# Build A Train vs Train Simulator PRO 2018

The clearest difference is rating: Build A Train at 4.7 against Train Simulator PRO 2018's 3.4. Build A Train also leads on review sentiment (82% vs 42%) and in-app purchases (none vs 5). Train Simulator PRO 2018's advantage is ratings volume (506 vs 69). On update cadence, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Build A Train costs $2.99 and Train Simulator PRO 2018 $5.99 up front. Train Simulator PRO 2018 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Build A Train asks for nothing beyond the download.

Build A Train holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Simulator PRO 2018 has 506 ratings behind it against 69, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of Build A Train's written reviews are positive against 42% of Train Simulator PRO 2018's.

Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, Train Simulator PRO 2018 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build A Train | Train Simulator PRO 2018 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train/id398937831/reviews)** | [3.4 (506 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-pro-2018/id1254419905/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 69 | **506** |
| Positive reviews | **82.2% of reviews** | 41.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#79** | #101 |
| Size | 52 MB | 828 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203) | [MAGEEKS SC](https://appshunter.io/developer/611120073) |

## What reviewers say

### Build A Train

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

**Currently charting:** #79 Top Paid · Family (US App Store)

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 Simulator PRO 2018

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-pro-2018/id1254419905)

**Currently charting:** #101 Top Paid · Family (US App Store)

Experience the thrill of being a train engineer by driving realistic locomotives across a vast US landscape. Manage freight or passenger trains, navigate complex routes, and build a successful railway company. Enjoy stunning graphics and interactive cab controls for an immersive simulation.

**Highlights:** Drive passenger or freight trains, Explore 1000 sq miles of terrain, 15 cities to visit, 6 unique locomotives, Interactive engineer's cabin, Realistic damage system, Dynamic weather and day/night cycle

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handful of Gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pile of Gems | $2.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Chest of Gems | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best train game ever
- 🚀 Awesome game
- 🚀 Excellent
- 🚀 High quality
- 🚀 Great graphics and gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes
- 🐛 Glitches
- 🐛 Money issues
- 🐛 Lack of features
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases

**Reported bugs**

- Long trains not recognized at grade crossings
- Engine damage and repair costs too high
- Inconsistent speed limit enforcement
- Missions not starting/completing properly
- Inability to unload cargo without crashing

**Requested features**

- Expand map to include West Coast
- Add more train models and types (e.g. steam engines)
- Implement multiplayer functionality
- Add more camera views and free roam mode
- Allow customization of trains (colors, logos, etc.)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Build A Train free?

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

### Is Train Simulator PRO 2018 free?

Train Simulator PRO 2018 costs $5.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Build A Train or Train Simulator PRO 2018?

Build A Train is rated higher. Build A Train averages 4.7 out of 5 from 69 ratings, while Train Simulator PRO 2018 averages 3.4 from 506 ratings.

### Do Build A Train or Train Simulator PRO 2018 have ads?

Train Simulator PRO 2018 shows ads; Build A Train does not.

### Which is updated more often, Build A Train or Train Simulator PRO 2018?

Build A Train ships an update every 3 months, and Train Simulator PRO 2018 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Build A Train was updated on September 26, 2026 and Train Simulator PRO 2018 on September 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Build A Train or Train Simulator PRO 2018?

Build A Train currently peaks at #79 in the App Store charts, and Train Simulator PRO 2018 at #101. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*