Is there GPS device that works from "inside" the car, bus (Greyhound) or train (Amtrak)?

Question

I don't have GPS device, but someone told me that it doesn't work throught the roof, as the roof is the obstacle; it requires direct sight to the satellite, just like DirecTV's antenna.

Answer 1

if you have access to a window, most of the portable GPS devices can get an angular line of sight to enough satelites to get a triangulation and will read correctly.

I have a Garmin Nuvi that I stuck on the window of a commercial airliner and it took it a little time to hook up to enough satelites but worked fine from 35K feet up.... I use it all the time in my pickup trucks and cars without any problems. they work fine as long as you have a window.

Answer 2

Some handhelds have exterior antennas. They might work better inside a vehicle because the antenna can pick up the signals better. My Garmin has an internal antenna, and will work inside the car if I keep it close to a window. On a train, it would probably be pretty iffy at best.