A single photo of an Amtrak roomette has taken over Reddit, showing two seats, a narrow aisle, and a toilet positioned right in the cabin. The image was posted in r/pics and quickly gained traction as people reacted to how close the toilet sits to where passengers eat, sit, and sleep. The thread is filled with jokes, shock, and honest questions about how anyone could use the bathroom while sitting face to face with a travel companion.
Many comments point out that the design isn’t new, but seeing it so clearly draws out strong reactions. Some users also mention that space-saving bathrooms on trains are common around the world and are part of older sleeper car layouts. Still, the visual has made people rethink whether they would book a private room or stick to the coach next time.
What an Amtrak roomette actually includes
A standard Amtrak roomette is the smallest private First Class option on the train. It usually includes two seats that face each other during the day and convert into a lower bed at night, with an upper bunk that folds down. Bedding, towels, and a large window are part of the setup, and you also get priority boarding, complimentary meals, lounge access, and a First Class attendant.
This side-by-side view shows how the roomette seating area looks from different angles inside the sleeper cabin.
(Joey Hadden/Business Insider)
Most modern roomettes do not include a toilet in the cabin. Passengers typically use shared restrooms and a shared shower located in the sleeper car. The viral photo shows an older Viewliner I design, which includes a toilet and fold-down sink inside the room, a feature that has been removed in newer cars.
How the in-room toilet actually works
In the older layout, the toilet sits in the corner and is covered by a flat lid when not in use. When the lid is down, it works as a step to help passengers climb into the upper bunk, and a fold-down sink above it can also double as another step. At night, the two seats transform into a bed, which means the toilet occupies the same small footprint where passengers rest and move around.
This is how the in-room toilet transitions from a flat step to a functioning bathroom fixture.
(Joey Hadden/Business Insider)
The toilet uses a vacuum system similar to airplane bathrooms, pulling waste into a holding tank rather than onto the tracks. This design made sense for older single-level sleepers where plumbing space was limited. The result is practical but creates a tight setup that can feel uncomfortable for some travelers.
Why some travelers love it and others refuse to use it
Many Reddit users say they would only use the in-room toilet for quick trips and head to the shared restroom for anything more. Couples in the thread joke about stepping out to the hallway to give each other privacy. Others bring up concerns about smell, noise, and simply being too close to a toilet for the duration of a long trip.
But some travelers say the setup can be a lifesaver. People with IBS or Crohn’s disease mention that having a toilet within reach removes anxiety about waiting for a shared bathroom. Parents of young children also point out how convenient it is to avoid walking down the car multiple times at night.
How to decide if this kind of roomette is for you
If you are traveling solo and can tolerate a bit of awkwardness, a roomette with an in-room toilet can still feel like a private upgrade from coach. If you are traveling with a partner or family member, you both need to be honest about your comfort level with bathroom visibility and sounds in a tight space. To avoid surprises, check which car type runs on your route so you know whether your roomette includes an in-room toilet or if you will be using shared facilities in the sleeper car.