Last Updated: October 2025
Planning your first overnight Amtrak journey in a roomette? The bathroom situation is probably one of your biggest questions. Here’s the straight answer: most Amtrak roomettes don’t have toilets anymore, but the bathrooms are just steps away in your sleeper car.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about using the restroom on Amtrak trains when you book a roomette.
Key Takeaways
✓ Modern Superliner and Viewliner II roomettes don’t include in-room toilets
✓ Shared bathrooms are located at both ends of your sleeper car
✓ Older Viewliner I roomettes (still on some routes) have toilets and sinks
✓ You’ll have 24/7 access to clean, private bathroom facilities
✓ Each sleeper car has 3-4 restrooms exclusively for sleeping car passengers
✓ Accessible bedrooms include private bathroom facilities
Do Amtrak Roomettes Have Toilets?
Short answer: Not anymore in most cases.
When Amtrak first introduced roomettes decades ago, many included compact toilets that folded into the wall. But here’s what changed: passenger feedback consistently showed that people preferred having a few steps to a proper bathroom rather than using a tiny toilet right next to where they sleep.
Current Roomette Bathroom Setup
Superliner Roomettes (used on Western and some Central routes):
- No in-room toilet
- No in-room sink
- Shared restrooms at each end of the car
- Shower rooms on the lower level
Viewliner II Roomettes (used on Eastern routes):
- No in-room toilet
- In-room sink with storage
- Shared restrooms and showers nearby
Viewliner I Roomettes (being phased out):
- In-room toilet and sink
- Still found on some Eastern routes
- Being replaced by Viewliner II cars
Where Are the Bathrooms in Amtrak Sleeper Cars?
You won’t have to go far. Every sleeping car has dedicated restroom facilities for roomette passengers.
Bathroom Locations by Car Type
| Train Type | Restrooms Per Car | Shower Rooms | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superliner | 3-4 restrooms | 1 downstairs | Both ends of car + lower level |
| Viewliner II | 2-3 restrooms | 1 per car | Both ends of car |
| Viewliner I | In-room + shared | 1 per car | Varies by car |
What this means for you: From any roomette, you’re typically 15-30 feet from a bathroom. That’s about a 5-second walk down the hallway.
What Are the Shared Bathrooms Like?
I’ve traveled in Amtrak roomettes dozens of times, and honestly, the shared bathrooms are pretty decent. They’re much more spacious than what you’d find squeezed into an older roomette.
Shared Bathroom Features
Standard Restroom Includes:
- Full-size toilet
- Sink with hot and cold water
- Mirror
- Hooks for hanging clothes or bags
- Paper towels and soap dispensers
- Adequate lighting
- Ventilation fan
Shower Room Includes:
- Private shower stall with curtain
- Sink and mirror
- Toilet (in some configurations)
- Towels provided by Amtrak
- Shelf space for toiletries
- Adjustable shower head
The bathrooms are cleaned multiple times daily by the sleeping car attendant. I’ve found them well-maintained on most trips.
How to Use Amtrak Roomette Bathroom Facilities
During the Day
Walk down the hallway to either end of your car. The bathroom doors have indicator locks (red means occupied, silver/white means available). Just like airplane bathrooms, you lock the door from inside.
Pro tip: Bring a small toiletry bag you can easily carry back and forth. The bathrooms have a small shelf, but I like keeping my stuff in my roomette.
At Night
This is where people get anxious. What if you need to use the bathroom at 2 AM?
Here’s the reality: You’ll need to get dressed enough to step into the hallway (think comfortable loungewear, not pajamas that are too revealing). Most experienced Amtrak travelers keep a robe or sweatpants handy.
The hallway lights stay dimmed at night, and honestly, you’re not the only person making bathroom trips. It’s normal, and nobody thinks twice about it.
Amtrak Roomette vs Bedroom: Bathroom Comparison
If having a private bathroom is non-negotiable for you, consider upgrading to a bedroom.
| Feature | Roomette | Bedroom | Accessible Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Toilet | ❌ (most) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Private Sink | Some models | ✅ | ✅ |
| Private Shower | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price | $ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Space | 2 seats/2 beds | Larger suite | Largest suite |
| Best For | Budget travelers, couples | Families, privacy seekers | Wheelchair users, extra space |
Price difference: Bedrooms typically cost 2-3 times more than roomettes. For a 2-night trip from Chicago to San Francisco, expect roomettes around $800-1,200 vs bedrooms at $1,800-3,000 (prices vary by season).
Which Amtrak Routes Still Have Roomettes with Toilets?
