Do long distance trains have toilets?

Do long distance trains have bathrooms?

Bathrooms…on trains. Ah, the rhythmic clatter, a lullaby of rails. Long distance, yes. Long distance trains always offer a porcelain throne, a ceramic sanctuary.

Local trains, city-bound, a fleeting ride. No need for such amenities, a quick dash, a speedy escape. But the long haul? A necessity. A porcelain dream amidst the steel.

Europe versus the US? A stark contrast, like old postcards fading in the attic light. European trains understand the bladder’s plight.

Bathrooms are located in each carriage. Usually found at the end of carriages. Sometimes even in the middle. What a relief!

All passenger trains? No, a cruel jest. Most passenger trains provide restroom facilities, a small respite from the endless journey. Almost all. Not all. Almost…a breath held, a silent prayer.

UK trains? A tapestry of tracks and toilets, woven through the rolling hills. Nearly all trains in the UK cater to urgent calls of nature.

• Long distance trains: Always.
• Local trains: No.
• European trains: Always.
• US trains: Not all.
• UK trains: Nearly all.

The train chugs, the landscape blurs. A tiny porcelain haven, a fleeting moment of privacy amidst the collective journey. A necessity, a comfort, a throne on wheels.

Is there a toilet on every train?

Ugh, toilets on trains. Right.

Are there toilets on all trains? No way. I mean, some do, most do… but all? Nope.

• Old trains: Think old rail lines. Like the one to Auntie Elsie’s (her birthday’s October 26th, gotta remember).

• Short trips: A quick hop; like London to Reading. Who needs a toilet for that? It’s practically next door, isn’t it?

Compartments with four toilets each? Seriously? Where did that come from? That is wild; my train trips are never THAT luxurious. One, maybe two, per carriage. Vestibule… what a fancy word.

Engineers. Where do they go? Good question. I guess they just have to hold it. Poor guys! Or maybe they have a super secret one. Heh.

• Staff toilets? They must exist, right? Probably really basic.
• Signal stops: A quick dash off the train. Risky!

Why don’t all trains have bathrooms? Space? Cost? Weight? All of the above? Plus, imagine the mess. Yikes.

Hygiene on trains is already suspect. Remember that guy on the 7:15 am to Paddington last week? Shudder.

• Maintenance nightmare: Think about cleaning all those train toilets. Double yikes.

Seriously though, if they made the toilets bigger, and cleaner that would make train travel a lot more pleasant. It’s really the only negative thing I can mention right now.

How do I know if theres a toilet on my train?

Train toilet. Check the app. Live departures. Arrivals too. Accessible ones listed. Baby changing. Should be there. Ugh, the crying babies on trains. Remember that trip to Glasgow? No changing table. Disaster. Needed wipes, like, a million. Packed way too light. Always forget something. Phone charger, book. Headphones definitely essential. Noise cancelling. This year, though, packing cubes. Game changer. Everything organized. Check the train company website too. Different apps for different companies. So annoying. National Rail Enquiries sometimes helps. Wait. Onboard crew. Duh. Just ask them. Simpler. They’ll know. Probably. The website probably has FAQs. Look for train specs. Sometimes they list amenities. Like wifi. Wish they all had wifi. The worst is a delayed train. No toilet, no wifi. Nightmare. Glasgow again. Delayed three hours. Ugh. At least there was a toilet then. This time, reserved a seat. Near the cafe car. Important. Close to the loo. Strategic. Should have brought snacks. Always hungry.

What are the overnight trains in Vietnam like?

Vietnam’s overnight trains: A gamble.

• Hard seats suck. Seriously. Avoid.
• Soft sleepers: Better, but expect cramped quarters. My 2023 trip: noisy.
• AC? Inconsistently effective. Pack layers.
• Food? Edible. Don’t expect gourmet.
• WiFi? Intermittent. Forget it.

Essential: Book well in advance, especially during peak season (November to April). My experience involved delays. Prepare for anything.

Are overnight trains comfortable?

Comfortable? Oh honey, sleeper trains are like a rolling, slightly juddering hug. A hug you paid for, mind you. Think of it as glamping—on rails.

They aim for relaxing. The reality? It’s more like a charming blend of nostalgic romance and “dear lord, is that the plumbing?”.

Imagine a very narrow, very long hotel room. That moves. And sings a lullaby of clanking metal. Well, sings might be too generous. Howl?

• Beds: Mostly adequate. I mean, you’re not winning any slumber awards, but beats an airline seat. Or sleeping on Aunt Mildred’s sofa. Definitely.
• Bedding: Questionable history, possibly. Hopefully laundered. Bring your own silk pajamas. Just kidding! Or am I?
• Toilets: Private? Luxury. Shared? Prepare for an adventure. Think early season “Survivor.”

And hey, waking up to a new landscape? Priceless. Or, you know, whatever they charged you for the ticket. It is what it is!

Think of it as a highly curated discomfort. They really try. Bless their hearts.

Pro-tip: Pack earplugs. And maybe a small bottle of something medicinal. Because, reasons.

How safe are overnight trains?

Woke up groggy. Prague to Krakow, 2023. July. Hot. Sweaty. My backpack jammed under the bunk. Stupid small compartment. Top bunk too. Felt like falling. Definitely didn’t sleep well.

Phone gone. Damn it. Should have put it inside the sleeping bag. Lesson learned. Nothing else taken, thankfully. Passport was in my money belt thing, wrapped around my waist. Awkward, but effective, ha.

• Prague to Krakow overnight train – not great for security. Too easy to reach up and grab stuff from the bottom bunk.
• Get a bottom bunk if possible. More control.
• Money belt essential. Even for sleeping.
• Compartments lock. But flimsy locks. A determined thief could get in.

The train itself felt safe enough. Saw a uniformed guard walking around once. But, yeah, phone gone. Reported it to the Polish police at Krakow Glowny station. Waste of time. Never saw it again. Still… Krakow was awesome.

• Police report? Probably pointless. But felt like I should do something.
• Krakow Glowny station – chaotic. Long lines. Hot.
• July in Eastern Europe – bring water!

So, overnight trains. Mixed bag. Get there. Just… be smart. About your stuff.

How do I prepare for a night train?

Pack light. A smaller bag means easier navigation. Especially in tight corridors. I once took a giant suitcase. Never again. Consider a backpack.

Earplugs are essential. Trains are noisy beasts. Even with a sleeper cabin. Snoring happens. Metal groans. I like the silicone ones.

Comfortable clothes are key. Think pajamas. Loose-fitting. Breathable fabrics. What’s the point of a sleeper cabin if you’re not comfy?

Bring snacks. While you can order food…it’s nice to have options. Especially late-night cravings. I always pack some dark chocolate. A small indulgence.

• Eye mask: Blocks out unexpected light. Hallway lights. Early morning sun. Essential for good sleep.

• Water bottle: Hydration is important. Especially in dry train air. Refill at the station.

• Small toiletries kit: Toothbrush. Face wipes. Feels refreshing in the morning.

• Book/e-reader: Something to do before sleep. Or if you wake up early. Helps pass the time. I am currently reading The Power of Habit. Fascinating stuff.

• Charger: Phones die. Keep it topped up. For entertainment. For emergencies.

• Slippers: Makes the cabin feel more homey. Easier than constantly tying shoes.

• Medications: If you take any. Keep them accessible. Just in case.

Train travel is an interesting experience. A unique rhythm. Disconnecting from the everyday. Being rocked to sleep. I took the Caledonian Sleeper once. From London to Fort William. Amazing views in the morning. Highly recommend it.