Comparison

Trainz Simulator 3 vs Train Simulator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Trainz Simulator 3

Experience the most realistic train driving simulation with next-generation graphics. Take control of various locomotives across diverse global locations, from the comfort of your home or on the go. Master complex operations and manage entire railroads.

Highlights
  • Realistic train driving experience
  • Global route exploration
  • Control of multiple locomotive types
  • Detailed rolling stock
  • Simple and realistic driving modes
  • Driver command system
Currently charting
Read full description

Trainz Simulator 3 delivers next-generation graphics and the most realistic train driving ​experience wherever you are. Take charge of steam electric or diesel locomotives and travel the world from the comfort of your home or while on the road. Climb the Rocky Mountains, venture all over the UK, journey through the USA or explore Outback Australia. Included Features: - Explore 4 highly detailed locations - Experience 12 gameplay sessions - Master 9 in-depth tutorial sessions - Control 14 highly detailed locomotives - Haul over 54 types of rolling stock - Drive in simple or realistic modes - Issue Driver Commands to dozens of other trains - Operate an entire railroad Expand your experience with new routes, sessions and hundreds of locomotives available for additional purchase. NOTE: TS3 does not currently offer world building tools or allow importing 3rd party content. Initial install size: 4GB

About

Train Simulator

Become a train driver in this 2D simulator, delivering cargo and revitalizing regional economies. Upgrade your locomotives, manage infrastructure, and explore diverse landscapes. Experience realistic train gameplay with dynamic weather.

Highlights
  • Cargo delivery and economic management
  • Train upgrades and modifications
  • Diverse game world exploration
  • Realistic train simulation gameplay
  • Dynamic weather conditions
  • Challenging tasks and contracts
Features
Read full description

In-game regional economies are in poor condition, transport systems are suffering losses, enterprises and factories are idle, and the transport network is not properly maintained. Are you ready to change the situation? Download the 2D train simulator game and put on the shoes of a real train driver! Play Train Simulator and deliver various cargoes from agricultural products and building materials to goods for light and heavy industry. In this train sim, you should meet the heads of railroads, improve relations between the train stations and develop the economic potential of entire regions! You have an impressive list of trains at your disposal. All trains have been recreated from the real drawings. Start with an inconspicuous diesel locomotive, take orders & earn money to get new spare parts and equipment. Upgrade and modify train compositions to handle difficult orders and earn more money. Eventually, unlock the entire fleet of equipment up to the heaviest and most powerful locomotives of the 20th century! On your way, you’ll solve infrastructure problems in a wide variety of places such as deserts, cities, forests, swamps, mountains, and many other game locations. Why you’ll spend hours playing the railroad sim game: - Advanced train management - Deliberate upgrade system - Many challenging tasks - Expansive game world - Real train simulator gameplay - Beautiful 2D graphics & sound effects - Dynamic weather conditions Download Train Simulator for free and enjoy the realistic gameplay! Sign contracts, load wagons, choose a destination, start the engine, and go along the rails of luck!

Screenshots

Trainz Simulator 34 screens
Train Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Train Simulator at Free against Trainz Simulator 3's $7.99. Train Simulator also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.8) and review sentiment (64% vs 51%). Trainz Simulator 3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On in-app purchases, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Train Simulator is free to download; Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99 up front. Trainz Simulator 3 sells 22 one-off in-app purchases and Train Simulator sells 14 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Train Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.6K and 5.3K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Trainz Simulator 3's written reviews are positive against 64% of Train Simulator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Trainz Simulator 3 ships an update fortnightly, Train Simulator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Trainz Simulator 3 versus Train Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrainz Simulator 3Train Simulator
Price$7.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (1.6K ratings)4.7 (5.3K ratings) — better
Positive reviews51.0% of reviews64.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.6K5.3K — better
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#58 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2.2 GB820 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperN3V Games Pty LtdAZUR INTERACTIVE GAMES LIMITED

Customer experience

Trainz Simulator 3

All ratings1,591 ratings
Positive69.1%
Neutral8.5%
Negative22.3%
Written reviews727 reviews
Positive51.0%
Neutral13.6%
Negative35.4%

