The Train to Vancouver Just Got a Makeover, but Not a Speedup

Amtrak Cascades has started carrying passengers on new trains between Vancouver, Seattle and Portland. The Siemens Venture trainsets, which Amtrak brands as Airo, entered regular service in late September or early October 2026. The fleet is eight trainsets, with more expected to enter service as they pass final testing. Each train seats more than 300 passengers.

Riders will notice larger windows, upgraded seating, more table seating, power outlets and USB ports, free Wi-Fi, digital information displays and a redesigned café car. The trains are also more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions than the equipment they replace. The northernmost stop is Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, where the line typically runs two round trips a day to Seattle, with some trains continuing to Portland.

There is a catch for anyone hoping to save time. Reports say the new trains will neither increase service speeds nor reduce travel times, so the benefit is reliability and comfort rather than a faster trip. Separately, since June 8, 2026, Pacific Central Station has offered full U.S. preclearance, so southbound passengers clear U.S. customs in Canada. That removed the Blaine stop and trimmed at least 10 minutes from the schedule.

For Pacific Northwest travelers, the update is welcome. A smoother ride with power at every seat suits remote workers and tourists, and the preclearance setup makes the cross-border trip easier. Travelers should still carry passports or other documents required for border crossing, and should check schedules before booking, since the number of daily departures stays modest.

Sources: Daily Hive, Amtrak Media