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Passengers with Amtrak sleeping accommodations have access to a shower throughout their journey; some accommodations, like bedrooms, have showers in the room! The showers on Amtrak provide almost everything you need to stay clean.

Coach passengers cannot access showers on Amtrak trains, but I have included tips in this article for staying clean while traveling in coach class!

Depending on your adventure, you may travel for hours or days. A few things make you feel clean and pleasant to be around. It is always a welcome choice.

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 mentioned in the introduction, Amtrak coach passengers cannot access showers. However, there are several ways to freshen up for the day.

Although not luxurious, the bathrooms are convenient places to freshen up and change, though some may be smaller than others.

Each long-distance coach bathroom has a sink providing potable (drinkable) water for brushing teeth or drinking, hand soap and paper towels, and an outlet for shaving or other grooming needs.

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

One of these items is a small package of wet or baby wipes, helpful in cleaning tray tables and helping you feel fresh quickly. Another option is a small refillable travel bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap, which is effective and requires only a tiny amount.

How To Freshen Up In Amtrak Coach Class

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. That is one advantage I have as an early riser; I can get in and out before things get busy.

Toilets are not trash cans. Even flushable wipes should be thrown in the garbage, not flushed. If a toilet gets clogged, it could affect all the other toilets. If they go out, often they are out for the rest of the journey.

Let the car attendant or conductor know if the trash can has filled up. 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 leave it as clean as I found it, if not cleaner. 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

All sleeping car passengers have access to a shower. Those in roomettes, family rooms, or Superliner-accessible rooms share a shower with an attached dressing room.

Passengers in any bedroom or Viewliner-accessible room have a private shower, which they do not have to share with anyone except their travel buddy.

What does Amtrak provide passengers for showers?

Amtrak provides passengers with bar or soft soap, washcloths, hand towels, and bath towels for showers. However, you can bring your soaps and shampoos if you prefer specific brands or need special toiletries.

The showers come equipped with handles for stability, often include a place to sit, and have shower heads attached to hoses for convenience.

Where are the showers located?

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

Bedrooms

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

Amtrak accessible room

Viewliner-accessible rooms have an ensuite shower.

Superliner Accessible rooms do not have showers, but 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 store cars)

The shower is on the lower level, on the opposite side of 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, the roomette hallway’s end.

How To Operate The Showers On Amtrak

Operating the showers on Amtrak is easy once you get used to them, but often, it involves a two-part process.

Amtrak shower controls usually have a top button to start the water flow and a bottom knob that controls temperature. Depending on the car’s vintage, you may encounter different systems. In older cars, you turn the knob and go, like at home. Newer systems often have a two-valve setup.

To start the shower, turn the temperature knob to the right (especially for hot water) and press the start button. Sometimes, the button may get stuck; refer to the photo for the timer button, which is typically on top.

The order in which you press the buttons isn’t crucial, but you only need to adjust the water temperature if the timer button gets stuck. Keep pressing the start button while showering to maintain water flow, which is especially important before washing your hair.

When you finish showering, turn the temperature handle to the left until the water stops. I recommend doing this even if the water shuts off automatically.

Remember that trains sway. If you have balance issues, consider sitting while showering or waiting for a fresh air stop 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. Keep your showers as short as possible 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 they can address the issue.
7. Before leaving, ensure you have all your belongings with you.

Things you can bring to use showers on Amtrak

Some travelers suggest wearing water shoes or sandals in the shower to make the experience more comfortable. Also, having a well-organized toiletry bag enhances your shower routine. I like to keep things simple using a TSA-compatible 3-1-1 bag resembling a pencil case.

Amtrak doesn’t provide hairdryers or curling irons, so pack these items if needed. You can also find some excellent travel advice on YouTube channels dedicated to travel tips.

Many seasoned travelers love using refillable squeeze bottles filled with Dr. Bronner’s All-One Soap. Not only is this soap environmentally friendly, but the company also values the fair treatment of its employees and manufactures its products in the USA. A squeeze bottle is the most convenient option, lasting a while. A drop or two will go a long way,

Here’s another travel tip from Kev: Dr. Bronner’s soap is great for personal hygiene—it also doubles as laundry detergent and shaving cream. Plus, with various fragrances available, like peppermint, it’s perfect for starting your day feeling refreshed.

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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