New Amtrak Trains Coming Soon to Pacific Northwest, But Not in Time for World Cup

Sleek 'Airo' trains undergoing testing back East, won't debut on Amtrak Cascades line until late 2026

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:28am by

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A sweeping, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting a towering, streamlined train station or transportation hub against a backdrop of stylized landscapes and cityscapes, conveying the grand scale and excitement of international travel.With new Amtrak trains delayed, the Pacific Northwest braces for a transportation challenge as it hosts the 2026 World Cup.Eugene Today

The strained Amtrak Cascades rail service is on track to have limited capacity to carry the crowds expected to descend on the Pacific Northwest for the upcoming men's World Cup. Sleek new, amenity-packed 'Airo' trains are still undergoing testing back East and will not get here in time to haul legions of international soccer fans.

Why it matters

The World Cup is expected to bring up to 750,000 visitors to the Pacific Northwest, straining the already limited passenger rail capacity on the Amtrak Cascades line. The new Airo trains would have provided a significant boost in seating, but their delayed debut means the region will have to make do with aging equipment during the tournament.

The details

Amtrak Executive Vice President Laura Mason said the rail operator won't rush the brand-new Airo equipment into service before it's fully ready. The first Airo trains are now expected to enter revenue service on the Amtrak Cascades line in late summer or fall of 2026. In total, eight new trainsets, two new locomotives, and a spare cab car are coming to the Pacific Northwest as part of Amtrak's nationwide modernization campaign.

  • Amtrak placed a large order for new trains in 2021 as part of a nationwide modernization campaign.
  • The first new Airo train is expected to enter revenue service on the Amtrak Cascades line in late summer or fall of 2026.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver will take place from June 13 to July 7.

The players

Laura Mason

Amtrak Executive Vice President who said the rail operator won't rush the brand-new Airo equipment into service before it's fully ready.

Charles Hamilton

Executive Director of the rail passenger advocacy group All Aboard Washington, who said he was disheartened that the fleet modernization won't happen in time for the World Cup but that the delay was expected by railfans.

Hugh Conroy

Executive Director of the Whatcom Council of Governments, who said the trend of Canadian travelers choosing to avoid the U.S. since President Donald Trump took office appears to be a durable phenomenon, reducing his level of concern for soccer travelers being waylaid by a gummed up border.

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What they’re saying

“We considered what we could do, but I think it's really important to make sure that the trainset is really fit and ready for service, and that the crews are ready to operate it. That's why we are recognizing that it's not going to be here for the World Cup.”

— Laura Mason, Amtrak Executive Vice President

“I would have loved to see it. It just didn't come to pass. I think they're being very conservative about this.”

— Charles Hamilton, Executive Director, All Aboard Washington

“A year ago, I would have thought there would be longer periods of congestion at the border. But I think there will probably be surges that will cause wait times on game days.”

— Hugh Conroy, Executive Director, Whatcom Council of Governments

What’s next

The first new Airo trains are expected to enter revenue service on the Amtrak Cascades line in late summer or fall of 2026.

The takeaway

While the new Airo trains will eventually provide a significant boost in passenger capacity for the Amtrak Cascades line, their delayed debut means the Pacific Northwest will have to make do with aging equipment during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially straining the region's transportation infrastructure.