Amtrak Vacations Offers Tips for Ideal Trip Photos

Image: PHOTO: A moving Amtrak passenger train pulling into a station. (photo via shanetrue / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: A moving Amtrak passenger train pulling into a station. (photo via shanetrue / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Sat May 26, 2018

For travelers taking to the rails this summer during their time off, Amtrak Vacations is offering tips and tricks for tourists who want to capture their adventure through photographs.

Traveling throughout North America can be an unforgettable trip, and capturing the surroundings seen from the comfort of a train car can make the memories last forever.

Amtrak's first piece of advice is to research the scenery passengers will witness as they travel from their departure city to the destination. Many routes feature incredible views on both sides of the train, and riders should be aware of the rivers, mountains, landmarks, waterfalls, wildlife and other scenic points of interest along the way.

Some of the routes with the best views include the Sunset Limited, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, California Zephyr and Southwest Chief.

For travelers who are looking for an iconic picture of a train rounding the corner, traveling through a tunnel or the tracks behind the train, Amtrak suggests sitting toward the back of the train or simply walking to the rear when the photo opportunity presents itself.

As for avoiding the glare from the train car windows, officials suggest putting the lens of the camera close to the glass without touching it, blocking ambient light and snapping the photos on the side of the train with the sun behind you.

In addition, Amtrak suggests travelers find great subjects and local people for their pictures (with their permission), keep the camera stabilized and get off the train when it stops to capture the best possible images.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...