Showers on Amtrak are one of the best perks of traveling in a sleeping car. Your accommodation class determines everything: whether you have access to a private shower or a shared shower, or whether you need to come up with freshening-up strategies as a coach-class passenger.
This guide covers shower locations and controls, Amtrak’s amenities, what to pack, and etiquette to help keep the facilities running smoothly for everyone. Ready to shower while traveling at 79 mph?
Can coach passengers use the showers on Amtrak?
As the intro mentions, Amtrak coach passengers don’t have access to showers, but there are plenty of ways to freshen up during their journey.
Although not luxurious, coach-class bathrooms are convenient for washing up and changing. Sizes vary, with some smaller than others.
Every long-distance coach bathroom features a sink with potable (drinkable) water, making it ideal for brushing your teeth or freshening up. You’ll also find hand soap, paper towels, and a grooming outlet.
Experienced travelers know that packing essential items greatly improves their trips.
A small pack of wet wipes can help you clean your tray table and freshen up quickly. Another excellent option is a refillable travel soap bottle. It’s versatile and highly effective; a small amount is enough to help you feel refreshed.
Additionally, a refillable travel bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap is also a great choice. It’s effective and requires only a small amount to help you feel refreshed.
How to Freshen Up in Amtrak Coach Class
When freshening up on the train, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Consider the needs of others. Limit your time in the restroom during peak hours. Being an early riser helps me finish before the rush starts.
- Toilets are not trash cans. Flushable wipes may be advertised as safe for toilets, but they should be thrown away in the trash, not flushed.
- A clogged toilet can disrupt the plumbing system, making restrooms unusable for the journey.
- Please report any issues. If the trash bin is full or there are restroom issues, please inform the car attendant or conductor so they can address them promptly.
A helpful tip: If one restroom is occupied, consider using another restroom in a different car.
I always aim to leave the restroom as clean as or even cleaner than I found it. Taking a moment to pick up a stray paper towel or wipe down the sink takes little effort. If everyone makes an effort, we can all enjoy cleaner facilities together.
Showers in Amtrak sleeping cars
All sleeping car passengers have access to a shower during their journey.
- If you stay in a roomette, family room, or Superliner-accessible room, you will share a shower with an attached dressing area in the car.
- Passengers in bedrooms and Viewliner-accessible rooms have a private shower, shared only with their travel companion.
What amenities does Amtrak offer to passengers who wish to shower?
Amtrak provides passengers with bars of soap or liquid soap, shampoo, washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels for showers. If needed, they also offer lotion.
The showers have handles for stability, often include a seat, and feature showerheads attached to hoses for added convenience.
Where can you find showers aboard Amtrak trains?
Shower locations depend on the train you are on and your accommodations.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms feature an en suite shower/restroom; they are compact yet efficient.
Amtrak accessible room
Viewliner-accessible rooms have an en-suite shower.
Although Superliner-accessible rooms do not have showers, one is nearby, down the hallway on the left, just past the restrooms.
Viewliner roomettes
A shower is available in the roomette hallway near the exit. If you are in a dorm baggage car, such as on the Cardinal, the shower is located in the middle of the car, near the door leading to the baggage area.
Superliner cars (two-story cars)
The shower is on the lower level, opposite the vestibule from the stairs. In the accessible room, the first door on the right is the accessible room.
Viewliner (Single level)
The shower is located at the end of the car and the end of the roomette hallway.
How To Operate The Showers On Amtrak
Operating an Amtrak shower is straightforward once you’re familiar with the controls; however, the setup can vary by train car.
- Getting Started: Most older Amtrak showers feature a two-part control system. The top button starts the water, while the bottom knob adjusts the temperature. New showers don’t have the button, and some older showers have a stuck button; this isn’t a problem.
- Using the Shower:
- Press the top button to start the flow. You may need to press it periodically to keep the water running, especially when washing your hair.
- Turn the temperature knob clockwise for hot water.
- If the timer button (often located at the top) is stuck, press it again to release it.
- Finishing Up: Once done, turn the temperature knob to the left to ensure that the water is completely off, even if the system shuts off automatically.
- Safety Considerations: Trains sway, so if you’re concerned about balance, sit on the bench (if available) or wait for a station stop to shower when the train is stationary.
Tips for a Great Shower on Amtrak
- Check for clean towels before showering. If supplies are low, ask the car attendant to replenish them.
- Inform the car attendant if you use the last of something. Your room usually has extra hand towels and washcloths.
- Enjoy your shower, but please keep it short. The train has limited water reserves, and the shower water drains directly onto the tracks.
