Which LEGO train set is the best?

Trains are one of the greatest toys of all time. They are endlessly fascinating and teach the builder the value of good engineering. It’s no surprise that LEGO designs some of the coolest train sets around. From vintage trains to builds from your favorite movies and TV shows, LEGO has it all. Whether you’re a parent looking to teach your little one basic building skills or a hobbyist hoping to catch the latest collectible train, LEGO has a wide variety of trains for everyone.

The best LEGO train set is the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express. This imaginative set is the only way to reach Platform 9 ¾ with LEGO versions of Ron Weasley, Hermoine Granger and Harry Potter himself.

What to know before buying a LEGO train

Difficulty

The difficulty of LEGO train sets depends on a few different factors. The first is the number of parts needed to fully assemble the set. For example, children’s sets designed for educational learning typically contain less than a hundred pieces. Collector’s Edition sets and full-scale train sets can contain over 1,000 pieces. There may be an additional difficulty if the train is also mechanical. LEGO specifically designs trains for certain age groups, so it’s easy to decipher which ones are more challenging than others.

Educative

Most educational trains are usually aimed at toddlers. These sets use educational mechanisms to teach children to build. They can include numbers, shapes, and basic building blocks. LEGO sometimes uses animals to attract children’s attention by building the animals, connecting them and pulling the train. There are also number-based LEGO train sets that introduce children to basic counting skills.

LEGO app

LEGO offers many apps, two of which can be very useful when building and playing with their trains. The connected LEGO DUPLO Train app lets you operate your kids’ DUPLO trains from your phone. Similarly, the DUPLO World app offers games and learning experiences based on LEGO world animals and characters.

What to Look for in a Quality LEGO Train Set

Motorized

While most LEGO trains are stationary because they are specially designed for toddlers or presented as collectibles. However, there are high-quality LEGO train sets that are fully motorized. The best example is the LEGO City Passenger Train which contains over 600 pieces and runs on batteries. There are also track accessories that you can buy separately that allow you to expand your city.

Accessories

Accessories are part of the appeal of LEGOs in general. These tiny parts are added to your train to increase the excitement and realism of your toys. The Harry Potter train set includes tiny wands that the characters hold and a small dog and briefcase. The City Passenger Train set comes with food for your passengers like croissants and hot dogs. Almost every set includes crew members or characters that add to the fun of creating a fantasy world around your train.

Compatibility

Many LEGO train sets are compatible with other LEGOs. DUPLO sets are aimed at toddlers, but most of their parts (apart from the baseplates) can be mixed and matched with other LEGO sets. This gives you plenty of options to expand your oars and build a larger world around them.

How much you can expect to spend on a LEGO train

LEGO trains can cost between $24 and $150.

LEGO Train FAQ

What do you do if you lose the LEGO train building instructions?

A. Fear nothing. If you lose your building instructions, LEGO has a handy app you can download called the LEGO Building Instructions app. You will be able to search for your train and find a digital version of the assembly instructions.

Are the tracks included in the LEGO train?

A. Some LEGO train sets like the City Passenger Train include a series of tracks that run in a full circle. Other sets are for display only, meaning they may only have a small section of track for the train to rest on.

What is the best LEGO train set to buy?

The best LEGO train

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express” alt=”LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express” src=”https://cdn29.bestreviews.com/images/v4desktop/image-full-page-cb/lego-harry-potter-hogwarts-express-e738f5.jpg?p=w1228″/>

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express

What do you want to know: LEGO has taken the most famous train in movie history and created an imaginative train for kids and collectors.

What you will love: This set features LEGO characters from the movie, including Harry Potter and the Dementor. There are removable side panels, a railway bridge and the famous platform 9 ¾.

What you should consider: With over 800 pieces, this set can take some time to put together.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

The best LEGO train for the money

LEGO DUPLO Mickey and Minnie’s Birthday Train

What do you want to know: This educational set from LEGO includes two of Disney’s most iconic characters and a train designed for learning.

What you will love: Mickey and Minnie Mouse celebrate their birthday with this unique train that includes a birthday cake, party favors and numbered building blocks. It only includes 22 pieces, making it ideal for toddlers to assemble.

What you should consider: This train is not mechanical and does not run on the tracks.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

LEGO Crocodile Locomotive

What do you want to know: Nostalgic train builders will revel in this vintage train set featuring the legendary Swiss Krokodil locomotive from the early 1900s.

What you will love: This is the most authentic LEGO train available. It comes with movable side rails, two LEGO crew members, removable top and articulated pantographs.

What you should consider: This is a non-mechanical train for display only.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

Do you want to buy the best products at the best prices? Check out the daily deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the weekly BestReviews newsletter for helpful tips on new products and great deals.

Jordan Belis written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.