10 Instagram Accounts to Feed Your Inner Transportation Nerd
All the big, beautiful trains, planes, buses, and infrastructure projects worthy of your perfectly-curated feed.
It's far from crazy to dismiss the Instagram potential of your local transportation agency. These organizations are all about working in the dark—often literally—and they're generally performing their best when riders don't notice them. ("The subway did a great job of getting me to work today!," said no one, ever.) But even staid government organizations aren't immune to the powers of social media. Some really make it work, particularly on Instagram, where they can share the work they do with fans all over the world.
- 01Los Angeles may be the country's car mecca, but it's also home to the gold standard of transportation accounts. LA Metro is not only in the midst of a [precedent-smashing increase in light rail service](http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-expo-line-hawthorne-20160518-snap-htmlstory.html). It also provides beautifully composed photos of [Santa Monica beaches](https://www.instagram.com/p/BFsJA1OoPTR/?taken-by=metrolosangeles&hl=en) (get there on the [new Expo line](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/las-new-metro-line-wont-reduce-traffic-thats-ok/)!), real [transit love](https://www.instagram.com/p/BDYXGkJoPbm/?taken-by=metrolosangeles&hl=en), and [too-chic Angelenos](https://www.instagram.com/p/BEeCeN3IPVY/?taken-by=metrolosangeles&hl=en) commuting while hot. These cats are so media savvy, they [even got on the tiny Drake](https://www.instagram.com/p/BFj7NZgIPdc/?taken-by=metrolosangeles&hl=en) [meme](http://mashable.com/2016/04/27/tiny-drake-parody-album-covers/#0vI7EKietuqJ).
- 02Amtrak has an advantage here---it serves a huge swath of the US, from sea to shining sea. It would be a crime if this Instagram account were not beautiful, and boy, does the nation's struggling passenger rail system deliver. They've got your [sunsets](https://www.instagram.com/p/BEqym5SO-fc/?taken-by=amtrak&hl=en) and your [mountains](https://www.instagram.com/p/BBYQYG6O-bq/?taken-by=amtrak&hl=en), your [handsomely stoic conductors](https://www.instagram.com/p/BE7X3mDO-VN/?taken-by=amtrak&hl=en) and your [adorable first-time travelers](https://www.instagram.com/p/BBjKSHbO-cL/?taken-by=amtrak&hl=en). Sure, the system itself is [woefully underfunded and often beset by delays](http://www.wsj.com/articles/delays-may-derail-stimulus-funding-for-amtrak-railcars-1460308921). But you might as well get on the Instagram train train.
- 03Another day, another transportation agency [mired in inefficiencies](https://www.wired.com/2016/05/forget-extra-staffers-fix-tsa-technologies/) that just happens to be destroying it on Instagram. The [TSA famously dedicates its account](http://www.wired.com/2014/07/tsa-instagram/) to the dolts who try to bring horrifying things on airplanes: [bejeweled lipstick stun guns](https://www.instagram.com/p/BEcMA0Vl9zO/?taken-by=tsa&hl=en), [inert mortar shells](https://www.instagram.com/p/BCJnyOtF935/?taken-by=tsa&hl=en), [sword canes](https://www.instagram.com/p/BCPCtYvF97H/?taken-by=tsa&hl=en), and [lots and lots and lots of firearms](https://www.instagram.com/p/-flbPpF94p/?taken-by=tsa&hl=en). In case the stream of weapons gets you down, whatever genius handles this account also manages to sprinkle in a few [explosives detection puppies](https://www.instagram.com/p/BA5A4myF9_E/?taken-by=tsa&hl=en).
- 04The ATL doesn't quite crack America's 10 biggest transit agencies, but if we're judging by social media output, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is all about the people. MARTA's Instagram is ATLien-obsessed: on [the bus](https://www.instagram.com/p/BEuTAEzqhXv/?taken-by=marta_explorer), on [rail](https://www.instagram.com/p/BDTZPFHKhTP/?taken-by=marta_explorer), taking to the streets on [their bikes](https://www.instagram.com/p/BEmPvjXqhf-/?taken-by=marta_explorer). Atlanta may be unbearably hot in the summer, but at least it's colorful.
- 05North Carolina's Department of Transportation has a key Instagram advantage---namely, that North Carolina is indubitably gorgeous. On social media, NC DOT delivers. Twisting trips through the green mountains and waterfalls, [check](https://www.instagram.com/p/BCkqQFvm51k/). Long drives among the autumn foliage, [check](https://www.instagram.com/p/-RtV2ZG5wP/?taken-by=ncdotcom). Haunting images of post-storm road damage, [uh huh](https://www.instagram.com/p/9UJ_Num57J/?taken-by=ncdotcom). Add in a [few PSAs](https://www.instagram.com/p/9JFbmQG52C/?taken-by=ncdotcom), and you've got a functional but very pretty social media presence.
