# Build A Train vs Train Station Kit

The clearest difference is price: Train Station Kit at Free against Build A Train's $2.99. Train Station Kit also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 82%). Build A Train's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 11.0). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Train Station Kit is free to download; Build A Train costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Build A Train against 4.8 for Train Station Kit. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 69 and 34 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of Build A Train's written reviews are positive against 91% of Train Station Kit's.

Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, Train Station Kit every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build A Train | Train Station Kit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831/reviews) | **[4.8 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-station-kit/id1222326214/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **69** | 34 |
| Positive reviews | 82.2% of reviews | **90.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 52 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203) | [yuichiro hino](https://appshunter.io/developer/977501867) |

## What reviewers say

### Build A Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831)

Design and operate your own virtual train set. Choose engines and cars, then drive your creation through various environments, controlling switches and speed. Unlock new levels and enjoy a mess-free train experience.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👨‍👧‍👦 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**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

**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


### Train Station Kit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-station-kit/id1222326214)

Manage and develop a bustling train station, attracting passengers and customizing trains. Experience a compelling story with engaging side events and a realistic background system that keeps time moving even when the app is closed. Enjoy a charming and relaxing simulation game suitable for all ages.

**Highlights:** Station development and management, Attract and manage passengers, Train customization, Realistic background system, Main story and side events, Photo mode for trains, Cute animal passengers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Build A Train free?

Build A Train costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Train Station Kit free?

Train Station Kit is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Build A Train or Train Station Kit?

Train Station Kit is rated higher. Build A Train averages 4.7 out of 5 from 69 ratings, while Train Station Kit averages 4.8 from 34 ratings.

### Do Build A Train or Train Station Kit have ads?

Neither Build A Train nor Train Station Kit shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Build A Train or Train Station Kit?

Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, and Train Station Kit every 2 months. Most recently, Build A Train was updated on October 13, 2026 and Train Station Kit on September 20, 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.*