diff --git a/lib/inspec/backend.rb b/lib/inspec/backend.rb
index d63edd1df..7f103c02b 100644
--- a/lib/inspec/backend.rb
+++ b/lib/inspec/backend.rb
@@ -37,6 +37,11 @@ module Inspec
       end
 
       cls.new
+
+    rescue Train::ClientError => e
+      raise "Client error, can't connect to '#{name}' backend: #{e.message}"
+    rescue Train::TransportError => e
+      raise "Transport error, can't connect to '#{name}' backend: #{e.message}"
     end
   end
 end