# Subway Simulator 3D vs Trainz Simulator 3

The clearest difference is price: Subway Simulator 3D at Free against Trainz Simulator 3's $7.99. Subway Simulator 3D also leads on ratings volume (5.3K vs 1.6K). Trainz Simulator 3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (51% vs 26%). On rating, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Subway Simulator 3D is free to download; Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99 up front. Subway Simulator 3D sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Trainz Simulator 3 sells 22 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.9 for Subway Simulator 3D against 3.8 for Trainz Simulator 3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5.3K and 1.6K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 26% of Subway Simulator 3D's written reviews are positive against 51% of Trainz Simulator 3's.

Subway Simulator 3D ships an update every 3 weeks, Trainz Simulator 3 fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Subway Simulator 3D | Trainz Simulator 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $7.99 |
| Rating | **[3.9 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subway-simulator-3d-driving/id818269124/reviews)** | [3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainz-simulator-3/id1184768808/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.3K** | 1.6K |
| Positive reviews | 26.0% of reviews | **51.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#29** |
| Size | 568 MB | 2.2 GB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Simulators Live, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1195044263) | [N3V Games Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/405824664) |

## What reviewers say

### Subway Simulator 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subway-simulator-3d-driving/id818269124)

Experience the thrill of driving trains across diverse global subway systems. Explore realistic routes, manage passengers, and develop your career as a train driver. Customize your experience with AI-generated elements and adhere to traffic rules to avoid fines.

**Highlights:** Control trains from around the world, Visit different countries and explore routes, Realistic subway stations and routes, Develop a subway driver career, Manage passengers and follow traffic rules, AI customization for cabin and driver appearance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week Subscription | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Week Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Сars, cities, stations & gold | $11.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| VIP + No Ads Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| 3 Month Subscription | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| All Cities Subscription | $22.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Subscription | $39.99 | per month |
| Disable Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| VIP Status | $9.99 | one-time |
| Sale Trains Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2 New Cities Pack | $15.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great game
- 🚀 Very realistic
- 🚀 Awesome trains
- 👍 Passenger mode is fun

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Spinning trains
- 🐛 Crashing issues
- 🐛 Speed limit glitches
- 💰 Too many paid features
- 💰 Expensive subscriptions

**Reported bugs**

- Trains spinning at stations
- Crashes and collisions
- Speed limit issues
- Subscription screen not dismissible
- Incompatibility with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add more train models and cities
- Improve passenger mode experience
- Reduce subscription requirements
- Fix bugs and glitches
- Improve AI train behavior


### Trainz Simulator 3

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

**Currently charting:** #29 Top Paid · Family, #120 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 (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free Drive Sessions & Consists | Free | one-time |
| City and Country USA | Free | one-time |
| PT Badgers Pass | Free | one-time |
| Razorback Classic | 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 |
| NS (Norfolk Southern) ES44AC | $1.99 | one-time |
| NS Dash 9-44CW | $1.99 | one-time |
| Shortline Railroad | $2.99 | one-time |
| Model Trainz: Chicago | $2.99 | one-time |
| Midwestern Branch Route | $3.99 | one-time |
| Route: Marias Pass Approach | $4.99 | one-time |
| Route: Sequoia Valley | $4.99 | one-time |
| Centrella Sub Division | $5.99 | one-time |
| Horseshoe Curve | $5.99 | one-time |
| Route: Inyo Mountains | $5.99 | one-time |
| BP - The Western Branch | $9.99 | 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Subway Simulator 3D free?

Subway Simulator 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Trainz Simulator 3 free?

Trainz Simulator 3 costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Subway Simulator 3D or Trainz Simulator 3?

Subway Simulator 3D is rated higher. Subway Simulator 3D averages 3.9 out of 5 from 5.3K ratings, while Trainz Simulator 3 averages 3.8 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do Subway Simulator 3D or Trainz Simulator 3 have ads?

Subway Simulator 3D shows ads; Trainz Simulator 3 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Subway Simulator 3D or Trainz Simulator 3?

Subway Simulator 3D ships an update every 3 weeks, and Trainz Simulator 3 fortnightly. Most recently, Subway Simulator 3D was updated on October 24, 2026 and Trainz Simulator 3 on October 24, 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.*