Bathrooms and Toilets on Tibet Trains: What They Look Like and How to Use Them?

The bathrooms on Tibet trains are better than many expect. In addition to Chinese-style toilets and Western-style toilets, there are also public sinks in each carriage. All of these facilities are maintained to a relatively high hygiene standard.

In this guide, we will walk you through the details about bathrooms and toilets on Tibet train. Read to know where the bathrooms are, what they look like, how to use them, and get handy tips for a clean and comfortable experience throughout your train journey.

What Kind of Toilets Are on Tibet Trains? Chinese-style Squat Toilet & Western-style Seat Toilet

Tibet trains are designed to accommodate both local and international travelers, so you’ll find two types of toilets at each end of every carriage: Chinese-style squat toilets and Western-style seat toilets.

The Chinese-style squat toilet is the traditional “squat” toilet and is commonly used across Asia. It consists of a porcelain basin set into the floor, with footrests on either side. To use it, simply face the wall (or the direction of the flush) and squat over the basin. Western travelers may feel unfamiliar with this kind of toilet, but actually it is easy to get used to and it is more hygienic without any skin contact.

As for the Western-style seat toilet, Western travelers will find it quite familiar, as it can be seen in most Western countries. The seat toilet is usually located opposite the squat one. Whether you want to try something new or stick with what feels comfortable is entirely up to you.

The facilities inside both types of toilets are exactly the same, including a sink with cold running water, hand sanitizer, a mirror, a trash bin, and a toilet paper holder. Also, the two toilet types use a simple button-based flushing system. Simply look for a green button on the wall — press it firmly, and the toilet will flush.

It is also worth noting that Tibet trains use an eco-friendly waste collection system, so waste is stored in sealed containers and disposed of at stations, rather than being released onto the tracks. For this reason, the toilets are always locked when the train stops at stations (usually for 5 – 20 minutes). This is for safety and waste management, so plan your trips to the bathroom accordingly!

Where Can I Wash Up? Public Sinks are Available in Each Cabin

After using the toilet or before meals, you’ll want to wash your hands — and there are dedicated public sinks for this in every carriage. Those public sinks are located just outside toilets. There you can find 2-3 basins with running water at room temperature, liquid soap dispensers, mirrors, and small trash bins.

You can use the public sinks for washing hands, brushing your teeth or cleaning some small items like cups or utensils. But never drink the water from the tap here! This is different from most of the western countries. If you need drinking water, you can get it from the water dispenser or buy bottled water from the train trolley.

Although the sinks are available for 24 hours a day, there are still peak times — such as 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM — when many passengers will rush to brush teeth, wash faces, or clean up after meals. So if you prefer a quiet moment, avoid using them during these hours.

Can I Take a Shower on Tibet Trains? Unfortunately, No

The long-distance train journeys to Tibet can often be tiring, so many passengers may want to take a shower to refresh their bodies. This is understandable, but unfortunately, there are no shower facilities on Tibet trains. The reason for this is that there is limited space for water storage, and the priority is to provide essential amenities for a journey that, although long, is only temporary.

No shower doesn’t mean you can’t stay feeling decent, though. Here’s what works: Take a shower at your hotel right before you get on the train. During the mid-journey, you can bring some wet wipes for a “sponge bath”, focus on washing hands, faces, and underarms. After that, you can change into clean clothes to keep your body refreshed.

What Should I Pack for Personal Hygiene?

Tibet trains are equipped with basic washing facilities and supplies, but some of these items may run out during the journey. To ensure you have a more comfortable and clean travel experience, we recommend that you bring the following items:

1. Toilet paper: There are fully stocked toilet paper rolls before the train departs, but they often run out by the second day. Pack 2–3 rolls (or travel-sized packs) to avoid surprises.

2. Soap or Hand Sanitizer: If you have sensitive skin, better pack the soap you usually use. Public sinks get busy, and the hand sanitizer may run empty. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is a smart choice for quick clean-ups.

3. Wet wipes: You can use them to wipe toilet seats, freshen up your face, or clean hands when sinks are crowded.

4. Quick-dry towel: A small, lightweight towel takes up little space and dries fast. Hang it in your sleeper cabin (there’s usually a hook) to reuse.

5. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash: Always use bottled water to rinse your mouth—never tap water!

6. Facial moisturizer and lip balm: The air on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau can be dry. Slapping on some hydrating moisturizer and swiping on lip balm will keep your skin from feeling all tight and uncomfortable.

7. Disposable face masks: If you’re feeling under the weather, wearing a mask is polite (it’s a common practice in Asia to protect others). It also helps if you’re sensitive to the dust when the train gets busy.

8. Plastic bags: They’re perfect for storing dirty clothes or wet towels—keep the rest of your stuff from getting soiled.

More Tips for Using the Bathrooms on Tibet Trains

Beyond the basics, these insider tips will make using Tibet train bathrooms easier:

1. Once you get on the train, take a second to find out where the bathroom is. Glance around to see where the sinks, soap, and trash cans are—the more familiar you are with the train, the easier your journey will be.

2. Check the “occupied” signal: Each toilet has a small indicator above the door—green means it’s free, red means someone’s in there. This saves you from awkward knocks!

3. Use the accessible toilet if needed: Every train has at least one larger, wheelchair-friendly toilet. It’s also a good option if you need more space (e.g., to change clothes). Look for the “Disabled Access” sign—these toilets have grab bars and an emergency red button (press it only if you need urgent help).

4. Don’t flush anything besides toilet paper! Wet wipes, tissues, trash—all that stuff can clog the toilet. Just toss them in the small trash bins instead.

5. Respect quiet hours: Most passengers will take a rest during the night (10 PM–6 AM). If you need to use the bathroom at night, keep noise to a minimum—avoid slamming doors or talking loudly.

6. Ask for help if confused: Train staff are always ready to assist travelers at any time. If you’re unsure how to flush, where to find soap, or why the toilet is locked, just ask—they’ll happily help.

Conclusion

To meet passengers' needs during their journey, Tibet trains are equipped with both squat and seat toilets, along with basic washing facilities. While Tibet train bathrooms may not match luxury hotel standards, they're perfectly functional for the journey.

The key to a comfortable journey lies in good preparation—by following our tips and packing necessary items such as toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer, you can focus on the stunning views outside your window without worrying about other issues.

If you have more concerns about train facilities, just contact us and we’re happy to help.

Real Photos of the Washroom and Toilet Facilities onboard

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