# Build A Train

> Virtual train set for kids to build, drive, and customize trains. (iPhone/iPad app by Playtend Apps LLP.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203)
- Category: Games, Education, Family
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 69 App Store ratings · 134 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 52 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Simplified, China), European Spanish
- Released: 2010-11-16
- Data updated: 2026-09-03
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831/reviews.md

## What is Build A Train?

Build A Train is the perfect virtual train set for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.   It's also a universal app – buy once, play on any of your devices.  Even better, all future content updates are included FREE in the full version of Build A Train.  

PLEASE NOTE: Designed for kids aged 1-6.

What parents are saying: 

"I got this for my train-loving 3 year old and he loves it!  He loves to build the trains and fly the helicopter and my husband and I love trying to beat each other's scores!  Great app!"

"My 5 year old LOVES trains and he really enjoys playing this game.  Thanks for the updates.  The horn and bell were a big hit."

"Great job with the update.  My 6 year old had a great time trying to get enough points to unlock the tracks.  My 2 year old loves the horn and the bell.  Nice job."

What reviewers are saying:

"Build a Train is an entertaining app for younger children. It would be great for car rides or anytime you want to entertain your children with an imaginative game"
- TUAW.com

Build A Train "...proves that, when it comes to train-themed mobile games, the iOS platform rules the rails."
- Macworld

"Build A Train offers all the fun and excitement of a good old fashioned train set with a few added extras and the best feature of all from a mothers perspective… no mess!"
- theimum.com

"I was amazed at how quickly my 5 year old not only grasped the concept but became completely engrossed in the game. He didn't want to put it down for anything. He has always loved trains and this is the perfect type of app for him. It's challenging but he can still master it. As far as train games go (and well pretty much any kids games to be honest) this one is a big winner in our book! Completely worth the money."
- NowWhatBaby.blogspot.com

*********

Build A Train includes the following features:

»»»  Select an engine for your train.  
Choose from a variety of styles, colors and design.

»»»  Select the cars for your train.
Configure your train as desired -- easy drag-to-reorder functionality gives you full control of your train.  Simply double-tap the cars in your  train to delete them. Test drive your train in a city environment.

»»» Launch game mode and drive your train. Control the switches on the track to determine where your train goes.  Control the speed of your train.  Pick-up cargo and collect points.  Celebrate by tooting a horn or ringing a bell. 

»»» Night mode feature lets you drive your train at night.

»»» Unlockable content.  Start with 20 maps to play on and then collect points to unlock new bonus levels for your train including ocean, palace, pyramids, bright lights and volcano.  

Want to know more? 

*** SEE A VIDEO REVIEW from Apps for Children with Special Needs:  http://vimeo.com/21054012 


*** TRY THE LITE VERSION FOR FREE:
Just search for Build A Train Lite in the App Store.


***Top 10 Educational Game*** 
***Named What's Hot by Apple*** 
***TUAW.com App of the Day*** 

Featured in Free App Magic selection by MagicSolver.

Interested in more features?  New engines, more game mechanics or trains?  More worlds?  QUESTIONS?  Let us know by emailing: support@playtend.com 

***THANKS for all the feedback.****

Remember -- your CONSTRUCTIVE feedback helps keep quality updates coming!

## Key features

- Select and customize train engines and cars
- Drag-and-reorder car functionality
- Drive trains in city environments
- Control track switches and train speed
- Pick up cargo and collect points
- Unlockable bonus levels and maps
- Night mode driving

## What do users think of Build A Train?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👨‍👧‍👦 Excellent for young children and toddlers
- 🎮 Intuitive and easy-to-use controls
- 🚂 Engaging train-building mechanics
- 🎨 Good graphics and visual design
- 🧠 Educational value for problem-solving and planning
- 🎵 Great music and sound effects
- ⏱️ Keeps children entertained for extended periods
- 🎯 Appropriate difficulty level for target age group
- 🔄 Multiple maps and layouts to unlock
- 💾 Longevity - children return to play repeatedly
- 🎪 Interactive elements (cars, helicopters, boats)
- 📱 Works well on both iPhone and iPad

**Cons**

- 🐛 Crashes on older iOS versions
- 🔊 Sound issues after updates
- 😑 Limited content depth for older children
- 🔁 Becomes repetitive and boring quickly
- 💰 Not worth the paid price point
- 📉 Updates sometimes delete player progress
- ⚙️ Technical issues with new versions
- 🎮 Lacks challenging gameplay mechanics
- 🚂 Limited train variety and customization

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS 9 iPad Mini
- App crashes on iOS 8
- Sound not working after updates
- App not working after night mode update
- Progress/points deleted after updates
- Trains don't pivot correctly at track points
- No sound with new software update