This advice comes from my personal experience. I have sometimes had to improvise when supplies were missing, so it’s always good to double-check before starting your shower.
Frequently Asked Questions About Showers on Amtrak
Q: Do Amtrak trains have showers?
A: All of Amtrak’s long-distance trains, except for the Palmetto, have showers, but access to these facilities depends on your accommodation class. Passengers traveling in sleeping cars have access to showers, while coach passengers do not. Regional trains, such as the Hiawatha or Northeast Regional, do not have showers.
Q: Can coach passengers use the showers on Amtrak?
A: Showers on Amtrak are only available for sleeping car passengers. Coach passengers can freshen up in the restrooms, which feature sinks with potable water, hand soap, and paper towels.
Q: Do Amtrak roomettes have private showers?
A: Roomette passengers do not have access to a private shower. Instead, they share a shower room with other passengers in the same sleeping car. The shower facilities feature a small dressing area and are located on the lower level of Superliner cars or at the end of the hallway in Viewliner cars.
Q: Which Amtrak rooms have a private shower?
A: Amtrak bedrooms and Viewliner-accessible rooms feature a private en suite shower, which is shared only with your travel companion. In contrast, Superliner-accessible rooms do not include a private shower; however, a shared shower is conveniently located nearby in the car.
Q: Do Amtrak showers have grab bars?
A: All Amtrak showers are equipped with grab bars for stability, which is useful because trains sway during motion. Many cars also have a shower seat, allowing passengers to sit while showering if needed.
Q: Does Amtrak provide towels and toiletries for showers?
A: Amtrak offers soap, shampoo, washcloths, hand towels, bath towels, and lotion. However, supplies may run low on busy trains, so check before showering and ask your car attendant to restock if needed.
Q: Does Amtrak have hair dryers in the showers?
A: No. Amtrak does not provide hair dryers, curling irons, or other styling tools. If you need one, pack your own. Most shower rooms and bedrooms have an outlet that you can use.
Etiquette For Showers On Amtrak
Here are some guidelines for enhancing the Amtrak shower experience for you and your fellow travelers on the train:
- Enjoy your shower, but please keep it brief to conserve water and ensure others have enough hot water. The train has limited water reserves.
- Place a hand towel in front of the shower door to prevent water from spilling out, especially when the train is moving.
- After your shower, put all used towels and washcloths in the designated bag or bin.
- Leave the shower clean for the next person.
- Be careful not to accidentally put your clothing or personal items in the designated towel bag. Amtrak may wash them, but they cannot return them to you.
- If supplies are running low, tell the car attendant so they can address the issue.
- Before leaving, ensure you have all your belongings.
Wear something appropriate for and out of the shower; a towel is not.
What to Bring to Use Showers on Amtrak
If you plan to shower during your Amtrak trip, packing a few smart items can make the experience cleaner and more comfortable. Here’s what seasoned travelers (including me!) recommend:
1. Water Shoes or Shower Sandals (optional)
Train showers are cleaned regularly, but water shoes or flip-flops add extra comfort and hygiene, like in a gym or hostel.
2. Toiletry Bag
A well-organized toiletry bag makes all the difference. I use a clear, TSA-compliant 3-1-1 bag that resembles a pencil case. It’s compact and keeps my essentials within easy reach.
3. Hair Dryers and Styling Tools (optional)
Amtrak doesn’t provide hair dryers, curling irons, or similar grooming tools, so pack yours if you need them.
4. Dr. Bronner’s All-One Soap (Kev’s Pick!)
This soap is popular among travelers because it is eco-friendly, highly concentrated (a small amount is sufficient), and versatile, suitable for use as a body wash, shampoo, laundry soap, or shaving cream.
Bonus tip from Kev: I keep a small, refillable squeeze bottle in my bag. The peppermint version is especially refreshing and energizing for morning showers on the rails!
Wrap-Up for Showers on Amtrak
I hope this information prepares you for your next Amtrak adventure. The shower styles vary by car’s vintage, but they all operate similarly.
Showering on Amtrak will be refreshing, and your fellow travelers will appreciate it. I find it fun, and who doesn’t like showering while traveling at 79 mph (in some areas, even faster)?
Safe travels!
Kev
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Kev
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I’m excited to take my first overnight train trip and wanted to know what to expect with a roomette. These articles and tips you’ve put together are really helpful, thank you.
Awesome! I am glad that I could help!
Safe Travels!
Kev
Thanks re showers. Are there Grab Bars in showers?
From what I remember, they do. The newer cars and rebuilt cars often have a bench as well.
Save Travels,
Kev