Best Toy Train Cars of 2025

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Toy train cars are a classic and beloved toy for both children and adults alike. These miniature train cars are typically made of durable materials such as wood or plastic and are designed to be compatible with a variety of train tracks. They come in a wide range of styles and designs, from sleek and modern to charmingly retro. Some toy train cars even feature realistic sound effects and lighting, adding to the fun and immersive experience of playing with them. Whether used for imaginative play or as a collectible item, toy train cars are sure to bring joy and excitement to anyone who loves trains.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Thomas & Friends Carly The Crane Vehicle Cover #TOP 1
Thomas & Friends Carly The Crane Vehicle
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Thomas & Friends Celebration Percy & Storybook Cover #TOP 2
Thomas & Friends Celebration Percy & Storybook
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car A Cover #TOP 3
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car A
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Toy Train Cars

#TOP 1

Thomas & Friends Carly The Crane Vehicle

THOMAS & FRIENDS
HDY61
Carly
Thomas & Friends Carly The Crane Vehicle Cover
THOMAS & FRIENDS Large Push Along Carly

Create exciting adventures with Thomas & Friends Carly The Crane Vehicle. This large die-cast, push-along rail vehicle is compatible with all Thomas & Friends track sets (sold separately). With plastic connectors, you can easily attach Carly to other Thomas & Friends trains, vehicles, cargo cars or tenders (additional vehicles sold separately). Not only does Carly provide endless fun, but it also helps develop gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Let your preschool conductor's imagination soar as they create their own Thomas & Friends stories with Carly The Crane Vehicle.

What We Like
Exciting adventures
Compatible with track sets
Develops motor skills
#TOP 2

Thomas & Friends Celebration Percy & Storybook

THOMAS & FRIENDS
GNB47
Multicolor
Thomas & Friends Celebration Percy & Storybook Cover
Thomas & Friends Celebration Percy & Storybook

Embark on thrilling adventures with Thomas & Friends Celebration Percy & Storybook. This metallic motorized toy train comes with a special storybook about Percy the No. 6 engine. With just a push of the switch, you can send Celebration Percy on an exciting journey. It is compatible with all TrackMaster track, providing endless possibilities for playtime. Perfect for children aged 3 and above.

What We Like
Comes with a fun storybook
Easy to operate with a simple push of the switch
Compatible with all TrackMaster track sets, providing limitless playtime possibilities
#TOP 3

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car A

unknown
Orange
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car A Cover
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car A - Made in USA (Orange)

The Maple Landmark Letter Car is a fun and versatile addition to your child's toy train collection. You can customize the car to spell any name, making it a unique gift or keepsake. If you need extra letters, it’s easy to find them by searching for "NameTrains Bright Letter" and adding the letter you want. This car is designed to work seamlessly with other wooden track systems, enhancing playtime possibilities. Plus, the car connects using safe magnets, ensuring that little hands can easily join and separate the pieces without frustration. All materials used are non-toxic, providing peace of mind for parents.

What We Like
Customizable name options
Compatible with other tracks
Safe magnetic connections
Non-toxic materials
#TOP 4

Thomas & Friends Celebration Nia Toy Train & Storybook

THOMAS & FRIENDS
GNB48
Multi
Thomas & Friends Celebration Nia Toy Train & Storybook Cover
Thomas & Friends Celebration Nia & Storybook

Get ready for exciting Thomas & Friends adventures with the shiny metallic motorized toy train, Nia, and a special storybook. Simply push the switch on top of the engine to send Nia racing along on an exciting journey. The battery-powered engine is compatible with all TrackMaster track allowing for endless playtime possibilities. Perfect for preschool children ages 3 years and older.

What We Like
Comes with a special storybook adding to the adventure and imagination.
Shiny metallic finish adds a touch of realism and excitement to playtime.
The battery-powered engine is easy to use and compatible with all TrackMaster track sets.
#TOP 5

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car E

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car E Cover
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car E - Made in USA (Red)

The Maple Landmark NameTrains Car offers the fun of personalizing your train set by allowing you to spell any name. You can easily find additional letters by searching for "NameTrains Bright Letter," making it simple to create custom names or words. This car is compatible with other wooden track systems, so you can expand your play area without any hassle. Plus, the letters connect using safe magnets, ensuring a secure fit for little hands. With non-toxic finishes and materials, you can feel confident in the safety of this delightful addition to your child's toy collection.

What We Like
Customizable name options
Compatible with other tracks
Safe magnetic connections
Non-toxic materials
#TOP 6

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car R

10018B
Blue
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car R Cover
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car R - Made in USA (Blue)

The Maple Landmark Letter Car offers a fun way to spell any name, making it a perfect gift or learning tool for children. You can easily find additional letters by searching for "NameTrains Bright Letter," which allows you to customize your train set. This product is compatible with various wooden track systems, enhancing playtime versatility. Plus, the letters connect using safe magnets, ensuring that they stay in place during play. With non-toxic finishes and materials sourced from New England maple, you can feel confident about your child's safety while they enjoy their new toy.

