10 Best Toy Train Sets 2025 in the United States

The Lionel Battery-Operated Polar Express Toy Train Set is designed for children aged 4 and up, making it a great choice for young kids who want an engaging and magical train experience. The set includes a battery-powered locomotive with authentic sounds, lights, and a water-vapor smoke effect, adding a fun and realistic touch that kids often enjoy. Its track system is made of durable plastic and lets you build three different layouts, providing variety and encouraging creativity.

The train cars and locomotive are sized well for small hands, and the set weighs about 8 pounds, which is manageable for storage and play. Power comes from six C cell batteries (not included), so you’ll need to keep spares handy, and some adult assembly is required before play. The Bluetooth control option offers a modern way to operate the train, but the traditional switch is available too, which is simple for kids to use. While the plastic track isn’t as sturdy as wood or metal, it’s durable enough for young children.

This set blends classic train play with interactive features, making it a strong pick for families looking for a festive and entertaining toy train experience.

The Lionel Disney Christmas LionChief 0-8-0 Set is a vibrant and festive choice for kids aged 8 and up who enjoy classic O Gauge model trains mixed with Disney magic. It comes with a well-sized 45-inch track layout featuring Lionel's FasTrack system, which is known for its easy snap-together pieces that provide a stable and reliable track connection. Its O Gauge scale (about 1:48) is a popular, traditional size, making this set suitable for collectors and enthusiasts as well as younger users.

The electric train runs on a maintenance-free motor and is powered by 3 AAA batteries for the remote, which is user-friendly and supports Bluetooth operation via a smartphone app and even voice commands, adding a modern twist to classic train play. The set also includes charming features like puffing smoke, authentic steam sounds, a whistle, bell, and fun Mickey Mouse announcements, enhancing the immersive experience. The plastic and metal parts appear sturdy enough for regular play, although some care like lubrication and gentle cleaning is needed to keep it running smoothly.

One downside is that the remote requires batteries (not included), and some assembly tools like a Phillips screwdriver are needed. The larger size and complexity may be less suitable for very young children or those new to model trains. This train set blends traditional track and scale quality with engaging Disney-themed details and advanced remote controls, making it a great pick for kids and collectors looking for a holiday-themed, interactive electric train experience.

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.