great Western Railway says late claims are typically rejected, so claim quickly. source
How You Are Paid
Compensation can usually be paid by bank transfer, card, cheque, voucher or a charity donation. Paper claims at staffed stations are often limited to cheques or vouchers. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 40 working daysGo to Rail OmbudsmanOr sooner if Northern sends a final (deadlock) response
- 15 minutesDelay needed to start a Delay Repay claimOften 15 minutes late at your destination; some companies differ, so check yours
- 28 daysClaim Delay RepayTypically within 28 days of the delay; late claims are usually rejected
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Gather your evidence: order, account or booking number, dates, receipts, screenshots, emails and notes of calls.
Step 2 of 5
Complain to Northern in writing using the route below, and ask for a complaint reference. Say what went wrong, what you want, and by when (14 days is reasonable). Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Keep a record of every contact: dates, names and reference numbers. Use email or a form where you can, so you have proof.
Step 4 of 5
If you are not getting anywhere, ask for a final response in writing.
Step 5 of 5
If it is still not put right, take it to Rail Ombudsman.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies. All are free.
Northern Complaints
Always start here, in writing.
Rail Ombudsman
After 40 working days, or when you get a final (deadlock) response.
Northern Compensation or Delay Claims
The official page from Northern.
Your Card Provider
If you paid by card, Section 75 (credit card) or chargeback (debit card) may help.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice. It can pass a report to Trading Standards.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep your ticket, booking confirmation and a note of the train times affected.
Most train companies run a “Delay Repay” scheme that pays compensation for delays over a set length. Check your operator’s own page for the delay length and how long you have to claim.
If the train company is covered by the Rail Ombudsman (see the section above), you can take an unresolved complaint there once the company has had the chance to deal with it.
Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not connected to Northern. This guide uses information published by Northern and the schemes named here. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- northernrailway.co.uk/sites/default/files/2023-03/Complaints%20Procedure%20March%202023.pdf Checked 4 October 2026
- railombudsman.org/en/serviceproviders Checked 4 October 2026
- gwr.com/help-and-support/refunds-and-compensation/delay-repay Checked 12 October 2026
- northernrailway.co.uk/sites/default/files/2025-06/Delay%20Repay%20Form%20v1.2.pdf Checked 4 October 2026