Reviews

Best Toy Trains and Railway Sets for Kids

By GToys Published

Best Toy Trains and Railway Sets for Kids

Toy trains hold a special place in the toy world because they combine construction (building the track), engineering (making the layout work), imaginative play (running the trains), and often a deep well of historical and mechanical fascination. From chunky wooden sets for toddlers to intricate HO-scale model railways for older kids, the train toy category spans every age and budget.

Wooden Train Sets (Ages 2-6)

BRIO World Railway Starter Set

BRIO, founded in Osby, Sweden in 1884, has produced wooden trains since 1958. Their track system uses a consistent gauge that has not changed in decades, meaning BRIO tracks from the 1980s connect perfectly with pieces bought today. The beechwood tracks feature male and female connectors that press-fit together. The trains connect magnetically, and the wooden wheels roll smoothly on the grooved track. The Railway Starter Set (33773) includes 26 pieces: tracks, a bridge, a locomotive, passenger car, and figures. It is the universal starting point for wooden train play.

Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway

Licensed from the beloved TV show created by Reverend Wilbert Awdry in 1945, Thomas wooden trains fit BRIO-compatible track. Each character engine has a distinct face and color: Thomas (blue, number 1), Percy (green, number 6), James (red, number 5), and Gordon (blue, number 4). The Tidmouth Sheds roundhouse, Cranky the Crane, and the Knapford Station playset bring the Island of Sodor to life. The show connection gives kids narrative scaffolding for their play.

IKEA LILLABO Train Set

At roughly $10-15 for a basic set, IKEA LILLABO offers the most affordable entry into wooden train play. The tracks are compatible with BRIO and Thomas. Quality is lower than BRIO (lighter wood, simpler connectors), but for testing whether a child will engage with train play, it is a risk-free investment.

Battery and Electric Trains (Ages 4-8)

LEGO DUPLO Steam Train (10874)

This motorized DUPLO train features a push-and-go motor (push it forward to start, push backward or lift to stop), light-up headlight, and 5 color-coded action bricks that trigger sounds when the train rolls over them. The app-connected version adds remote control and sound effects. The train runs on DUPLO-compatible tracks with curved sections, switches, and a bridge. It bridges the gap between wooden train play and LEGO building.

Lionel Trains

Lionel has manufactured electric toy trains since Joshua Lionel Cowen built his first model in 1900 in New York City. The company popularized O-gauge trains that run on three-rail track powered by a transformer. The Lionel Polar Express Ready-to-Run set includes a locomotive, tender, passenger car, observation car, oval track, and transformer. The transformer controls speed and direction. Running a Lionel train set requires assembly and electricity, making it an excellent parent-child project.

Model Trains for Older Kids (Ages 10+)

Bachmann E-Z Track System (HO Scale)

HO scale (1:87) is the most popular model railroad scale worldwide. The Bachmann E-Z Track system uses roadbed-integrated track sections that snap together without nailing to a baseboard. A starter set with locomotive, rolling stock, oval track, and power pack costs about $100-150. From this foundation, kids can expand into scenery building, weathering techniques, and layout planning. Model railroading teaches patience, precision, planning, and electrical basics.

Track Layout Tips

Start Simple, Expand Gradually

A simple oval with one siding teaches basic train operation. Add a figure-eight crossover for complexity. Then bridges, tunnels, and stations. Buying the largest set upfront often overwhelms younger kids. A small set that grows over birthdays and holidays maintains excitement longer.

Vertical Elements

Bridges and elevated sections add drama. BRIO ascending tracks and bridge supports create multi-level layouts. For model trains, Woodland Scenics incline sets raise track gradually over realistic terrain.

Storage Solutions

Train layouts take space. Wooden train tracks can be built on a Melissa and Doug multi-activity play table (designed specifically for train layouts). Model railroad layouts can start on a 4x8-foot sheet of plywood. For temporary setups, sort track pieces into labeled bins for quick assembly and teardown.