Train travel in the U.S. is about to look a whole lot different, starting in one particularly scenic corner of the country. On Sept. 30, Amtrak will officially put its brand-new Airo trains into passenger service for the first time, giving travelers in the Pacific Northwest the first chance to experience the next generation of Amtrak travel.
The new trains will make their nationwide debut on Amtrak Cascades, which connects Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Oregon. Two Airo trainsets will begin operating four daily trips on Wednesday, kicking off a larger rollout that will continue into early 2027.
And this isn’t simply a fresh coat of paint. The new fleet features panoramic windows, modern interiors, more than 300 seats per trainset and a host of upgrades designed to make rail travel more comfortable, accessible and connected.
Related: A Hogwarts Train Experience is Coming for Harry Potter Fans
What’s New on Amtrak’s Airo Trains?
Passengers can expect ergonomically designed seats with adjustable headrests, enhanced lighting and panoramic windows—which should come in especially handy when traveling through the Pacific Northwest. Each seat will also have its own power outlet and USB port, while complimentary Wi-Fi and digital customer-information displays will help passengers stay connected along the way.
Accessibility has also been upgraded throughout the trains, with automated steps, accessible seating, enhanced wayfinding and six spacious restrooms equipped with touchless controls. There’s a refreshed café experience, too, featuring food and drinks inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
Even the exterior has been designed with the region in mind. Unlike future Airo trains, which will feature Amtrak’s national red, white and blue branding, the Cascades fleet sports an evergreen, cream and mocha color palette with design details inspired by the Cascade mountain range.
Where Can You Ride the New Amtrak Airo Trains First?
If you want bragging rights as one of the first passengers in the country to ride Amtrak’s new fleet, you’ll need to head to the Pacific Northwest. On Sept. 30, the initial Airo trains are scheduled to operate these four trips:
- Train 503: Seattle to Eugene, 7:10 a.m.–1:48 p.m.
- Train 516: Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Train 508: Eugene to Seattle, 4:30 p.m.–10:50 p.m.
- Train 519: Vancouver, B.C., to Seattle, 4:45 p.m.–9:10 p.m.
Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for Amtrak Cascades, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab car. More of the new trains will gradually join the route through early 2027, eventually replacing the existing Cascades fleet.
More Amtrak Airo Trains Are Coming
The Pacific Northwest may be getting first dibs, but Amtrak has much bigger plans for Airo. The company has ordered 83 trainsets as part of its effort to modernize passenger rail around the country.
Eventually, Airo trains are expected on routes including the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Vermonter, Carolinian, Palmetto, Pennsylvanian, Adirondack, Ethan Allen Express and Maple Leaf, among others.
Next up is the Northeast Regional, although East Coast travelers will have to wait a bit longer. Amtrak says the first Airo trainset for that route has completed production and begun testing, with passenger service currently planned for late 2027.
The trains are being manufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility, with components coming from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states.
For now, though, the Pacific Northwest gets to go first—and with panoramic windows framing some of the country’s prettiest rail scenery, it seems like a fitting place for Amtrak’s next generation to begin.
Up next:
Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Best Fall Leaf-Peeping Train Trip—They All Said the Same Thing