Amtrak’s journey began on May 1, 1971, with the departure of its first train from New York, marking the start of a long and transformative journey spanning over 50 years. Despite the rise of air travel and the decline of rail travel, Amtrak remained a key player in connecting communities and travelers across the United States.
Now, more than five decades later, Amtrak is ushering in a new era of rail travel with significant updates to its fleet.
At the heart of these changes is the introduction of Amtrak Airo (pronounced “arrow”), a next-generation train that promises to revolutionize the travel experience. Manufactured in California, these sleek trains will debut in 2026 on several prominent routes, including the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, and Vermonter.
The Amtrak Airo features modern and spacious passenger cars with panoramic windows. Even in Coach class, the seats will offer more comfort, with increased legroom, larger tray tables, adjustable headrests, and dedicated cup holders and tablet holders. Passengers can also enjoy amenities like onboard Wi-Fi, personal outlets, USB ports, and improved lighting. Additionally, Amtrak’s cafe cars will receive a modern makeover, with self-service options for a more convenient experience.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the new trains are significantly more fuel-efficient, cutting particulate emissions by 90 percent during diesel operations. With a top speed of 125 mph, the Amtrak Airo also promises faster travel times, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Accessibility has been a key focus, with improved features for passengers using mobility devices. Restrooms, vestibules, and cafe cars will be fully accessible, and lifts will be available for ease of travel.
“Amtrak Airo brings sustainable transportation, modern design, and world-class amenities, transforming the travel experience,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris in a video on the company’s website. “This is the future of Amtrak.”
While the Amtrak Airo is set to debut in 2026, it will eventually be rolled out across a wide range of popular routes, including the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Amtrak Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Amtrak Downeaster, Maple Leaf, Palmetto, Carolinian, Vermonter, and more.
This announcement is part of Amtrak’s broader investment in the future, with billions allocated to expanding rail yards, upgrading train stations, and even adding observation cars to select routes, further enhancing the rail travel experience for passengers across the U.S.