**Most requested features**

- More trains and locomotives (steam trains, CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, SD-45, C44-9W)
- Ability to build custom tracks
- Longer trains with more than 3 cars
- Train reversal capability
- Cargo drop-off mechanics
- More maps and track layouts
- Daytime and nighttime modes
- Railroad crossings with lights and bell sounds
- On/off button instead of switch
- Ground-level or on-board camera views
- Passenger trains with station stops
- Train yard/switch yard map
- Ability to save train designs and scores
- Environmental elements (trees, streams, caves, bridges)
- Video creator feature
- More interactive sound effects and bells/whistles
- Ability to change train colors/paint like Ramone
- Dual engines for very long trains
- More complex track designs with tunnels and plus-shaped intersections

## Recent user reviews (10 of 134)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831/reviews.md

### 5/5 — So nostalgic

*2022-06-29, version 9*

I thought this game was taken off the App Store but no it’s still on seeing this game after 9 years is really a trip down memory lane :)

### 5/5 — Nostalgia Hit

*2022-02-01, version 9*

Coming back after a few years and wow, that hit of nostalgia when you hear the “ding ding ding” it just feels like a game that was made a hot minute ago. What would be a good addition to the game would be adding more trains and maps, but if you have a child who likes trains this is a great option. 

So happy that I opened it up again 🥰😌

### 5/5 — 懐かしい

*2021-01-22*

幼い頃お世話になりました

### 5/5 — Great game👍

*2019-10-18, version 9*

I’m a 22 year old man I enjoy playing this awesome game! 👍👍

### 5/5 — Good game and graphics 😀😃😁😆😅😂☺️😊😇🙂😉😌

*2019-06-05, version 9*

Hello I have nothing to say

### 5/5 — A good memory but

*2018-09-08, version 9*

This game is HIGHLY recommended but needs the daylight. And playtend please add the trains from train empire like for example that Irving engine I like. This is good for little kids I would totally get it

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2018-06-18, version 9*

When I was a kid I got this app and still have it! Even though I’m 15! Great job! Keep up good work!!

### 1/5 — Crashes on iOS 9 iPad Mini

*2016-01-16, version 8.11*

Crashes continuously on the first screen when trying to play. Very disappointing.

### 5/5 — 구입목록 삭제해주세요!

*2015-04-26*

구입목록 삭제해주세요!

### 5/5 — My 5-year old loves it

*2015-04-13, version 8.11*

Awesome in every way.

## Frequently asked questions about Build A Train

### What is Build A Train?

Build A Train is a virtual train set application designed for young children. It allows users to select train engines and cars, customize their trains, and then drive them through various environments. Players can control switches, speed, and collect points by picking up cargo.

### What are the key features of Build A Train?

Key features include selecting and designing train engines and cars with drag-and-reorder functionality, driving trains in city environments, controlling track switches and speed, collecting points, and unlocking new bonus levels and maps. There is also a night mode for driving.

### How much does Build A Train cost?

Build A Train is a paid application. The description mentions that all future content updates are included for free in the full version, suggesting a one-time purchase for the complete experience.

### What devices is Build A Train compatible with?

Build A Train is a universal app designed for iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. This means you can purchase it once and play it on any of your compatible Apple devices.

### What are common use cases for Build A Train?

This app is ideal for entertaining young children, especially those who love trains. It's great for car rides or anytime parents want to provide an imaginative and engaging play experience without the mess of a physical train set.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 9 — 2017-09-23

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

iOS 11 compatibility updates.

### 8.11 — 2014-10-07

iOS 8 compatibility.

### 8.10 — 2013-09-27

Improved child lock feature.

### 8.02 — 2013-08-08

Bug fix.

### 8.01 — 2013-06-26

Bug fix.

## Apps similar to Build A Train

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Train games trains building 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-games-trains-building-2/id1555672057) | 4.2 (6,757) | Free | Games |
| [ModelRailway Millionaire Light](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/modelrailway-millionaire-light/id6468953921) | 3.2 (14) | Free | Games |
| [Labo Christmas Train(Full)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labo-christmas-trainfull/id1602349361) | 4.9 (16) | $3.99 | Games |
| [TrainSet 3D](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainset-3d/id828955916) | 5.0 (1) | $0.99 | Games |
| [googolChooChoo3D2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/googolchoochoo3d2/id1223923252) | 3.9 (32) | Free | Games |
| [SuperTrains 1](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/supertrains-1/id498958534) | 3.3 (52) | Free | Games |

## More apps by Playtend Apps LLP

- [Counting Ants Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counting-ants-lite/id323625639)
- [ABC 123 Blocks = Learning Tool For Toddlers LITE](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abc-123-blocks-learning-tool-for-toddlers-lite/id402356772)
- [Counting Ants](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counting-ants/id405436429)
- [Build A Train Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train-lite/id423884330)
- [Monster Coloring Book](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monster-coloring-book/id435676573)

All apps by Playtend Apps LLP: https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203

## Related topics

[build train](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/build-train) · [build a train lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/build-a-train-lite) · [train games for kids control](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/train-games-for-kids-control) · [building trains](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/building-trains)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*