Train stations and bus stations are often the first restroom stop for arriving travelers. The experience can vary dramatically depending on the type of facility and the city. Here is how the two compare.

Amtrak Train Stations

Major Amtrak stations — Union Station in Washington DC, Chicago Union Station, Los Angeles Union Station, South Station in Boston, 30th Street Station in Philadelphia — are among the best public restroom facilities in their respective cities. They tend to be staffed, cleaned frequently and have modern fixtures including accessible stalls.

Smaller Amtrak stations are more variable. Rural stop platforms may have only portable toilets or minimal facilities. Check Amtrak's station guide before travel if this matters for your trip.

Greyhound and Intercity Bus Terminals

Greyhound has made significant investments in terminal upgrades in recent years. The New York Port Authority Bus Terminal, Chicago's Union Station bus level and the LA Downtown Bus Terminal have all received improvements. However, major bus terminals in general see extremely high traffic with less funding for maintenance than rail stations, which can mean more variation in cleanliness.

Tip: On Amtrak trains, restrooms in Superliner sleeper cars are significantly cleaner than those in coach cars because they serve fewer passengers. If you are on a long-distance train and need a clean restroom, try the sleeper car (politely ask a conductor).

On-Board Facilities

Amtrak trains have restrooms on-board with wheelchair-accessible options on most long-distance routes. Greyhound buses have a single on-board restroom of the aircraft-lavatory type — functional but minimal.

Regional Bus Services (FlixBus, Megabus, etc.)

Budget intercity bus services typically do not have on-board restrooms or operate from dedicated terminals. They use curbside stops or shared terminals. Plan restroom stops at highway rest areas or gas stations along the route.