TrainStation vs Simutrans

Struggling to choose between TrainStation and Simutrans? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

TrainStation is a Games solution with tags like model-trains, railroads, layout-design, automation, locomotive-control.

It boasts features such as Track planning and design, Locomotive control, Accessory control (turnouts, signals, etc), Operations automation, Realistic physics simulation, 3D graphics and animations and pros including Powerful feature set, Intuitive interface, Large library of content, Active user community support.

On the other hand, Simutrans is a Games product tagged with transportation, logistics, city-building, economy-simulation.

Its standout features include Build and manage transport systems like railroads, roads, airports and shipping lines, Design transit networks and transportation infrastructure, Operate trains, planes, trucks, ships and other vehicles, Transport passengers and cargo between cities and industries, Manage finances, budgets and cashflow, Research technologies to improve efficiency and capacity, Compete against AI companies in transportation markets, Sandbox mode for unlimited creative building, Moddable and extensible with community content, and it shines with pros like Open source and free to play, Realistic simulation of transit logistics, Challenging economic and management gameplay, Active modding community expands content, Supports huge maps and complex networks, Highly customizable gameplay.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

TrainStation

TrainStation

TrainStation is a desktop application for planning and operating model train layouts. It allows users to design track plans, control locomotives and accessories, and run automated operations. The software aims to provide a realistic model railroading experience on a computer.

Categories:
model-trains railroads layout-design automation locomotive-control

TrainStation Features

  1. Track planning and design
  2. Locomotive control
  3. Accessory control (turnouts, signals, etc)
  4. Operations automation
  5. Realistic physics simulation
  6. 3D graphics and animations

Pricing

  • Free limited trial
  • One-time full license purchase

Pros

Powerful feature set

Intuitive interface

Large library of content

Active user community support

Cons

Steep learning curve

Requires powerful computer hardware

Expensive full version license


Simutrans

Simutrans

Simutrans is an open-source transportation simulation game where players build and manage transport systems like railroads, roads, airports and shipping lines. The goal is to establish functioning transit networks and turn a profit.

Categories:
transportation logistics city-building economy-simulation

Simutrans Features

  1. Build and manage transport systems like railroads, roads, airports and shipping lines
  2. Design transit networks and transportation infrastructure
  3. Operate trains, planes, trucks, ships and other vehicles
  4. Transport passengers and cargo between cities and industries
  5. Manage finances, budgets and cashflow
  6. Research technologies to improve efficiency and capacity
  7. Compete against AI companies in transportation markets
  8. Sandbox mode for unlimited creative building
  9. Moddable and extensible with community content

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free to play

Realistic simulation of transit logistics

Challenging economic and management gameplay

Active modding community expands content

Supports huge maps and complex networks

Highly customizable gameplay

Cons

Dated graphics and interface

Steep learning curve

Can feel overwhelming for new players

Limited tutorial and documentation

Multiplayer is unstable

AI opponents are weak