5 Best Train Sets for Kids - June 2026

BEST OF THE BEST

KidKraft

Transportation Station

Most Comprehensive

A fun train set with lots of components that stimulate youngsters' creativity.

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PROS

Provides hours of imaginative fun thanks to the adorable town theme and numerous colorful characters and accessories.
Train set comes with a sturdy table that features two separate tracks.
Easy to assemble.

CONS

Pricey.
Wood veneer on some of the parts is prone to peeling and tracks don't always fit properly.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Thomas & Friends

Talking Thomas and Percy Train Set

Affordable Fun

There's a lot for kids to love about this affordable set, including an exciting theme, movement, sound, and colorful components.

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PROS

Kid-approved Thomas and Friends theme with Thomas and Percy engines that "talk" when they meet along the tracks.
Motorized.
Compatible with other Thomas train sets.
Great for preschoolers.

CONS

Track pieces tend to come disconnected.
Some wish customer service was more attentive.

Melissa & Doug

Wooden Railway Set

Feature-Packed

This well-made train set offers countless possibilities for imaginative play.

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PROS

Well-stocked with lots of components, including freight and cargo trains.
Track is made of durable wood and can be assembled in 4 configurations.
Works with other wood track systems.

CONS

Track pieces don't always stay together.
Train tends to derail.
Challenging.

KidKraft

Figure 8 Train Set

Best for Younger Kids

A fun train set that comes with multiple pieces to encourage adventure and creativity in younger children.

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PROS

Made from birchwood plastic that is durable and rugged even during rough play.
Has fun images that help create imaginative fun.
Has multiple vehicles that can utilize the figure-8 track.
Easy to build even for younger children.

CONS

The set may slide if built on harder flooring.

Lionel

Polar Express Battery-Powered Train

Classic Brand

A Lionel train set is a must-have for aspiring engineers, and this one has a lot to offer.

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PROS

Sports the iconic Polar Express design that's perfect for the holiday season and to wind around the Christmas tree.
Motorized and makes realistic train sounds.
The track can be assembled in 3 different configurations.

CONS

Derailments are possible.
Some components are flimsy.
Requires a lot of batteries.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

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We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed

January 10, 2022

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