Worth knowing before you complain about your control charge

The self-service principle and your responsibility for having a valid ticket for the train

The handling of tickets in Danish public transport is based on a self-service principle.

There is free access to S-trains, long-distance trains and regional trains. This makes it easy for travelers to use the public transport. It also means that anyone can enter the train whether they have a ticket or not.

For you as a customer this means that you are the one responsible for having a valid ticket before entering the train. You can buy the ticket at the station e.g. in vending machines, 7-Eleven stores at the station, DSB Sales & Service offices or through SMS and the internet (DSB app or dsb.dk). If you are traveling using a Rejsekort/Travel Card be sure to check-in before you start your journey.

To secure ticket revenue and prevent cheating the ticket will be checked by a DSB employee on the train. If you do not have a valid ticket, DSB has a regulatory right and duty to charge a control fee. The control fee is DKK 750 and allows you to continue your journey with DSB. The control fee must be paid within 14 days.

If you have received a control fee you can complain to DSB's Customer Center. They will consider whether there are special circumstances which have prevented you from obtaining a valid ticket and consider whether the fee should be reduced or canceled. If you are not satisfied with the Customer Center's decision, you can have the case re-evaluated at DSB's Customer Ambassador.

Pay special attention to

All complaints are dealt with individually.,Be aware that common conditions such as forgetfulness, being in a hurry, many passengers on the platform or temporary residence in the validity of a commuter / period / youth card cannot release you from liability to have a valid ticket.

If you have an electronic ticket, you need to make sure that the ticket can be displayed - in line with all other types of tickets. Otherwise DSB is entitled to charge a control fee. This means e.g. that you must make sure that you have the phone where the ticket is located and that the phone is charged.

Read more about the 10 good travel advices