Toilets on Tibet Trains: Bathroom Facilities on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Many travelers choose to take the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway when planning a Tibet tour to help them acclimatize to the altitude. However, the time spent on the train varies by departure city, ranging from 21 to 53 hours.

During this long Tibet train tour, toilet facilities, cleanliness, and hygiene are among the most important concerns for passengers. Therefore, this passage will provide a detailed introduction to the toilet facilities on the Tibet train, explaining which toilets are available and how to use them, as well as any special situations that may arise during the journey, helping you better prepare for your train tour to Tibet.

Two Types of Toilets on Tibet Trains: Western vs. Squat

The Qinghai-Tibet trains are equipped with two types of toilets to meet the different needs of passengers: Western-style sit-down toilets and traditional Chinese squat toilets, with toilets located at both ends of each carriage. However, neither type of toilet is available for use at will; it depends on the class of ticket you book.

Soft Sleeper Carriages (1 Western + 1 Squat Toilet)

The soft sleeper carriage boasts the most comfortable toilet configuration on the Tibet train, as each carriage accommodates only 32 passengers. Each carriage is equipped with one Western-style toilet and one Chinese squat toilet. However, the toilet space is small, about 1 to 1.5 square meters, and there is no gender separation.

Western-style toilets are a convenient option for international travelers and senior citizens. If you are not used to Western-style toilets, Chinese-style squat toilets are also an option.

Hard Sleeper & Hard Seat Carriages (2 Squat Toilets)

Both hard sleeper and hard seat carriages are equipped with two squat toilets. Due to high passenger volume, these toilets are used frequently and may feel crowded, especially during peak hours in the morning and evening.

Chinese squat toilets are widely used throughout Asia. They consist of a ceramic basin embedded in the floor with footrests on both sides. To use them, squat facing the wall (or the direction of the flush). This may seem unfamiliar to Western tourists, but it's actually quite easy to adapt to and is more hygienic.

Accessible Bathrooms for Disabled Passengers

The Tibet trains were designed with accessibility in mind to assist passengers with mobility issues.

The toilets are spacious and equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities. They also feature emergency call buttons directly connected to the train staff's cabin, providing support to passengers who need assistance during the journey.

Although the space is small, each toilet has a water basin and dustbin.

Tips for Using Toilets on Tibet Trains

Knowing some basic information about the toilets on the Tibet train beforehand can help you avoid some trouble or unexpected situations.

Tip one: In addition to the toilet/squat toilet, sink, and trash can, the restroom contains buttons, one green and one red. Each button serves a different function. The green button flushes after use to keep it clean. The red button is for emergency assistance; if you have any unexpected situation in the toilet, press this button and a train attendant will come to your aid immediately.

Tip two: You can tell if a restroom is occupied by checking the indicator light at the entrance. A red light means the restroom is in use. A green light means the restroom is available.

Besides the indicator light, you can also check the indicator next to the door handle. A green light means the restroom is unoccupied and ready to use; a red light indicates that another person is using the restroom.

Tip three: The toilets will be closed while the train is stopped at the platform. The train crew will use this time to clean the toilets and replace the waste collection containers.

Tip four: We recommend choosing a berth or seat away from the restrooms, especially at night, as noise from other passengers using the restrooms can disturb your rest.

Tip five: Used toilet paper should not be thrown into the restroom, as this may cause blockages.

Tip six: Due to frequent use, the restrooms may leave water stains on the floor. Hold onto the handrails when squatting or standing up to avoid slipping.

Key Onboard Sanitation Facilities on Tibet Trains

In addition to toilets, trains on the Qinghai-Tibet train are equipped with other basic sanitary facilities to meet your hygiene needs during long-distance travel.

Public Wash Basins & Sinks

Each carriage has a public washing area in the corridor outside the restrooms, equipped with two to three stainless steel sinks and large vanity mirrors. You can wash your hands and face, brush your teeth, and perform basic daily hygiene here. Usually, only cold or warm water is available.

Please note that the water here is not for drinking. If you need water, you can get it from the water dispenser in the middle of the carriage or purchase bottled water from the dining car/trolley.

The washing areas are open 24 hours a day, but queues may occur during peak hours (around 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM). If you wish to enjoy a quiet, leisurely time washing up, it is recommended that you avoid doing the clean during these times.

Vacuum Toilet System

To protect the fragile ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Tibet trains employ an environmentally friendly vacuum waste collection system, rather than the traditional gravity drainage method. All waste is sealed in underground storage tanks within the carriages and collected at major terminal stations (such as Golmud or Lhasa), thus preventing soil and water pollution along the railway.

Compared to traditional railway toilet systems, the vacuum system also minimizes odors and improves cleanliness, making your long journey more comfortable.

Can I shower on the Tibet Train?

Long train journeys can be tiring, and you might want to take a shower to relieve fatigue or change your mood. Unfortunately, there are no shower facilities on the train, so you cannot take a shower.

To maintain hygiene, you can prepare in advance - by showering before boarding and bringing personal hygiene items such as wet wipes and disposable towels.

Tibet Train Bathroom Survival Guide & Essential Packing List

Staying clean and comfortable during a 20- to 50-hour train trip to Lhasa comes down to smart timing and bringing the right supplies. Following this checklist can help you a lot.

Essential Onboard Toiletries Checklist

Since supplies in the train carriages are rarely replenished after the journey begins, you can prepare the following items in an easily accessible hygiene bag and put them in your backpack:

Travel-sized tissues/toilet paper: Tissues are provided in the restrooms at the beginning, but they run out quickly or may not be provided at all. Therefore, you can buy 2-3 packs of travel-sized tissues before boarding the train.

Disinfecting wipes or disposable toilet seat covers: Disinfecting wipes can be used to wipe toilet seats or door handles. If you are still concerned about hygiene, you can also bring some disposable toilet seat covers.

Body wipes: You cannot shower on the train, so you can buy skin-contact or face-cleaning wipes for wiping your face and body.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer near the sinks usually runs out quickly. You can bring a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands after using the restroom.

Disposable compressed towels: Used to dry your hands or face at public sinks, saving space and preventing them from remaining damp in your bag.

Small trash bags: These can be used to seal used wipes or personal hygiene items before disposing of them in the trash can.

Disposable razors/shavers: Male passengers should also bring some shaving supplies, as these are not provided on the train.

Timing Tips: How to Avoid Peak Sink & Toilet Traffic

Each carriage has a limited number of restrooms and toilets shared by numerous passengers, resulting in peak usage times. Knowing these times can help you effectively avoid peak periods:

Morning Peak (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): After passengers get up, wash their faces and brush their teeth, the restrooms will be very crowded.

Avoid peak times: It is recommended to use the restrooms after 9:00 AM.

Pre-sleep Washing (9:30 PM - 10:30 PM): The lights in the carriages will be turned off around 10:00 PM; at that time the restrooms and toilets will experience a second peak in usage.

It is recommended to finish washing up around 8:30 PM or after 11:00 PM to avoid long queues.

Post-Meal Times: Restroom usage will increase significantly within 30 minutes to 1 hour after the main meal times (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Conclusion

To meet passengers’ needs during the journey, the Tibet trains are equipped with squatting and sitting toilets, as well as basic washing facilities. While the standards are not high, they are perfectly adequate for the trip. Although the trains do not offer showers, there are several ways to stay refreshed, and following our packing suggestions will ensure a comfortable and relaxing train journey.