How to Track Amtrak Trains With a GPS
27.2 million passengers rode Amtrak in Fiscal Year 2009, a sign of the resurgence of train travel in recent years. While GPS devices are popular for use in cars, they can also be used to keep track of where you are on an Amtrak train. Knowing your location can help you determine if the train is on time and what landmarks are nearby. It can be a fun activity to just follow along with the maps and speed of the train as you travel.
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Instructions
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Choose a seat with a window. Your GPS will need to have clear access to open sky in order to communicate with the GPS satellites that determine your location. If you are assigned an aisle seat, you can still set up at a window in the open seating of the lounge car.
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Position the GPS at the window. You can hold it in your hand or prop it up on a table if you have one available.
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Turn on the GPS and wait for it to make the satellite connections. You should now see the maps and be able to follow along with the train's route.
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Tips & Warnings
You may lose tracking when going through tunnels or other areas with obstructions.
Hand held GPS devices often have longer battery life than those designed for car use. It can be difficult to locate a power outlet on some Amtrak trains, so long battery life is a desirable feature.
