# Train Station vs Metro Control

The clearest difference is update cadence: Metro Control at every 6 days against Train Station's every 2 months. Metro Control also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 63%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Station sells 14 one-off in-app purchases and Metro Control sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Train Station ships an update every 2 months, Metro Control every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Station | Metro Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-station-classic/id930204424/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2.9K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.8% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 161 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pixel Federation Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/327215542) | [Jonathan Meikle](https://appshunter.io/developer/1477087762) |

## What reviewers say

### Train Station

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-station-classic/id930204424)

Manage your own train station, collect thousands of real-life trains, and fulfill cargo contracts. Build and decorate your station, compete with friends, and discover train stories. Enjoy regular updates and seasonal events.

**Highlights:** Collect thousands of real-life trains, Manage and build your train station, Fulfill cargo contracts and earn rewards, Compete with friends and global leaderboards, Participate in seasonal events, Learn real-life train stories

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

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Beginners Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack I | $2.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack II | $3.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack XIII | $4.99 | one-time |
| Daily Gems - 30 Days | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack III | $7.99 | one-time |
| Starter Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack XIV | $9.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack IV | $11.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack V | $17.99 | one-time |
| Economy Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| Special Pack VI | $19.99 | one-time |
| Business Kit | $49.99 | one-time |
| Corporate Package | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Detailed train models
- 🚂 Variety of trains and eras
- 🕰️ Relaxing time-based gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🕰️ Slow progression without spending
- 🤖 Repetitive and grindy

**Reported bugs**

- Lost progress and saved data
- Login and connectivity issues
- Freezing and performance problems

**Requested features**

- Ability to customize train consists
- More social features and multiplayer
- Improved tutorial and onboarding
- Offline mode or reduced internet dependency


### Metro Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-control/id1493350041)

Direct trains through a metro network, rerouting them around closed lines and other trains. The challenge increases as lines become busier, testing your ability to prevent crashes. Compete with other players on GameCentre.

**Highlights:** Direct trains on closed lines, Reroute trains to avoid obstacles, Increasingly challenging gameplay, Compete on GameCentre

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pack of 5 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Full Version | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Station free?

Train Station is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Metro Control free?

Metro Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Train Station or Metro Control have ads?

Both Train Station and Metro Control show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Train Station or Metro Control?

Train Station ships an update every 2 months, and Metro Control every 6 days. Most recently, Train Station was updated on October 19, 2026 and Metro Control on October 4, 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.*