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We all like to stay fresh while traveling, and your Amtrak accommodations play a significant role in the options available to you. Passengers with sleeping accommodations have access to a shower throughout their journey—some accommodations, like bedrooms, even have private showers! Showers on Amtrak provide almost everything you need to stay clean and refreshed.

If you’re traveling in coach, showers aren’t available, but don’t worry—I’ve included tips to help you stay clean and comfortable while riding in coach class.

Whether your adventure lasts a few hours or several days, staying fresh can make a big difference in how you feel during the journey. It’s a small effort that is always worth it!

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?

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.

While not luxurious, the bathrooms in coach class are convenient spaces to wash up and change. Remember that their size can vary, with some being smaller than others.

Each long-distance coach bathroom includes a sink with potable (drinkable) water—perfect for brushing your teeth or freshening up. You’ll also find hand soap, paper towels, and an outlet for grooming.

Experienced travelers know that packing key items can make the trip more manageable.

For instance, a small package of wet or baby wipes can be invaluable for cleaning your seat tray tables and quickly freshening up. Another great option is a refillable travel bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap. It’s versatile and highly effective; you only need a small amount to 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:

• Be considerate of others. Avoid spending too much time in the restroom, especially during busy times. Being an early riser works to my advantage—I can get in and out before the rush starts.
• Toilets are not trash cans. Even flushable wipes should go in the garbage, not the toilet. A clogged toilet can impact the entire system, often leaving the restrooms unusable for the rest of the journey.
• Please report any issues. If the trash is overflowing or there’s an issue in the restroom, please inform the car attendant or conductor so they can resolve it quickly.

A helpful tip: If one restroom is in use, you can try one in another car.

Finally, I make it a habit to leave the restroom as clean as I found it—or cleaner. Picking up a stray paper towel or wiping around the sink only takes a moment, and if every passenger does their part, we all benefit from cleaner facilities.

Showers on Amtrak for sleeping car passengers

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’ll share a shower in the car with an attached dressing area.
• Passengers in bedrooms and Viewliner-accessible rooms enjoy a private shower, shared only with their travel companion.

What does Amtrak provide for passengers who want to shower?

Amtrak provides passengers with bar or soft soap, washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels for showers. On my latest trips, Amtrak has also started giving shampoo and lotion. 

The showers have handles for stability, often include a place to sit, and have showerheads attached to hoses for convenience.

Where are the showers located?

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

Bedrooms

It is compact yet efficient for those with a bedroom, shower, and small bathroom space.

Amtrak accessible room

Viewliner-accessible rooms have an en-suite shower.

Superliner-accessible rooms do not have showers; one is nearby, down the hallway on the left, just past the restrooms.

Viewliner roomettes

There is a shower in the roomette hallway near the exit. If you are in a dorm baggage car, such as on the Cardinal, the shower is in the middle of the car, close to 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. When looking at the accessible room, it should be the first door on the right.

Viewliner (Single level)

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

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 depending on the 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 do not have the button, and some older showers have the button stuck, which is not bad.
• Using the Shower:
  1. 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.
  2. Turn the temperature knob to the right for hot water.
  3. If the timer button (often on top) sticks, 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, consider sitting on the bench (if available) or waiting for a station stop to shower when the train is stationary.

Set Your Shower on Amtrak Up for Success!

1. Check for clean towels before showering. If supplies are low, ask the car attendant to replenish them.
2. Inform the car attendant if you use the last of something. Your room usually has extra hand towels and washcloths.
3. Note that the drain water from Amtrak showers goes directly onto the tracks.

This advice comes from my personal experience. I’ve sometimes had to improvise when supplies were missing, so it’s always good to double-check before starting your shower.

Etiquette For Showers On Amtrak

Here are some guidelines for enhancing the shower experience for you and your fellow travelers on the train:

1. Enjoy your shower, but keep it short to save water and ensure enough hot water for others. The train has limited water reserves.
2. Place a hand towel in front of the outside of the shower door to prevent water from spilling out, especially when the train is moving.
3. After your shower, put all used towels and washcloths in the designated bag or bin.
4. Leave the shower clean for the next person.
5. 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.
6. If the supplies are running low, inform the car attendant so that they can address the issue.
7. Before leaving, ensure you have all your belongings with you.

Wear something appropriate to and from the shower; a towel is not that.

Things You Can Bring to Use Showers on Amtrak

Some travelers recommend wearing water shoes or sandals in the shower for added comfort and hygiene.

To streamline your shower routine, consider using a well-organized toiletry bag. I prefer a TSA-compliant 3-1-1 bag that resembles a pencil case—it keeps everything neat and easy to access.

Amtrak doesn’t provide hair dryers or curling irons, so pack these items if needed. For more packing and travel tips, watch YouTube channels dedicated to tips on gender-specific grooming packing advice.

One product that seasoned travelers swear by is Dr. Bronner’s All-One Soap. This eco-friendly soap is made in the USA by a company committed to treating its employees fairly. A small, refillable squeeze bottle of Dr. Bronner’s goes a long way—just a drop or two is enough for most uses.

Here’s a bonus tip from Kev: Dr. Bronner’s is versatile! It’s perfect for personal hygiene, works as laundry detergent, and doubles as shaving cream. Plus, with refreshing fragrances like peppermint, it’s a great way to start your day feeling clean and energized.

Wrap-Up for Showers on Amtrak

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

Showering on Amtrak will be refreshing, and your fellow travelers will thank you for doing so. 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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