June 25, 2025

One of the Most Scenic Amtrak Routes in the U.S. Is Getting a New Look – and Train Cars With Panoramic Windows

The Cascades line is getting new cars in 2026.


One of the most beautiful train rides in America is getting a major upgrade.

The famed Amtrak Cascades service, which operates throughout the Northwest corridor with stops including Seattle and Vancouver, recently revealed the first look at its brand-new train cars and interiors. From the front of the engine to the last passenger car, everything has been reimagined from the ground up.

"With panoramic windows and additional table seating, customers can enjoy some of the best views and connect to some of the most scenic landscapes in the world," the Amtrak Cascades website shares about the coming upgrades.

Amtrak announced that the refreshed train will hit the tracks in 2026, though a specific launch date was not disclosed.

Amtrak is keeping the existing green and maroon color scheme and images of local landmarks on the train's livery. The train will have special graphics of both Mount Rainier and Mount Hood, both of which the train passes on its journey.

Each train car will be completely brand new, including a redesigned café car with a menu featuring local flavors and bites. Amtrak also released dozens of images of the trains under construction in the May 29 update. The nearly finished cars feature a refreshing color scheme, hardwood tables, plush seating, and fresh carpeting.

In addition to the new trains being more comfortable, Amtrak says it will also be more fuel efficient, contribute less air pollution, and be extremely environmentally friendly. It is calling the new trains the "next generation of train travel."

The route was listed as one of the most scenic train routes in America by Visit USA Parks, due to the variety of landscapes and mountains. “The whole ride was so beautiful and relaxing,” one traveler shared about their recent journey on the Amtrak Cascades in a social media post.

While travelers will have to wait for the new trains until 2026, tickets for existing trains on the Cascade line are still available on Amtrak’s website. The train makes 18 stops, with major destinations including Bellingham, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Vancouver, British Columbia.



Copyright 2025 Travel + Leisure Co. All rights reserved. From https://www.travelandleisure.com. By Michael Cappetta.

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