New Amtrak Cascades train arrives in Seattle The next generation of travel in the Pacific Northwest
First published May 27, 2026
New Trains Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Amtrak testing at this point? I understand it's been getting tested in the northeast for a while.
Before every new trainset can welcome customers onboard, it goes through a carefully designed journey of testing, training, and real‑world preparation. Now in the Pacific Northwest, the train enters final testing, staff training, route testing and practice runs on the Amtrak Cascades route, before welcoming customers onboard.
Why is it that Amtrak Cascades is getting Airo first?
The Amtrak Cascades corridor allows Amtrak to deploy the equipment in a corridor that is well suited for phased testing, staff training, and operational readiness, while delivering meaningful benefits to customers as early as possible. This phased approach supports a successful rollout ahead of broader deployments.
Are you able to provide any more specificity on when the trainset will enter service beyond "later this year?"
We expect to introduce the first new trains into service later this year, likely in the fall. At launch, a portion of departures will feature the new equipment, with additional Airo trains phased in across the fleet over time.
STATUS UPDATE - 05/18/2026 - FIRST TRAIN ARRIVES IN SEATTLE
On Saturday, 5/16/2026, the PNW got its first look at the future of train travel when the first next-generation Amtrak Cascades Airo trainset arrived at King Street Station in Seattle.
The new trains feature panoramic windows, upgraded seating, USB-C charging ports, larger ADA-accessible restrooms and room for about 300 passengers - nearly 50% increase in capacity.
The next step is rigorous testing throughout the PNW ahead of passenger service launching later this fall.
Check out videos of the arrival in Seattle and the testing process
STATUS UPDATE - 05/14/2026
Next stop: the Pacific Northwest!
Our new trains are on their way to the Pacific Northwest where they will undergo additional testing before being added to service on Amtrak Cascades routes.
This trainset is part of Amtrak’s bold transformation in passenger rail. A total of 83 new trainsets will roll out across the country, starting with eight on the Amtrak Cascades! With a Pacific Northwest-inspired design, modern amenities, and regional food and beverage offerings, we are redefining the journey—one route at a time.
The future of rail for Amtrak Cascades is coming!
Check back for additional updates!
STATUS UPDATE - 10/22/2025
Next stop: Philly!
Our new train is on its way to the Northeast Corridor for additional testing and then onto the Pacific Northwest to enter service on Amtrak Cascades routes. This marks a major milestone on the path to launching our new trains on the Amtrak Cascades corridor in 2026.
From Sacramento CA to Pueblo CO and now onward to the Northeast, the trainset has already traveled thousands of miles and undergone rigorous testing.
This trainset is part of Amtrak’s bold transformation in passenger rail. A total of 83 new trainsets will roll out across the country, starting with eight on the Amtrak Cascades! With a Pacific Northwest-inspired design, modern amenities, and regional food and beverage offerings, we are redefining the journey—one route at a time.
The excitement is real, and the future of rail is rolling forward.
Check back for additional updates!
Welcome to the next generation of train travel
A new fleet of Northwest-styled Amtrak Cascades trains will transport passengers in style between Seattle, Vancouver, BC, Portland and other stations along the I-5 corridor when eight new trainsets and two new locomotives arrive in the Pacific Northwest in 2026. The Cascade route runs from Eugene, Oregon, to Vancouver, B.C., and includes stops in Seattle and other Puget Sound-area destinations.
The new trainsets feature the signature Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream, and mocha color scheme in the state-of-the-art design which includes Cascade Range mountain graphics on each car. You can view images of the trainsets in production at the factory below and renderings of how the train equipment will look on this page.
The new trains will revolutionize the Amtrak Cascades experience. The equipment is manufactured in the U.S. at Siemens facilities and complies with the Federal Railroad Administration Buy America Standards.
The Amtrak Cascades trains will be first trains out of the factory. The new trains will arrive over a period of several months, entering into service once they have been thoroughly inspected, tested and approved. Amtrak Cascades will be the very first train route in the nation to receive the new Airo trains next year. The Airo trains are are more fuel-efficient than diesel trains and produce 90% less particulate emissions. Even though the new train can go 125 miles per hour, Amtrak Cascades can only run at 79 miles per hour because we share the tracks with freight trains and would need track upgrades to go faster. The new trains will also have redesigned cafe car and amenities such as individual seat outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi.
The new trains will elevate the Amtrak Cascades journey with a focus on comfort and efficiency:
- Elevated experience: With panoramic windows and additional table seating, customers can enjoy some of the best views and connect to the some of the most scenic landscapes in the world
- Comfortable seating: Each train seats more than 300 passengers and prioritizes ergonomics, offering large and sturdy tray tables, cushioned headrests, water bottle holders, and a seatback tablet holder
- Redesigned café car: Featuring local Northwest favorite foods including beer, wine and spirits along with some self-service food options
- Environmental improvements: The new trains are more fuel efficient and produce significantly less air pollution
- Amenities: Individual outlets, USB ports, free onboard Wi-Fi, enhanced lighting, digital customer information displays, automated steps, and touchless restroom controls
Photos released May 29, 2025 show progress at the factory:
