Orient Express Toilet Sharing: What to Expect When Nature Calls

The legendary Orient Express might sparkle with 1920s glamour, but there’s one down-to-earth question that catches every traveler off guard: will you have to share a toilet? The answer depends on your cabin, and honestly, it surprises a lot of people used to modern hotel perks.

Let’s set expectations right up front—most original Orient Express cars weren’t built with private bathrooms in every compartment. Many cabins on the historic route offer a washbasin in your room, but you’ll step out into the corridor for the shared toilets. The luxury is real, but the setup is old-school, with gleaming details and careful attendants keeping everything spotless.

If you’re splurging on the top-tier suites—like the Grand Suites or newer upgrade options—you’re in luck. These come with fully private bathrooms, complete with showers. But in the standard cabins (even the pricey ones), sharing is part of the charm. Don’t worry, the staff take cleaning seriously, almost obsessively, and there are rarely lines. But if total bathroom privacy is a must for you, booking the right cabin is key.

Bottom line: check your ticket and ask about cabin upgrades if having your own en suite is a dealbreaker. Some folks bring slippers or a comfy robe for those late-night trips down the hallway—smart, if you ask me. Let’s look closer at what those details mean once you’re rolling through Europe’s countryside.

• Cabin Types and Bathroom Setup
• Shared vs Private Toilets: The Truth
• What to Pack (and What to Expect)
• Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience

Cabin Types and Bathroom Setup

If you’ve started looking into cabins on the Orient Express, you’ve probably realized there’s a whole range, from classic cabins to lavish Grand Suites. Each has a different bathroom situation, and if you’re particular about privacy, this really matters.

The classic cabins, known as Historic Cabins, are the popular choice for most travelers. Here’s the key thing: they only have a washbasin inside. For an actual toilet or a shower, you’ll need to step into the corridor and use one of the shared bathrooms. These shared toilets are located at the ends of each sleeping car. You’ll find they’re well maintained and rarely crowded, since there are only a handful of cabins per carriage.

If you want your bathroom all to yourself, check out the Suite and Grand Suite options. The Suites, added in recent years, have a full private bathroom—including a shower, a real toilet, and a sink right inside your cabin. The Orient Express Grand Suites go a step beyond, giving you more space, a bigger bed, and a private bathroom that rivals most luxury hotels—including tiled showers and enough space to actually move around. These cabins are pricey, but a private bathroom is basically guaranteed in this tier.

If you’re unsure, it pays to ask your travel agent or the company directly about your specific train and carriage. Sometimes the train compositions vary depending on the journey (like the classic Paris-Venice route or seasonal detours), so double-check what’s included. If you want to avoid shared facilities, only a Suite or Grand Suite will give you a true en suite experience.

Quick breakdown:

• Historic Cabin: Washbasin only in cabin, shared toilet/shower in corridor
• Suite: Full private bathroom with shower and toilet
• Grand Suite: Large private bathroom, shower, and extra space

Basically—choose your cabin based on how much privacy you need when nature calls. The comfort level jumps up with each upgrade, so it’s worth weighing what will make your trip relaxed and hassle-free.

Shared vs Private Toilets: The Truth

This question comes up before almost every journey: on the famous Orient Express, will you have to share a toilet, or do you get one to yourself? Here’s the nitty-gritty, based on the current setup of Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which runs the iconic routes today.

Most of the train’s cabins are restored originals from the 1920s and 30s. These standard cabins—known as "Historic Cabins"—don’t come with private toilets. You’ll find a little washbasin in your room for freshening up, but when nature calls, it’s down the corridor to the shared restroom. Usually, there’s one shared toilet at either end of every carriage, so you’re never more than a few steps away. Entry is just for guests staying in your car, so it’s not like sharing a bathroom with a whole pile of strangers.

But what if you want privacy? In the last few years, the train has added Grand Suites, which are a game-changer. These suites do have private en suite bathrooms—with showers, a toilet, and a proper sink. There are just a handful of these per departure, so they book up early and cost a lot more than a standard cabin.