What We Like
Customizable name options
Compatible with other track systems
Safe magnetic connections
Non-toxic materials
#TOP 7

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car J

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car J Cover
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car J - Made in USA (Red)

The Maple Landmark Letter Car is a fun and versatile addition to your child's toy train collection. You can spell any name with it, making it a personalized gift. If you need extra letters, simply search for "NameTrains Bright Letter" to find what you need. This car is designed to fit with other wooden track systems, ensuring compatibility with existing toys. Plus, the letters connect using safe magnets, providing easy assembly. You can feel confident knowing that all materials used are non-toxic, making it safe for your little ones to play with.

What We Like
Customizable name options
Compatible with other tracks
Safe, non-toxic materials
Easy to connect magnets
#TOP 8

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car

10020G
Green
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car Cover
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car T - Made in USA (Green)

The Maple Landmark Letter Car is a versatile addition to your child's wooden train set. You can easily spell out any name, allowing for personalized playtime experiences. If you need extra letters, simply search for "NameTrains Bright Letter" and find exactly what you need. This car is designed to be compatible with other wooden track systems, enhancing its usability. The letters connect with safe and simple magnets, ensuring that little hands can play without worry. Plus, all materials used are non-toxic, making it a safe choice for kids.

What We Like
Customizable name options
Compatible with other tracks
Safe magnet connections
Non-toxic materials
#TOP 9

Maple Landmark NameTrains Letter Car A

43224-3810
Blue
Maple Landmark NameTrains Letter Car A Cover
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car A - Made in USA (Blue)

The Maple Landmark Letter Car is a fun and versatile toy for children. You can spell any name, giving a personal touch to your child's playtime. If you need additional letters, it's easy to find them by searching for "NameTrains Bright Letter." This product is compatible with various wooden track systems, allowing for endless creativity in building train sets. Plus, the letters connect using safe magnets, making it simple for little hands to play without frustration. All materials are non-toxic, ensuring a safe experience for your child.

What We Like
Customizable with any name
Compatible with other track systems
Easy-to-use magnetic connections
Non-toxic materials
#TOP 10

Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car

10014O
Orange
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car Cover
Maple Landmark NameTrains Bright Letter Car N - Made in USA (Orange)

The Maple Landmark Letter Car allows you to spell any name, making it a fun and personalized addition to your child's train set. If you need extra letters, you can easily find them by searching for "NameTrains Bright Letter" and adding the specific letter you want. This car is compatible with other wooden track systems, enhancing playtime versatility. Plus, the letters connect with safe magnets, ensuring easy assembly while keeping your little one safe. All finishes and colors are non-toxic, giving you peace of mind as your child plays.

What We Like
Customizable name options
Compatible with other tracks
Safe magnetic connections
Non-toxic materials
Buying Guide Image

Toy Train Cars Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

Factors to Consider When Choosing Toy Train Cars

When it comes to choosing toy train cars for your collection or for a child, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Age Range

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing toy train cars is the age range of the intended user. Toy train cars are typically labeled with an age range, and it's important to choose ones that are appropriate for the user's age. Toys that are too advanced for a child's age can be frustrating, while toys that are too simple can quickly become boring.

Compatibility

Another important factor to consider when choosing toy train cars is compatibility. If you already have a collection of toy trains, you'll want to make sure any new cars you purchase are compatible with the trains you already have. This usually means ensuring that the cars are the same scale as your existing trains.

Brand

When it comes to toy train cars, there are many different brands to choose from. Some of the most popular brands include Thomas & Friends, Chuggington, and Brio. Each brand has its own unique style and features, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different options before making a decision.

Material

Toy train cars are typically made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it's important to consider which material will be the best fit for your needs. For example, plastic toy train cars are often the most affordable option, but they may not be as durable as metal or wood cars.

Special Features

Many toy train cars come with special features, such as lights, sounds, or movable parts. These features can add to the play experience and make the toys more engaging for children. However, it's important to keep in mind that toys with a lot of special features may require more maintenance and may not be as durable as simpler toys.

Price

Finally, when choosing toy train cars, it's important to consider your budget. Toy train cars can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the brand, material, and special features. Deciding how much you're willing to spend upfront can help narrow down your options and make the shopping process easier.

In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when choosing toy train cars, including the age range of the user, compatibility with existing trains, the brand, material, special features, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and choose the best toy train cars for your collection or for a child.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What age is best for a train set?

The best age for a train set is typically around 6 to 10 years old. With adult supervision, kids in the 6- to 8-year age range can operate electric train sets, while 10-year-olds can usually handle them safely on their own. Most 10-year-olds are capable of setting up and running electric train sets.

2. Which is better O scale or HO scale?

The decision between O scale and HO scale depends on personal preferences and skill level. HO scale is smaller and more popular due to its easier entry point, making it ideal for beginners. On the other hand, O scale is larger and allows for more detail and realism in layouts. Ultimately, it comes down to the desired level of detail and the space available for the train set.

Editor's Notes

During our toy train car research, we found 24 toy train car products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,106 customer reviews through our big data system to write the toy train cars list. We found that most customers choose toy train cars with an average price of $7.50.

The toy train cars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of toy train cars, including THOMAS & FRIENDS, Maple Landmark. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 97 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.