Amtrak Cascades Airo Trains Transform Pacific Northwest Travel With Modern Passenger Rail Experience

Amtrak Cascades Airo trains will take passengers for the first time on 30 September, signalling the beginning of a new generation of rail service connecting Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland and Eugene. The trains will be the first time Amtrak has introduced its new Airo fleet in the US.

The first two of these trains will operate four daily services on the Amtrak Cascades route, offering higher quality cabin interiors, better accessibility, advanced onboard technology and greater comfort. A further 15 Airos are planned to join the operator’s North American fleet through early 2027, replacing Cascades trains.

Pacific Northwest Becomes First Region To Welcome Amtrak Airo Fleet

Travellers in the Pacific Northwest will become the first passengers in the US to experience Amtrak’s Airo trains. The new fleet has been introduced on one of the region’s most important intercity rail corridors.

The Amtrak Cascades route connects major destinations across the US and Canada, including Vancouver, Seattle, Portland and Eugene. The service is widely used by leisure travellers, business passengers and regional commuters.

Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets specifically for Cascades operations. The order also includes two new locomotives and an additional cab car to support future services.

The train design reflects the identity of the Pacific Northwest. Exterior colours include evergreen, cream and mocha shades inspired by the landscape surrounding the Cascade mountain range.

New Amtrak Cascades Airo Trains Offer Improved Passenger Comfort

Each Amtrak Airo trainset will feature more than 300 seats with upgraded facilities designed around passenger convenience.

Travellers can expect:

• Adjustable headrests for improved comfort
• Wider panoramic windows offering better views
• Updated lighting systems
• Redesigned passenger areas
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Individual power outlets and USB charging ports
• Digital passenger information displays

The onboard experience has been developed to support longer journeys between major cities. Passengers travelling through Washington and Oregon will have improved access to digital connectivity while enjoying views of forests, mountains and coastal landscapes.

The café service will also highlight the Pacific Northwest region, offering food and beverage options inspired by local tastes.

Accessibility Improvements Added Across New Train Interiors

Amtrak has included several accessibility upgrades within the Airo fleet to create a smoother travel experience for passengers with different mobility needs.

The new trains include:

• Dedicated accessible seating areas
• Automated boarding steps
• Improved passenger wayfinding
• Six restrooms featuring touchless controls

These updates aim to make train journeys easier for passengers requiring additional assistance while improving convenience for all travellers.

Initial Amtrak Cascades Airo Service Schedule

The first two Airo trainsets will operate four daily services from 30 September.

Northbound Services

• Train 516: Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia
  Departure: 08:30 | Arrival: 12:30
• Train 508: Eugene to Seattle
  Departure: 16:30 | Arrival: 22:50

Southbound Services

• Train 503: Seattle to Eugene
  Departure: 07:10 | Arrival: 13:48
• Train 519: Vancouver, British Columbia to Seattle
  Departure: 16:45 | Arrival: 21:10

Additional Airo trains will enter service as production and testing progress. Amtrak plans to expand the fleet across other routes after the Cascades introduction.

Guide For Travellers Using Amtrak Cascades Airo Trains

Passengers planning to experience the new trains should check the latest Amtrak Cascades timetable before travelling, as services will transition gradually during the fleet introduction period.

Travellers should consider booking early for popular routes between Vancouver, Seattle and Portland, especially during weekends and holiday periods.

Passengers can prepare for their journey by:

• Checking departure platforms before arrival
• Keeping digital tickets accessible through Amtrak platforms
• Carrying charging cables for personal devices
• Arriving early at stations during busy travel periods
• Reviewing border travel requirements when travelling between Canada and the US

The Vancouver to Seattle connection remains an important international rail link, requiring passengers to carry appropriate travel documents for border procedures.

Amtrak Airo Fleet Expansion Across United States

The Airo Trains rolling out on Amtrak Cascades are the first phase of a national rollout. After the original Pacific Northwest launch, Amtrak will begin deploying the Airo fleet on the Northeast Regional route, where testing of the trains is currently in progress.

Airo rolling stock for routes outside of Cascades will bear the American red, white and blue branding of Amtrak, rather than the Pacific Northwest-themed design used on the Cascades fleet.

The rolling stock is being assembled in the United States by Siemens Mobility with nearly 100 suppliers in 31 states. As more new Airo trainsets go into service, Amtrak will gradually replace aging passenger equipment on other routes around the country.