Showers on Amtrak
Showers on Amtrak

Showers On Amtrak: How to stay fresh on the train

Passengers with Amtrak sleeping accommodations, or rooms, have access to a shower throughout their journey, and some accommodations even have them in the room! The showers on Amtrak provide almost everything you need to get squeaky clean!

Coach passengers do not have access to showers on Amtrak trains, but I have included tips for keeping clean while traveling the rails!

Taking a shower at 79 miles per hour (or more) can be fun!

Kev of Travels with Kev

Can Coach Passengers Use Showers On Amtrak?

Amtrak Superliner coach seats
Amtrak Superliner lower-level coach seating (Photo courtesy of Amtrak.com)

As mentioned in the introduction, unfortunately, Amtrak coach passengers do not have access to showers. However, there are several ways to freshen up for the day.

While not the most glamorous, the bathrooms are a great place to freshen up and change, but some are tighter than others.

Each long-distance coach bathroom has a sink with potable (drinkable) water for brushing teeth, hand soap and paper towels, and an outlet for shaving or other grooming gear you may need.

Those of us who have traveled for a while know there are a few things you can pack to make your trip more manageable.

One of those things is a small package of wet or baby wipes. They are handy because they can clean up tray tables and help you feel fresh in a flash. Another option is a small refillable travel bottle of Dr. Bronner soap, which works well, and a little goes a long way.

How To Freshen Up In Amtrak Coach Class

One style of an Amtrak Superliner bathroom

When freshening up, there are a few things to remember. Most importantly, be courteous to others and try not to take too long, especially during peak hours.

It is essential not to use toilets as trash cans. Even flushable wipes should be thrown in the garbage, not flushed.

If the trash can is full; let the car attendant or conductor know.

A side note about restrooms on the train: if the ones in your car are full, you can use the bathroom in another coach car.

After using the restroom, I make sure to leave it as clean or cleaner than I found it. It only takes a second to pick up paper towels or tidy up around the sink, and if we all do our part, we all benefit.

Showers on Amtrak for sleeping car passengers

Amtrak sleeper car exterior view.

Here is the dirt you came for!

What does Amtrak provide for showers?

Amtrak provides:

  • Bar or soft soap
  • Washcloths, hand and bath towels.

You are welcome to bring your own soaps or shampoos if you prefer specific brands or need special toiletries.

Where are the showers located?

The location of showers depends on the type of train you are on and your accommodation.

Bedrooms

If you have a bedroom, your shower is in your room; there is a small bathroom space. It is compact but efficient.

Amtrak accessible room

Amtrak Bedroom Bathroom
The shower and toilet room on an Amtrak bedroom

Viewliner-accessible rooms have a shower ensuite.

Superliner Accessible rooms do not have a shower in the room, but there is one not far from your room.

Viewliner roomettes

There is a shower at the end of the roomette hallway, by one of the exits. If you are in a dorm baggage car, like on the Cardinal, the shower is in the middle of the car by the door to the baggage area.

Superliner cars (two store cars)

The shower is on the lower lever, the opposite side of the vestibule from the stairs; if you look at the accessible room, it should be the first door on the right.

Superliner Sleeper
The layout of a Superliner Sleeper Car.

Viewliner (Single level)

The shower is at the end of the car, the roomette hallway’s end.

Amtrak Viewliner 1 Sleeper
A look at the layout of an Amtrak Viewliner Sleeper car.

How To Operate The Showers On Amtrak

Shower instruction
Shower instruction

Operating the showers is not hard once you get used to them, but often, it is a two-part process. The showers have handles and usually a place to sit for stability, and the shower head is on a hose.

A view of the controls from on of the showers on Amtrak
Amtrak shower controls, the top button starts the water flowing, and the bottom controls temperature.

Depending on the car’s vintage, either you turn the knob and go, like at home, or the newer systems have a two-valve system.

