Amtrak is rolling out a new fleet of trains on its Cascades route between Vancouver, Seattle and Portland in 2026, coinciding with America250 celebrations. Olivia Palamountain reports

Amtrak will launch new Airo trainsets on its Amtrak Cascades route in Q3/4 of 2026, strengthening rail connections between Vancouver in Canada, Seattle in Washington and Portland in Oregon.

The rollout coincides with a landmark year for US travel, including America250 (the initiative that celebrates 250 years of the US) and FIFA World Cup 26, when demand for cross-border travel is expected to rise. Unfortunately the new trains won't arrive in time for the football tournament, however.

The upgrade includes eight new trainsets and two new locomotives operating along the existing Cascades corridor, which runs from Eugene in Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia. Stations served along the route include Seattle, Centralia, Olympia, Tacoma, Everett, Mount Vernon and Bellingham.

Apparently, the trains have been designed with the Pacific Northwest in mind, aiming to improve comfort while reflecting the region’s beautiful landscapes and identity.

The Airo will replace the Talgo Series 8 trainset, and will come with upgraded features such as public screens that display speed, stops and connections, along with touchless restroom controls, and automated steps that improve accessibility when boarding and disembarking. There will also be in-seat power, wifi and a café, as before.

Amtrak Cascades serves 18 stations along the I-5 corridor, offering an alternative to driving between major cities and smaller destinations. The route is known for its scenic views and plays a key role in regional transport across Washington State, Oregon and British Columbia.

Beyond Cascades, Amtrak operates two other routes through "Oregon: Coast Starlight", linking Seattle and Los Angeles, and "the Empire Builder", which connects Chicago with the Pacific Northwest while following parts of the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. Passengers can book point-to-point tickets, making it easy to stop and explore along the way.

In total, there will be 83 new Airo trainsets serving the US, starting with Amtrak Cascades and followed by the Northeast Regional and other key routes.