Orient Express Toilets: Private or Shared?

Riding the famous Orient Express is often billed as a moving palace, but the nitty‑gritty question most travelers whisper about is the bathroom situation. Do you have to queue with strangers in a cramped washroom, or does each cabin get its own private retreat? This guide pulls apart the modern train’s plumbing layout, cabin‑level differences, and the etiquette you’ll need to avoid any awkward moments.

How the Orient Express Handles Restrooms

The Orient Express is a luxury trans‑European rail service operated by Belmond that recreates the glamour of classic named trains blends historic charm with 21st‑century comforts. When it comes to lavatories, the answer isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all. The train houses three main restroom configurations:

• Shared lavatories located in the corridor of each carriage.
• En‑suite facilities attached to deluxe cabins.
• Compartment‑level “pull‑out” toilets available in Pullman‑style cars.

All restrooms are modern, featuring hands‑free flush, automatic soap dispensers, and low‑flow toilets that meet EU water‑conservation standards. The shared units are cleaned after every two stops, while private en‑suites are serviced nightly by the on‑board housekeeping crew.

Cabin Classes and Their Bathroom Arrangements

Understanding which cabin you book determines whether you’ll be sharing a toilet or enjoying a private space. Here’s a quick rundown of the three principal accommodation types on the current 2025 roster:

First‑class cabins are the most common booking and still rely on the shared corridor facilities. Pullman cabins, introduced in the 2022 refurbishment, feature a compact “pull‑out” toilet that slides out from the side of the compartment, giving you a private spot without a full en‑suite. Deluxe suites are the only category that guarantees a private bathroom complete with a separate shower and hand‑held mirror.

Modern Lavatory Amenities

Even the shared toilets feel luxurious. Each stall includes:

• Touch‑less faucet and soap dispenser.
• LED lighting with a soft amber hue to reduce glare.
• Automatic air‑freshener that cycles every 30 minutes.
• Small vanity mirror with LED back‑light.

The en‑suite bathrooms in deluxe suites go a step further: a rain‑shower head, premium toiletries from L’Occitane, and a heated towel rail. All fixtures comply with the EU’s 2023 accessibility directive, meaning they are usable by travelers with limited mobility, though the pull‑out toilets have a slightly higher step‑in height.

Etiquette Tips for Using the Train Toilet

Polite bathroom habits are part of the overall luxury experience. Here are the top five tips you’ll hear from the on‑board staff (as compiled in the 2025 Lonely Planet traveler’s guide to Europe’s iconic rail journeys).

1. Mind the queue. In shared lavatories, a simple “Excuse me, coming through” is enough. The doors have a small “occupied” indicator to avoid accidental lock‑ins.
2. Keep it tidy. The train provides a small waste bag for feminine hygiene products; flushing anything else can clog the high‑efficiency system.
3. Limit time in the pull‑out toilet to a few minutes. The compact design means the seat can be a bit cramped.
4. Use the hand‑dryers sparingly. They’re powerful but loud; a quick paper towel (provided) is quieter.
5. Report any malfunction immediately to the attendant. The crew carries a portable repair kit for minor issues.

Following these norms ensures every passenger enjoys the same level of comfort you expect from a five‑star hotel on rails.

Booking a Cabin with Private En‑Suite

If privacy is a non‑negotiable, aim for a deluxe suite. These are limited to nine per train, so availability fills up fast during peak travel months (May‑July and December). When you make a reservation through the official Belmond brand that operates the Orient Express and other luxury travel experiences website, filter the search results by “Suite - En‑suite bathroom”. Prices in 2025 range from $4,200USD per night for a double occupancy to $7,800USD for a family configuration.

For those on a tighter budget, the Pullman cabin offers a private stall without the full suite price tag. It’s a clever compromise: you still get a private pull‑out toilet, and the cabin includes a larger window seat and a complimentary minibar. The only trade‑off is that the bathroom lacks a shower.

Once you’ve booked, the confirmation email includes a PDF map of carriage layout. Highlight the bathroom symbols (a blue “B” for shared, a green “S” for en‑suite) and note the nearby lounge car so you know where to head for a quick freshen‑up before dinner.

What to Expect on Your First Bathroom Visit

After boarding, the train crew will give a brief orientation. They'll point out the location of the nearest lavatory, explain the touch‑less operation, and hand you a small “lavatory etiquette card”. Within the first hour, you’ll likely need the restroom-especially after the welcome champagne. If you’re in a first‑class cabin, the shared stall will be less busy in the early morning. In Pullman cabins, the pull‑out toilet is ready for immediate use, but you’ll notice a faint scent of citrus oil, a subtle reminder that the cleaning crew has just finished a quick wipe‑down.

All washes use a non‑chlorine, skin‑friendly cleanser that leaves no residue. The water temperature in the en‑suite showers is set to a comfortable 38°C (100°F) by default, but you can adjust it with a discreet lever under the armrest.

Key Takeaways

• First‑class cabins share corridor lavatories; Pullman cabins have a private pull‑out toilet; deluxe suites boast full en‑suite bathrooms.
• All bathrooms are modern, touch‑less, and cleaned regularly.
• Etiquette matters: keep queues short, use provided disposal bags, and report issues promptly.
• For guaranteed privacy, book a deluxe suite; Pullman cabins are a budget‑friendly private alternative.
• Remember to check the carriage map in your confirmation to locate the nearest bathroom on arrival.