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10 Best Toy Train Sets 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BRIO World Deluxe Railway Set - 87-Piece Wooden Train Set - Includes Passenger & Freight Trains, Stations, Accessories - Safe & Sustainable - MESH Accredited Fun Play for Kids Ages 3 & Up

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,386
Age Appropriateness
Material and Durability
Additional Features

Most important from
1366 reviews

Age Appropriateness
Quick and easy assembly makes it accessible for young children.
Material and Durability
High-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship ensure durability and compatibility with other BRIO sets.
Additional Features
The set includes three trains with multiple cars, a train station with a pulley elevator, a tunnel, and more engaging features.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,386
Age Appropriateness
Material and Durability
Additional Features

Most important from
1366 reviews

Age Appropriateness
Quick and easy assembly makes it accessible for young children.
Material and Durability
High-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship ensure durability and compatibility with other BRIO sets.
Additional Features
The set includes three trains with multiple cars, a train station with a pulley elevator, a tunnel, and more engaging features.
#2

BRIO World Cargo Railway Deluxe - Wooden Track Train Set - Battery-Powered Engine, 3 Cranes, Bridge, Truck - Kids Ages 3+ - Compatible with All Wooden Rail Sets - FSC Certified Wood - 54-Pieces

Rating
9.7
Power Source
Material and Durability
Additional Features

Most important from
1508 reviews

Power Source
The red battery-powered engine is easy to operate and powerful enough to climb hills with cargo attached.
Material and Durability
Durability is top-notch; you can tell it is made well and will last.
Additional Features
The set comes in a really nice green plastic box with locking handles, making storage convenient.

The BRIO 33097 Cargo Railway Deluxe Set is an engaging toy train set designed for children aged 3 and up. It features 54 pieces, including enhanced wooden tracks, a battery-powered engine, cranes, and cargo, making it highly interactive and perfect for imaginative play.

One of the key strengths of this set is its child-friendly design that promotes cognitive and motor skill development. Additionally, it is compatible with other BRIO railway sets, allowing for expansion as your child's interest grows.

The set is made from FSC-certified wood, emphasizing safety and sustainability, and undergoes extensive testing to meet high safety standards. However, at 7.74 pounds and with dimensions of 31.89 x 22.05 x 0.01 inches, it might take up a fair amount of space. The need for 2 LR44 batteries for the engine may also be a minor inconvenience for some.

Rating
9.7
Power Source
Material and Durability
Additional Features

Most important from
1508 reviews

Power Source
The red battery-powered engine is easy to operate and powerful enough to climb hills with cargo attached.
Material and Durability
Durability is top-notch; you can tell it is made well and will last.
Additional Features
The set comes in a really nice green plastic box with locking handles, making storage convenient.
#3

​Thomas & Friends Toy Train Set Talking Bulstrode & Which-Way Bridge Track Playset with Sounds & Percy Engine for Kids Ages 3+ Years

Rating
9.1
Age Appropriateness
Track Type and Layout
Power Source

Most important from
1693 reviews

Age Appropriateness
This set consistently captures children’s attention and encourages imaginative, interactive play for hours.
Track Type and Layout
Track pieces fit securely and assemble easily, providing a sturdy and reliable setup for young children.
Power Source
The motorized train runs smoothly along the track, keeping the play action lively and uninterrupted.
Material and Durability
Durable construction stands up well to frequent play, ensuring the set lasts through many adventures.
Additional Features
Interactive talking phrases and sounds bring the characters to life, making playtime feel like a real Thomas & Friends adventure.

The Thomas & Friends Talking Bulstrode & Which-Way Bridge Track Playset is a lively and interactive toy train set designed for kids aged 3 and up. It features familiar characters and includes over 90 sounds, phrases, music, and a sing-along song, which can keep young children engaged and entertained. The set includes 8 feet of plastic track compatible with most other Thomas & Friends tracks (except wooden ones), giving kids the chance to expand their railway layout as they grow.

The motorized Percy engine adds active play value, and children can manually operate the bridge as well as load and unload cargo, which can help develop fine motor skills and encourage imaginative play. The size of the set is manageable for preschoolers, and the included batteries make it ready to use right away. It requires 2 AA batteries, so parents should be prepared for ongoing battery use.

The material is typical of Fisher-Price products, meaning it should be sturdy enough for young kids but may not withstand very rough handling over time. Although the set has a larger footprint (32 x 36 inches), this provides a good amount of track and activity space without being overwhelming. This train set suits preschoolers who enjoy interactive, character-based play and families looking to start or add to a Thomas & Friends railway system with sound and movement features.

Rating
9.1
Age Appropriateness
Track Type and Layout
Power Source

Most important from
1693 reviews

Age Appropriateness
This set consistently captures children’s attention and encourages imaginative, interactive play for hours.
Track Type and Layout
Track pieces fit securely and assemble easily, providing a sturdy and reliable setup for young children.
Power Source
The motorized train runs smoothly along the track, keeping the play action lively and uninterrupted.
Material and Durability
Durable construction stands up well to frequent play, ensuring the set lasts through many adventures.
Additional Features
Interactive talking phrases and sounds bring the characters to life, making playtime feel like a real Thomas & Friends adventure.

Buying Guide for the Best Toy Train Sets

Choosing the right toy train set can be a delightful experience, especially if you know what to look for. Toy train sets come in various types, sizes, and complexities, making it important to consider who will be using the set and what their interests are. Whether it's for a young child, a hobbyist, or a collector, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and ensure hours of enjoyment.
Age AppropriatenessAge appropriateness is crucial because it ensures the toy train set is safe and suitable for the intended user. Sets designed for younger children often have larger, more durable pieces that are easier to handle and less likely to pose a choking hazard. For older children and adults, sets may include more intricate and delicate components. Always check the manufacturer's recommended age range to ensure the set matches the user's developmental stage and skill level.
Track Type and LayoutThe track type and layout determine how the train moves and how flexible the setup can be. Some sets come with fixed track layouts, while others offer modular pieces that can be rearranged. Simple oval or figure-eight tracks are great for beginners, while more complex layouts with switches and multiple routes can provide a more engaging experience for advanced users. Consider the space available for setting up the track and the user's interest in creating different configurations.
Train Scale and SizeTrain scale and size refer to the proportion of the train set relative to real trains. Common scales include HO, N, and O, with HO being the most popular for its balance between detail and space requirements. Larger scales like O are easier for young children to handle, while smaller scales like N are ideal for hobbyists with limited space. Choose a scale that fits the user's space and handling capabilities.
Power SourceToy train sets can be powered by batteries, electricity, or even manually. Battery-powered sets are convenient and portable, making them suitable for younger children. Electric sets often provide more consistent power and can include features like speed control and sound effects, appealing to older users and hobbyists. Manual sets, which require pushing or winding, are simple and can be a good choice for very young children. Consider the user's preference for ease of use and the availability of power sources.
Material and DurabilityThe material and durability of a toy train set affect its longevity and safety. Plastic sets are lightweight and often more affordable, making them suitable for young children. Wooden sets are durable and have a classic appeal, while metal sets offer high durability and a realistic look, appealing to collectors and serious hobbyists. Choose a material that matches the user's handling capabilities and the expected wear and tear.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the play experience and add value to the toy train set. These may include sound effects, lights, remote control operation, and interactive elements like loading stations or tunnels. For younger children, simple features that stimulate the senses can be very engaging. For older users, more complex features can provide a richer and more immersive experience. Consider what additional features will most delight the user and enhance their enjoyment of the set.

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