Train Simulator

All ratings5,239 ratings
Positive92.7%
Neutral3.5%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews193 reviews
Positive64.2%
Neutral10.9%
Negative24.9%

User reviews

Trainz Simulator 3

From 1.6K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Realistic graphics
  • 🚂 Detailed train models
  • 👍 Immersive audio
  • 🚅 Variety of train content
  • 🎨 Good graphics for mobile

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and white screen issues
  • 🔋 Drains battery quickly
  • 🤔 Clunky user interface and menus
  • 🤯 Lack of customization options
  • 🙄 Buggy and glitchy at times

Train Simulator

From 5.3K App Store ratings

What we love

  • ⭐️ Enjoyable and fun game
  • 🚂 Realistic train simulation
  • 👍 Good graphics and gameplay
  • 💯 Great for train enthusiasts

Room to improve

  • 🙄 Annoying ads
  • 🚧 Difficult hills and terrain
  • 🔧 Frequent need for repairs
  • 🤔 Limited train selection

Bugs and requests

Trainz Simulator 3

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Trains disappearing or getting stuck
  • Locomotive sounds glitching out
  • Switches not functioning properly
  • Inconsistent camera controls
  • Saving/loading issues

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add more US steam locomotives
  • Implement a route/world builder
  • Include a main menu and settings
  • Add more free drive options
  • Improve derailment physics
Show 1 more
  • Optimize performance on older devices

Train Simulator

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Game crashes on startup for some users
  • Inability to save progress or sync across devices
  • Glitches with train performance and handling

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add more train types (steam, electric, etc.)
  • Implement passenger service
  • Improve hill climbing and traction
  • Reduce reliance on ads or provide ad-free option

In-app purchases

22 purchases

Trainz Simulator 3

One-time22
  • Free Drive Sessions & ConsistsFree
  • City and Country USAFree
  • PT Badgers PassFree
Show 19 more
  • Razorback ClassicFree
  • NYC J3a-Dreyfuss$0.99
  • Amtrk P42DC ph V$0.99
  • BNSF SD70MAC H3$0.99
  • CSX C40-8W$0.99
  • Nickel Plate High Speed Set$1.99
  • PRR T1$1.99
  • N&W Y6B Weathered$1.99
  • NS (Norfolk Southern) ES44AC$1.99
  • NS Dash 9-44CW$1.99
  • Shortline Railroad$2.99
  • Model Trainz: Chicago$2.99
  • Midwestern Branch Route$3.99
  • Route: Marias Pass Approach$4.99
  • Route: Sequoia Valley$4.99
  • Centrella Sub Division$5.99
  • Horseshoe Curve$5.99
  • Route: Inyo Mountains$5.99
  • BP - The Western Branch$9.99
14 purchases

Train Simulator

One-time14
  • Engine Boost$0.99
  • Crew 4$1.99
  • Starter pack sale$2.99
Show 11 more
  • Starter Pack$3.99
  • ChME3 Sale$3.99
  • WDM2 Sale$5.99
  • ChME3 Locomotive$5.99
  • More gold boxes$7.99
  • WDM2 Locomotive$7.99
  • EMD SD70 Sale$7.99
  • More silver boxes$7.99
  • FD20 Sale$7.99
  • EMD SD70 Locomotive$9.99
  • FD20 Locomotive$10.99

Questions

Is Trainz Simulator 3 free?
Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Train Simulator free?
Train Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Trainz Simulator 3 or Train Simulator?
Train Simulator is rated higher. Trainz Simulator 3 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while Train Simulator averages 4.7 from 5.3K ratings.
Do Trainz Simulator 3 or Train Simulator have ads?
Train Simulator shows ads; Trainz Simulator 3 does not.
Which is updated more often, Trainz Simulator 3 or Train Simulator?
Trainz Simulator 3 ships an update fortnightly, and Train Simulator every 2 months. Most recently, Trainz Simulator 3 was updated on October 29, 2026 and Train Simulator on October 30, 2026.

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