A New Era for Amtrak Cascades: Airo Fleet Debuts September 30, 2026

Pacific Northwest customers will be the first in the nation to experience Amtrak’s newest trains

PACIFIC NORTHWEST – Beginning Sept. 30, customers can experience the new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades as Amtrak introduces its newest fleet into passenger service. Two trainsets, operating four daily trips, will begin carrying customers on launch day, marking the first phase of Airo’s introduction between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Oregon. 

As the rollout continues, additional trainsets will enter service through early 2027 bringing more seats, modern amenities, enhanced accessibility, panoramic windows and a refreshed onboard experience to even more Amtrak Cascades customers.

“The arrival of the new Airo fleet marks an exciting moment for the Amtrak Cascades and passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest,” said Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann.

“After extensive planning, design, manufacturing and testing, we’re just weeks away from welcoming customers aboard. This is an important milestone not only for Amtrak Cascades customers, but for Amtrak’s broader effort to modernize and expand passenger rail across the country.”

Designed for the Pacific Northwest

The new trainsets feature the signature Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream and mocha color palette along with design elements inspired by the Cascade mountain range. The arrival of the new fleet marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for passenger rail across the Pacific Northwest.

“These new Amtrak Cascades trains are a game-changer for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest,” said WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith. “They bring improved reliability, comfort, and amenities to one of the most scenic rail corridors in the country. We’re particularly excited to be the first in the nation to introduce these new trains into service.”

A New Experience Onboard

The new trainsets are designed to make every trip more comfortable, convenient and connected. Inside, customers will find more than 300 seats per trainset along with a range of features that enhance the onboard experience.

• Enhanced comfort: Ergonomically designed seating with adjustable headrests, panoramic windows, enhanced lighting and modern interiors.
• More ways to stay connected: Complimentary Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB ports, and digital customer information displays.
• Improved accessibility: Accessible seating and features throughout the train, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six spacious restrooms with touchless controls.
• A refreshed Cafe experience: Featuring food and beverage offerings inspired by the Pacific Northwest.

Be Among the First to Ride
The initial launch on Sept. 30 will feature two trainsets operating four daily trips, connecting communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Northbound*

• Train 516: Seattle → Vancouver, B.C. | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Train 508: Eugene → Seattle | 4:30 p.m. – 10:50 p.m.

Southbound*

• Train 503: Seattle → Eugene | 7:10 a.m. – 1:48 p.m.
• Train 519: Vancouver, B.C. → Seattle | 4:45 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.

Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the Amtrak Cascades, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab car. As additional trainsets enter service, Airo will continue expanding across the route, ultimately replacing the existing Amtrak Cascades fleet.