Best Train Simulators That'll Let You Run Your Own Railway Empire

Train simulators are a great way to experience the thrill of driving trains without leaving your home!

These types of games let you control powerful locomotives, explore amazing landscapes and manage railway systems. If you enjoy realistic challenges or just want to relax and enjoy the ride, train simulators are perfect for you. Get ready to hop aboard and discover the best train simulators that bring the world of railways to life!

Check out the following suggestions for the top train simulators that will help you build your own railway empire.

Game	Release	Genre	Developer
Train Sim World 4	2023-09-26	Simulation	Dovetail Games
Railway Empire	2018-01-26	Simulation	Gaming Minds Studios
Derail Valley	2019-01-25	Indie	Altfuture
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022	2022-05-31	Simulation	N3V Games
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2019	2019-01-07	Simulation	N3V Games
Mashinky	2017-10-06	Indie	Jan Zelený
Train Sim World 5	2024-09-17	Simulation	Dovetail Games
Train Simulator Classic 2024	2009-07-12	Strategy	Dovetail Games

Train Sim World 4

Release date:	2023-09-26
Genre:	Simulation
Developer:	Dovetail Games

Train Sim World 4 is a fun and realistic train simulator that lets you experience what it’s like to be a train driver!

You can control various types of trains, explore amazing routes and complete exciting missions. It also teaches you how trains work, from signals to controls – what makes it not only entertaining, but also educational.

Image credit: Dovetail Games

Train Sim World 4 was developed by Dovetail Games, which is known for creating realistic simulation games. It was launched in 2023 as the fourth installment in the Train Sim World series. You can walk around the game world in first-person mode to complete interesting tasks.

If you expect high-quality graphics and engaging gameplay – you won’t be disappointed!

You may like it because
Realistic train operations – authentic controls and mechanics for various types of trains. Beautifully recreated railway routes from around the world. Dynamic weather, day-night cycles and realistic sound effects. Scoring system with rewards.

Train Sim World 4

Release date:	2018-01-26
Genre:	Simulation
Developer:	Gaming Minds Studios

Railway Empire gives you a chance to build your own railway empire!

Your first steps start with creating train routes, connecting cities and transporting goods. While playing, you expand your network, upgrade trains and compete with others.

Image credit: Gaming Minds Studios

Railway Empire was developed by Gaming Minds Studios and published by Kalypso Media. You can play in various modes: Campaign, Scenario, Free Mode, Sandbox or Challenge Mode.

If you enjoy strategy and trains, this game is perfect for you!

You may like it because
You can train management skills and transport strategy, hire staff and unlock innovations. Experience the golden age of railroads (1830-1930) with authentic locomotives from that times. Multiple game modes. The mix of strategy, history and creativity.

Railway Empire

Release date:	2019-01-25
Genre:	Indie
Developer:	Altfuture

Derail Valley is a fun and realistic train simulator where you can explore an open world, complete tasks using transport strategy and earn money to upgrade your trains.

Image credit: Altfuture

The game was created by Altfuture from Serbia. It includes dynamic weather, day-night cycles and realistic train mechanics.

Get ready to jump into the driver’s seat and manage cargo delivers to create your own railway adventure!

You may like it because
It’s compatible with VR (Virtual Reality). Management of cargo delivers. Open-world exploration – 256 km2 . Detailed mechanics and exciting challenges.

Derail Valley

Release date:	2022-05-31
Genre:	Simulation
Developer:	N3V Games

Trainz Railroad Simulator is a fantastic game for train lovers and creative minds!

It includes building and managing your own railway routes, driving trains and exploring stunning landscapes.Thanks to tools like Surveyor 2.0, you can make detailed routes and stations.

Image credit: N3V Games

The game series was developed by N3V Games from Australia. For the first time, it was released in 2001 making it the longest-running train simulator series.

You may like it because
You can create railway routes using the Surveyor tool, design landscapes, build tracks and place buildings. Two game modes: DCC for simple controlling or CAB for realistic train physics and cab controls. A huge library of user-generated assets. It’s both fun and educational game.

Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022

Release date:	2017-10-06
Genre:	Indie
Developer:	Jan Zelený

Mashinky is another strategy game that gives you a chance to build and manage your own railway empire!

The game features an isometric map and lets you design your railway network while solving fun challenges.

Image credit: Jan Zelený

The game was created by an independent developer, Jan Zeleny, who comes from the Czech Republic. You can progress through historical eras: Steam Era, Electric, Modern and Maglev Era.

You may like it because
Procedurally generated maps. Historical progression. Isometric construction mode. Strategic gameplay: managing resources, designing routes, adapting to economic challenges.

Mashinky

Step into the thrilling world of railway simulation games, where strategy meets creativity. Whether you’re laying tracks in Trainz Railroad Simulator, transporting goods in Mashinky, or exploring stunning routes in Train Sim World 4, there’s something for every train enthusiast.

All aboard for an adventure of tracks, trains and triumph!