To start the shower, turn the temperature knob to the right, especially for hot showers, and press the button (sometimes it gets stuck on); check the photo, the timer button is on the top.

The order is not essential, but you only need to adjust the water temp if the timer button is stuck.

You can keep hitting the start button when showering to keep the water flowing; this is important to do right before washing your hair!

When you finish cleaning yourself, turn the temp handle to the left till the water turns off. I do this even if the water shuts off on me.

Remember that trains sway, so if you have balance issues, you may want to sit while showering or wait for a fresh air stop when the train is not moving.

Set Your Shower on Amtrak Up For Success!

Here is some advice from this experienced traveler, ensure clean towels are available before showering! I know of a traveler who made that mistake. There are often extra hand towels and washrags in your room, if you need those.

If supplies are out, like fresh towels, talk to the car attendant so they can fill them, and if you take the last of something, be nice and let the car attendant know; the next person will thank you.

Fun shower note: the drain water from the Amtrak showers goes directly onto the tracks.

Etiquette For Showers On Amtrak

These are not Amtrak’s rules, but what I follow to improve the shower experience for fellow travelers.

Amtrak Viewliner II shower
Amtrak Viewliner II shower
  • Keep your showers as short as you can.
    • Saving water helps the environment and ensures there is hot water for others.
    • While the train does have a few water stops, these cars only hold so much water.
  • A hand towel in front of the outside of the shower door prevents water from going all over, especially when you step out or over rough tracks.
    • It also catches the water that drips off you when you get out of the shower.
  • Put all soiled towels and washcloths in the bag (often red) or the bin if there is one.
  • Leave a clean shower if you want to come into a clean one.
  • Ensure you do not accidentally put your clothing (or anything else) in that bag; while it may get washed, your things will most likely not get returned.
  • If supplies become low, let the car attendant know so they can address the issues.
  • Before leaving, make sure you have everything you bring with you.

What To Bring To Use Showers On Amtrak

Dr Bronner's Soap
Dr. Bronner’s All-One Soap

Some people suggest wearing water shoes or sandals when you shower.

If you bring soap or shampoo, a good toiletry bag will make your trip to the shower more manageable and efficient. I do not carry much as I travel, so my toiletry bag is a TSA-compatible 3-1-1 bag that looks like a pencil bag.

Amtrak does not provide hairdryers or curling irons; if you need them, pack them. Several great YouTube channels cover the topic with great suggestions.

Many experienced travelers use refillable squeeze bottles filled with Dr. Broners All-One Soap. This soap is environmentally friendly, plus the company treats its employees well and manufactures it in the USA! I found a squeeze bottle works best.

Another Kev’s travel tip: Dr. Broner’s soap works well for washing my clothes and me; plus, it can work as shaving cream. It comes in a few fragrances; the peppermint works well for clearing your head in the morning.

Wrap-Up For Showers On Amtrak

I hope this information prepares you for your next Amtrak adventure. Shower styles vary depending on the car’s vintage, but they all operate similarly.

Taking a shower on Amtrak will be refreshing, and your fellow travelers will thank you for doing so. I find it fun, and who doesn’t like the idea of showering down the tracks at 79 mph (in some areas, even faster)?

Safe travels!

Kev

Would you like train travel info in your inbox?

Consider joining the Travel with Kev email list for Amtrak travel info, tips, and tricks.

Here is the latest email!

08272020 05032023

Kevin Monteith

Kev Monteith has been traveling on Amtrak since 2012. With over a decade of experience, he has been on over 800 trains, covering over 200k miles of rail. Kev enjoys helping others achieve their travel dreams by providing support and information. Outside of travel, Kev enjoys making music as an organist and outings with family.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Jen

    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.

    1. Awesome! I am glad that I could help!
      Safe Travels!
      Kev

  2. stu

    Thanks re showers. Are there Grab Bars in showers?

    1. From what I remember, they do. The newer cars and rebuilt cars often have a bench as well.

      Save Travels,
      Kev

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.