For a quick look at what's offered, check out this breakdown:

One thing train regulars will tell you: even if you’re using the shared bathrooms, they’re kept in tip-top shape by the staff. Attendants are on duty through the night, making sure everything’s spotless, stocked, and tidy. The number of passengers per car is pretty low—usually between 16 and 20—so you’re not fighting a crowd for the facilities.

• If privacy is non-negotiable, book a Grand Suite and double-check before paying.
• If you don’t mind a little old-world inconvenience, a Historic Cabin or Suite offers a more authentic vibe.
• Worried about midnight hallway trips? Pack a soft robe or quick slippers—veteran passengers swear by them.

End of the day, sharing a bathroom on the Orient Express is part of its quirky charm—unless you pony up for the new luxury options, it’s how travelers have done it for nearly a century.

What to Pack (and What to Expect)

Getting ready for the Orient Express means packing smart, especially if you care about bathroom comfort. If your cabin isn't one of the high-end suites with its own facilities, you'll be using shared toilets in the hallway—so it helps to come prepared.

What’s the situation like? The shared toilets are well-maintained but pretty compact. You'll find fresh towels and soap, but little extras (like a hair dryer or your favorite handwash) aren't standard. And while staff clean often, things can get busy around peak morning hours.

"We try to keep everything immaculate, but personal touches—like a travel-sized sanitizer—really help passengers feel at home," says Pierre Andriot, a longtime train attendant with Belmond, the company that runs the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Here’s what experienced travelers say you should bring along:

• Slip-on shoes or slippers: You’ll want something easy to slip on and off during trips to the loo, especially at night.
• A lightweight robe or cover-up: Handy for those quick hallway dashes when you’re half-awake.
• Travel-sized hygiene items: Think hand sanitizer, face wipes, and maybe some of your own soap if you’re picky.
• Extra tissues: The bathrooms are well-stocked, but pocket packs never hurt.
• Small toiletries bag: Keeps things tidy and makes carrying your stuff easier.

Here’s a look at key amenities, by cabin type, to help set your expectations:

Another little quirk: there are no showers in standard cabins, but staff can often arrange a freshening-up stop at certain major stations along the way. Not the same as home, but not a dealbreaker unless you can’t live without a daily shower.

Bottom line—don’t overpack, but bring the things that keep you comfortable and feeling at your best. Personal touches make a big difference, and knowing what to expect helps you relax and enjoy the ride.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience

Smooth sailing on the Orient Express isn’t just about enjoying the scenery and fancy meals—it’s about knowing how to deal with daily routines in a way that keeps things easy and comfortable. Here’s how to avoid awkward bathroom surprises and keep your trip feeling like a real treat.

• Pick the right cabin upfront. Before you book, ask yourself: is sharing a bathroom a dealbreaker? If so, go for a Grand Suite or a cabin that comes with a full en suite. These sell out fastest—sometimes a year in advance—so don’t wait if privacy is a must for you.
• Be strategic with timing. Toilets get busiest right after breakfast and just before bed. Try to plan your visits outside those peaks for more privacy. Most guests find the facilities spotlessly clean at all hours, but the odd rush can happen.
• Pack smart. Slippers come in handy for midnight hallway trips. A robe or oversized cardigan lets you duck out quickly and comfortably. Bring a small toiletry bag so you don’t have to juggle items every time you step out.
• Respect shared spaces. Don’t linger in the bathroom, especially during peak times. If you need a little extra time, try to be quick or go when others are at dinner.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to double-check which cabin type you’re booking. The names can sound similar, and you don’t want to assume your snazzy Twin will have an attached bathroom—many don’t.

Lastly, the attendants are total pros. If a bathroom ever needs attention or runs out of supplies, just mention it. They fix it right away. So relax, enjoy the old-school charm, and remember—you’re living like the original jet-setters, quirks and all.