# Trainz Simulator 3 vs Train Simulator

The clearest difference is price: Train Simulator at Free against Trainz Simulator 3's $7.99. Train Simulator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and rating (4.2 vs 3.8). Trainz Simulator 3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.6K vs 13). On update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Train Simulator is free to download; Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99 up front. Trainz Simulator 3 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Train Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Train Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Trainz Simulator 3 has 1.6K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Trainz Simulator 3's written reviews are positive against 68% of Train Simulator's.

Trainz Simulator 3 ships an update fortnightly, Train Simulator every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Trainz Simulator 3 | Train Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainz-simulator-3/id1184768808/reviews) | **[4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-city-railroad/id6449962004/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 51.0% of reviews | **68.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | **#43** | — |
| Size | 2.2 GB | 480 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [N3V Games Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/405824664) | [Manthan Dobariya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1656877257) |

## What reviewers say

### Trainz Simulator 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainz-simulator-3/id1184768808)

**Currently charting:** #43 Top Paid · Family, #162 Top Paid · Simulation (US App Store)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free Drive Sessions & Consists | Free | one-time |
| City and Country USA | Free | one-time |
| NYC J3a-Dreyfuss | $0.99 | one-time |
| Amtrk P42DC ph V | $0.99 | one-time |
| BNSF SD70MAC H3 | $0.99 | one-time |
| CSX C40-8W | $0.99 | one-time |
| Nickel Plate High Speed Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| PRR T1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| N&W Y6B Weathered | $1.99 | one-time |
| Shortline Railroad | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- Add more US steam locomotives
- Implement a route/world builder
- Include a main menu and settings
- Add more free drive options
- Improve derailment physics


### Train Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-city-railroad/id6449962004)

Experience the thrill of operating various Indian locomotives, from steam to high-speed, on diverse routes. Master realistic driving mechanics, manage signals, and earn coins through precise gameplay. This simulation offers an immersive journey through India's rail network.

**Highlights:** Realistic train simulation, Story mode available, Drive various locomotives, Earn coins through gameplay, Full world map, Multiple camera angles, Easy-to-understand tutorials

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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 no in-app purchases.

### 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 4.2 from 13 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 3 weeks. Most recently, Trainz Simulator 3 was updated on November 6, 2026 and Train Simulator on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*