- 06New York's home to the nation's largest public transit system, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Instagram account lives up the title. It regularly takes followers behind the scenes, from the [repair work that keeps the subway running](https://www.instagram.com/p/9wJT3ct4wA/) (well, most of the time) to [all the snow shoveling](https://www.instagram.com/p/is05CHN4_B/?taken-by=mtanyctransit) that lets New Yorkers get around mid-blizzard. Plus: [Mr. Met](https://www.instagram.com/p/1TazBNN47P/?taken-by=mtanyctransit).
- 07It feels weird to put two Los Angeles accounts on this list, but it must be done. LAX is very, very good at Instagram. Not only does California's largest airport post perfectly composed and filtered photos of [stunning iron birds](https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMNVgUzD94/?taken-by=flylaxairport&hl=en), it celebrates the [food](https://www.instagram.com/p/BE3_iR5TD99/?taken-by=flylaxairport&hl=en), [folks](https://www.instagram.com/p/BCi5896TD9_/?taken-by=flylaxairport&hl=en) and [history](https://www.instagram.com/p/BFULHl7TD84/?taken-by=flylaxairport&hl=en) that make the airport what it is. Bully for you, LA.
- 08With 12.8 million trips since 2008, Washington, DC's Capital Bikeshare is one of America's [great cycling successes](http://www.wired.com/2012/10/bike-share/). Get on board the future of urban transport and watch these intrepid cyclists change the [nation's capital](https://www.instagram.com/p/8vcp4lNoh_/?taken-by=capitalbikeshare&hl=en).
- 09Philadelphia's Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority [already kills](http://www.citylab.com/tech/2015/02/how-public-transit-agencies-deal-with-all-your-angry-mean-and-terrible-tweets/385373/) the Twitter game, so why not Instagram? The 330-year-old city likes its [train stations](https://www.instagram.com/p/BEruoSYy1WH/?taken-by=septaphilly), [bikes](https://www.instagram.com/p/BEe1i7qS1d1/?taken-by=septaphilly), and [rail system](https://www.instagram.com/p/BBXcIjIS1RM/?taken-by=septaphilly) just fine, but it also tends to indulge in its fair share of transportation nostalgia. And who can blame it? Its [retro buses](https://www.instagram.com/p/BB7ZBCry1TZ/?taken-by=septaphilly) are dang cute.
- 10Portland, Oregon's airport is known on the Internet for its [charmingly ugly carpets](http://www.pdxcarpet.com/), which have spawned their own hipster-y following. But when it comes to real Instagram beauty, the airport has one serious advantage, and its name is Mt. Hood. The 11,250-foot mountain stands white and serene behind [nearly](https://www.instagram.com/p/7bIJwMtoEe/?taken-by=pdxairport) [every](https://www.instagram.com/p/8iwDaztoOc/?taken-by=pdxairport) [silver airplane](https://www.instagram.com/p/8wGvs-NoH1/?taken-by=pdxairport) that takes off from the facility. It's almost like cheating.
Aarian Marshall is a staff writer covering transportation systems and cities. Before joining WIRED, she wrote for The Atlantic’s CityLab. Marshall is based in San Diego and is developing opinions about tacos. ... Read More
The Best Duffel Bags for Commuters and Chronic Overpackers
Need to schlep some stuff? These field-tested duffels can handle your baggage.
Louryn Strampe
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
The Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)
Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.
Simon Hill
Quell the Heat With Our Favorite Window Air Conditioners
These are the AC units we’ve trusted to cool our homes for months, if not years.
Matthew Korfhage
All the Best Vacuum Cleaners We’ve Ever Tried
Looking for all our top recommended vacuums? Here are our favorites in every style we’ve tested, from stick vacs to robot vacuums.
Nena Farrell
The WIRED Guide to Los Angeles for Business Travelers
A tech industry guide to where to stay, eat, work, and play while visiting LA.
Jordan Michelman
Get the Most Out of Your iPad With These Accessories
Kit out your Apple tablet with our favorite stands, cases, keyboards, and styli.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Every Trip
Our team evaluated a ton of toiletry bags to find the best storage, organization, and design options for all your essentials.
Kat Merck
The Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant Critic
Here are the best meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s delivery box, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Matthew Korfhage
The Dyson Vacuums Worth Buying
Feeling the pull of a new clean machine? We’ll help you make sense of Dyson’s whirlwind vacuum lineup.
Nena Farrell
The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for All Your Devices
Keep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.
Simon Hill
The Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers for Your Next Trip
Keep your trio of Apple gadgets powered up wherever you go with these compact folding chargers.
Simon Hill