If you specifically want an in-room toilet, you’ll need to book an older Viewliner I car. These are gradually being retired, but you might still find them on:
Routes with Possible Viewliner I Cars:
- Silver Service (Silver Star, Silver Meteor)
- Cardinal
- Crescent
- Lake Shore Limited
Important: Amtrak doesn’t let you choose between Viewliner I and II when booking. You’re assigned whichever equipment is operating your train that day. If having an in-room toilet matters that much, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL and ask which equipment is scheduled for your specific train.
Tips for Using Shared Bathrooms in Amtrak Roomettes
From someone who’s done this many times, here’s what actually helps:
Before Your Trip
Pack a bathroom bag with:
- Toiletries in TSA-friendly containers
- Flip-flops or slippers for shower
- Quick-dry towel (Amtrak provides towels, but I like having my own)
- Robe or comfortable cover-up
- Small flashlight (hallways can be dark)
During Your Trip
Timing matters: The bathrooms are least busy during meal times when people are in the dining car. If you want a leisurely shower, that’s your window.
Nighttime bathroom trips: Keep a small bag by your bed with essentials. Slip on shoes, grab your key card, and go. Lock your roomette door behind you.
Shower scheduling: Your attendant can tell you when the showers are quieter. Morning rush is 7-9 AM; evening rush is 8-10 PM.
Be considerate: Keep bathroom visits reasonably quick, especially during busy times. Other passengers are waiting too.
Are Amtrak Roomette Bathrooms Clean?
In my experience, yes—most of the time. Your sleeping car attendant is responsible for cleaning bathrooms throughout the journey.
What to Expect
Cleanliness levels depend on:
- Length of journey (fresher at departure)
- Number of passengers
- Specific attendant’s diligence
- Time since last cleaning
Reality check: By day two of a three-day journey, bathrooms won’t be immaculate. They’re cleaned regularly, but they get steady use. I carry sanitizing wipes for peace of mind.
If you notice a bathroom that needs attention, politely let your car attendant know. They appreciate the heads-up.
Accessibility: Bathrooms for Passengers with Disabilities
Amtrak takes accessibility seriously in sleeping cars.
Accessible Bedroom Features
Includes:
- Private bathroom with toilet and sink
- Wheelchair-accessible shower with fold-down seat
- Grab bars throughout
- Roll-in shower in some configurations
- More floor space for maneuvering
Who can book: Anyone can reserve an accessible bedroom, but Amtrak prioritizes them for passengers who need accessibility features. If you have mobility concerns, mention this when booking.
Shared accessible facilities: Most sleeping cars also have at least one ADA-compliant shared restroom with grab bars and wider doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Modern Superliner and Viewliner II roomettes don’t have in-room toilets. Older Viewliner I roomettes (being phased out) do include a toilet and sink. All roomette passengers have access to shared bathrooms in their sleeper car.
Superliner sleeper cars have 3-4 restrooms plus one shower room on the lower level. Viewliner sleeper cars have 2-3 restrooms and one shower room. These facilities are exclusively for sleeping car passengers.
You cannot shower inside a roomette. However, every sleeper car has a dedicated shower room with complimentary toiletries and towels. You can reserve shower time through your car attendant or use it when available.
Book a Bedroom or Accessible Bedroom instead of a roomette. These accommodations include a private toilet, sink, and shower in your room. The upgrade costs significantly more but provides complete privacy.
Not really. Most passengers wear comfortable clothes like sweatpants, robes, or loungewear for nighttime bathroom trips. It’s completely normal, and the dimmed hallway lighting helps. Nobody’s judging—everyone’s in the same situation.
Your sleeper car attendant provides a key card for your roomette. Always lock your door when leaving, even for quick bathroom trips. Keep your key card with you.
Yes, completely. The shared bathrooms have locking doors and are designed for one person at a time. The indicator lock shows when they’re occupied.
Watch: Inside an Amtrak Roomette
This video walkthrough shows the exact roomette layout and where bathrooms are located
Final Thoughts: Is the Shared Bathroom Situation a Dealbreaker?
For most people, no. Once you’re on the train, the shared bathroom setup becomes second nature within a few hours. You’re not wandering through multiple train cars—everything you need is just steps from your door.
The trade-off is worth it for many travelers: roomettes cost significantly less than bedrooms, and you still get all the sleeping car perks (comfortable bed, meals included, exclusive lounge access). You’re just taking a short walk to a proper bathroom instead of using a cramped in-room toilet.
That said, if privacy is extremely important to you, or if you have mobility issues that make hallway trips difficult, invest in a bedroom. Your comfort matters, especially on overnight journeys.
Planning Your Amtrak Roomette Journey
Ready to book? Visit Amtrak.com to check roomette availability on your route. Book early—roomettes sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Questions about specific routes? Check out our complete guides:
Still have questions about Amtrak roomettes and bathrooms? Drop a comment below, and I’ll answer based on my experience riding these trains across the country.
Have you traveled in an Amtrak roomette? Share your bathroom experience and tips in the comments below!