Everything you need to know about truck stop showers, including: Can anybody use one?

As you travel the roads either as a motorist or as a professional truck driver, there are often times when you just need a shower and a chance to freshen up rather than stop and rest for the night.  While truck stop showers were originally created exclusively for truck drivers, they are open to the public and can be used by any motorist to freshen up.  It’s great to know that while on a long road trip you have a place where you can grab a refreshing shower.

Where can I find a truck stop with showers?

A truck stop shower is very similar to what you would find at any hotel/motel.  It’s simple, yet clean, and can range in size. Most are walk-in, tiled showers, and while we can’t attest to all truck stop shower facilities, most hold themselves up to high standards of cleanliness and care. Smaller brand-name truck stops, however, may not have the newest or most updated showers when compared to the bigger brand names, such as Loves, TA/Petro, or Flying J/Pilot.

How to use a truck stop shower

There are two ways to register/book your shower.  One is to check in with the front counter of the truck stop to purchase a shower. You can also use a mobile app to make your shower purchase before reaching the truck stop. Loves, Flying J/Pilot, and TA/Petro all have mobile apps that offering chances to earn points or credits toward a shower when you make a fuel purchase. Once your shower is paid for and booked, you will usually be given a code that provides access to a shower room where you can wait for your shower. Your name or a shower number will them pop up on a screen when your shower is ready.

What should I bring to a truck stop shower?

There are a few things you’ll want to bring along with you when you visit a truck stop shower, including:

• A towel. Most truck stops with showers will provide a towel, however, it’s probably best if you bring your own.
• Shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Like most hotels/motels, most truck stops will provide hair care products and soap, but you may want to bring your own, especially if you prefer a certain scent or brand.
• Shower shoes. Wearing protective footwear is highly recommended.
• Razor and shaving cream.
• Toiletry bag. Anything else you might need, such as a toothbrush or cotton swabs, can be kept in this portable tote.
• A plastic bag or tote for your dirty clothes.

How much do truck stop showers cost?

The cost of a truck stop shower ranges from $12 to $15, depending on the truck stop, but you can earn points toward a shower with fuel purchases.

Here’s what you need to know about major trucks stops that offer showers:

• Purchase 50 gallons of fuel and earn a Free Shower credit good for 10 days.
• Shower without qualifying purchase is $12.
• For Love’s truck stop locations, visit https://www.loves.com/locations.

• Purchase 50 gallons of fuel and earn a Free Shower credit good for 10 days.
• Shower without qualifying purchase is $12.
• For Pilot / Flying J Locations, visit  https://locations.pilotflyingj.com/.

• Purchase 60 gallons of fuel and earn a Free Shower credit good for 7 days.
• Shower without qualifying purchase is $12.
• For Travel Center of America locations, visit https://www.ta-petro.com/location/.

• Purchase 25 gallons of fuel and earn a Free Shower credit good for 10 days.
• Purchase any shop service over $100 and earn a Free Shower credit.
• Shower without qualifying purchase is $15.
• For Sapp Brothers truck stop locations, visit http://www.sappbros.net/travel-centers/locations/.

To find the truck stop nearest you, check out https://tbsdirectory.com, which provides a list of local truck stops based on your location. The directory can also help you find lodging, meals, truck repairs, hospitals, and more.