10 Best Toy Train Sets 2025 in the United States

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Set is designed for children aged 7 and up, making it appropriate for relatively younger enthusiasts. It features a remote-controlled bullet locomotive with working, dimmable headlights, enhancing the play experience. The set includes 24 track pieces, offering a decent layout for imaginative play. The train comprises a restaurant car and passenger coach, along with a station platform and six minifigures, allowing for varied role-playing scenarios.

The inclusion of the LEGO Powered Up technology, which enables control via a remote or smart device, adds a modern twist to traditional train sets. However, it might require some technical assistance for younger users to set up the app on smart devices. The set employs durable LEGO materials that are known for their longevity and sturdiness.

Conversely, the 24 track pieces might limit the complexity of the layout for older or more advanced users seeking more intricate designs. The train scale and size are compact, which is suitable for indoor play but might not appeal to those looking for larger, more realistic train models. Additionally, while the headlights and remote control features are engaging, there are few additional features like sound effects or automated operations that some high-end train sets offer. In conclusion, this train set is a solid choice for younger children and LEGO fans who appreciate hands-on building and remote control play, but it may fall short for those desiring a more sophisticated or expandable train system.

The BRIO World 33052 Deluxe Railway Set is a comprehensive and eco-friendly wooden train set suitable for children aged 3 and up. This set stands out for its detailed and varied components, including passenger and freight trains, harbor and metro scenes, stations, cranes, bridges, and figures, making it highly engaging for imaginative play. It is also a great tool for developing cognitive and motor skills in children.

The set's compatibility with other BRIO railway toys allows for expandable fun as your child grows, and the inclusion of batteries ensures immediate playtime readiness. The material is durable and FSC certified, ensuring it's safe and eco-friendly, which is a significant plus for environmentally-conscious parents.

However, some potential drawbacks include its relatively high weight of 11.83 pounds, which might be cumbersome for younger children to move around. Additionally, while the set is expansive, it may require quite a bit of space due to its large dimensions. Despite these minor issues, the set is highly rated by users, with a 4.6 out of 5 stars average from 1,275 customer reviews, indicating a strong satisfaction level among buyers. This train set is ideal for parents seeking a robust, engaging, and sustainable toy for their children that also promotes skill development.

The Tiny Land Train Set is a versatile and engaging toy option for kids aged 3 to 8. With 110 pieces, including wooden train tracks, building blocks, and puzzles, it offers a variety of ways to play and encourages creativity and teamwork for up to three children. The set stands out with its additional features like puzzles and a fishing game, which add extra layers of fun and educational value by promoting logical thinking and fine motor skills.

The themed blocks, allowing kids to build a town with a hospital, fire station, and more, further stimulate imagination and role-play activities. Another advantage is that the set is compatible with other major train brands, making it easy to expand over time without needing to buy entirely new sets. Safety is a top priority for Tiny Land, with the set being tested to meet strict safety standards and certified as non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and lead. This makes it a reassuring choice for parents concerned about their child’s safety.

It’s worth noting that this train set does not include any powered elements, which may limit the excitement for some older kids who might prefer motorized trains. Additionally, while the wooden material is durable, it may not withstand very rough play as well as plastic alternatives. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Tiny Land Train Set excels in providing a safe, imaginative, and interactive play experience for young children.