showers in train stations?

Veronica,

There's no "set time" to be at a station prior to departure of your train (as long as you're there before it leaves). However, it's a really good idea to be there far enough in advance to determine which track no. and platform no. your train is departing from. I normally try to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That provides some time to locate the train and car no. (if travelling with a reservation), and also to get a coffee or whatever for the trip.

There will usually be a large chart showing all the trains with departure / arrival times, but the electronic sign board is the best indication to go by. Note that European rail systems use the 24-hour time system.

You might find it really helpful to read the "Rail Skills" chapter in Europe Through The Back Door", as it provides a lot of great information on navigating the rail systems in Europe. There's also a Rail Guide available on this website in PDF format that you can download.

I can't answer the question regarding showers in Amsterdam, as I've never looked for any. Hopefully one of the others will be able to help.

Happy travels!

Since your question has been on the board a week, I will guess that no one can answer it.

I have never seen shower facilities in European RR stations. There may be some. If you dont get an answer on this page, when you get to the station where you want to use one you should ask.

I have also never seen showers at a train station. If you are looking for a place to shower, without checking into a hotel, I would head off to the nearest indoor pool. There are plenty of those in Europe. For the price of a 3 hour visit or so, you can shower and rest, take a swim and refresh yourself. I posted this on another question and folks seemed to think it was a good idea. You only need to get to the train station in time to jump on your train.

I have seen shower facilities in European in at least one train station. There is a place called Mr. Clean in the Hbf in Munich. I was so impressed I took pictures of it. It is just outside the NE corner of the main "shed" of the Hbf, where the stairs go down to the mall over the S-Bahn station. They have pay toilets and pay showers; I've used the toilets, but never needed the showers. Everything was "sparkling" clean.

I first noticed Mr. Clean in Munich in 2000, and I actually used it in 2007, so I'm pretty sure it's still there.

I also used a similar pay toilet facility in Nürnberg Hbf last year. I believe it also had showers, but I don't remember for sure.

The Mr. Clean chain that Lee mentions, is also available at large stations in Switzerland. If my memory is holding up, I believe I have seen signs for showers. Also at Paddington station in London I believe there are showers as well.

And at Waterloo Station in London, but of course, if you're looking for shower facilities in Amsterdam, this is less than helpful.

Thanks everyone!!!!
Glad to know I'm not asking for much!!! The pool idea sound good, I think it will add more to our first european experience. I'll be checking to see if we can do it. And about the Munich Mr. Clean, that fits great for us. Munich is the other place where a shower will be needed before departing, since we'll be checking out the hotel before 12:00, and leaving to Venice around 20:00. I think a shower by that time will be more than appreciated. LOL.
Thanks!!!

There are no showers in the Amsterdam train station. In fact the only public use showers I've found in the Netherlands are at Schiphol Airport. However, ther are inside the security zone so they're only usefull if you are changing flights and have a couple hours, or if you take an overnight train and arrive the day you are leaving.

Many other train stations in Europe have showers and facilities, it's best to look up the appropriatre country's national railroad site and look at a PDF plan of the station.

Oh, and Munich is great for them, which is a good tip for those going to Octoberfest, or when my wife and I went to World Cup 06. Munich can get pricy and Bavaria has odd age restrictions on hostels.

Adding to the list of European RR stations with Showers.

I am fairly certain Stockholm and Zurich have them...

Perhaps good for a future icebreaker.

This past summer, I saw showers in Paris (6 Euro) and Vienna. I didn't use them, but they looked very nice. One of Rick's recent books says there are showers in the Copenhagen station, and Deutsche Bahn shows showers in the Cologne station too (see "Station Information" link when it pops up in your schedule).

One thing I wish I would have done last summer is try to save activities near the station until the end, so you can stay out in the city longer yet be close enough to the station to know you'll be there in time. I was always so paranoid about missing my train that I'd show up super-early. Looking back, it's hilarious how early I got to some of the stations. A half hour is plenty of time.

Worst case, Veronica - right outside the Munich train station are a couple really cheap hostels with good showers. :)

The best shower I've ever had was in the train station in Zurich. I found it after a hellacious day getting from Capri to Rome, and a night train (no shower) from Rome to Zurich. I've never seen anything like it. I was shown to my own private shower room, spotlessly clean every inch, and with more towels than I knew what to do with. After three weeks hostelling in Italy, it was downright surreal. It wasn't cheap, but it was one of the most memorable experiences of my 6-week trip! This was ten years ago, I imagine it's still there.

Yes, as mentioned earlier in the thread, in London, Paddington station has showers. I believe they are like 5 pounds, and I think 3 pounds for a "shower pack (small towel, soap, shampoo, etc).

This is in the Train station, NOT the Tube station.

This is in the Train station, NOT the Tube station

Tami, I had to laugh out loud!!!

Veronica,
If you are taking an overnight train, some of the trains offer showers on board. Check with the specific train company.