Seattle rail travelers will soon have a sleek new way to explore the Pacific Northwest aboard the upgraded Amtrak Cascades line. A modern fleet of Amtrak Airo trains is set to begin service in early 2026, bringing a new level of comfort and sustainability to one of the most scenic rail routes in the country. These eight new trains will service the Cascades route, which runs from Eugene, Oregon, to Vancouver, B.C., and includes stops in Seattle, Portland, and other Puget Sound-area destinations.
These eight Airo trainsets serving the Cascades route are the first to debut out of 83 new trainsets planned nationwide. Unveiled February 10 in Washington, D.C., the trains were designed with passenger experience in mind. Each train features panoramic windows ideal for taking in the region’s mountain, water, and forest views, along with a fresh “evergreen and mocha” color palette inspired by the Northwest landscape.
Onboard amenities include 300 seats per train (with dedicated wheelchair spaces), adjustable headrests, individual power outlets and USB ports, free Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting, and digital customer information displays. A redesigned Café Car, six spacious restrooms with touch-free controls, and automated steps aim to streamline boarding and improve accessibility. While they’re not high-speed trains (the Airo Cascades trains will have a 79 MPH speed limit due to sharing the right of way with freight trains), they are replacing some trains that are over 50 years old. The new trains are more fuel-efficient and produce significantly less air pollution.
Funded through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and manufactured in the U.S., the new fleet is currently undergoing production and testing. All eight Amtrak Cascades trainsets are expected to start service in early 2026. The new trains will arrive over a period of several months, entering into service once they have been thoroughly inspected, tested and approved. As of February 2026, two new trainsets and one locomotive have left the factory. Still, the majority of the new Amtrak Cascades trainsets still have to complete manufacturing and extensive testing. Some of the testing will include training and education for Amtrak staff, since these new trains are much more technologically advanced than the passenger cars they’re replacing.
Once approved for service, Seattle passengers will be able to board Amtrak’s next-generation Airo trains at King Street Station and embark on a more comfortable, modern, and environmentally-friendly era of regional rail travel. Read more on the Amtrak Cascades website.