Joybuy Insights

LEGO City Train Buying Guide: Recommendations and Tips

A LEGO City train running through a custom-built city is a dream for many. Whether you're looking for a gift for a young builder or want to expand your own collection, the choice can be overwhelming. Which set is the best fit for your needs? Should it be a passenger train, a cargo train, or perhaps a complete train station?

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to guide you. In this article, I'll provide practical tips and an overview of popular choices based on product specifications. This will help you make an informed decision without getting lost in all the options.

What to Consider When Choosing a LEGO City Train

Before you make a choice, it's useful to consider a few things. This will help you find the set that truly matches what you're looking for.

1. Motorised or Manual? The LEGO Electric Train

One of the most important decisions is whether you want a motorised train. Most modern LEGO trains are equipped with the Powered Up system. This means the LEGO remote-controlled train can be operated with a remote or even via an app on your smartphone. These sets include a battery box (the hub) and a motor. Manual trains are pushed along the tracks by hand. Electric sets offer a dynamic play experience but require batteries and are often suitable for slightly older children.

2. A Complete Starter Set or an Expansion?

Are you new to the world of LEGO trains? A complete starter set, including a locomotive, wagons, and a basic LEGO train track, is a logical choice. This allows you to get started right away. If you already own a train, you can expand your city with a separate LEGO City train station or additional tracks. This adds more realism and play possibilities to your existing setup.

3. Theme and Recommended Age

LEGO City trains come in various themes. The classic passenger train is always popular, but there are also cargo trains and adventurous themed sets. Pay close attention to the recommended age on the packaging. Sets for older children (7+) often contain more small parts and complex building techniques, which increases the building challenge.

Recommended LEGO City Train Sets

To help you in your search for the right toy train to buy, we've highlighted a few interesting sets.

LEGO City 60337 Express Passenger Train

LEGO City 60337 Express Passenger Train

Why it stands out: The LEGO 60337 is an excellent all-in-one set. It's a modern, streamlined passenger train that's ready for action right out of the box. The set includes everything you need to begin: a locomotive with working, dimmable headlights, two carriages, a platform, 24 track pieces, and six minifigures.

Key Features:

  • Electric LEGO Train: Includes a remote control and Powered Up technology for remote operation.
  • Complete Starter Set: Contains a locomotive, passenger carriage, dining car, and an oval track.
  • Detailed Accessories: Includes a laptop, phone, bicycle, wheelchair, and suitcases for realistic role-playing.

Who is it for? This set is a great choice for anyone buying a LEGO train for the first time. It's ideal for children aged 7 and up who love modern transport and want to immediately play with a remote-controlled train.

LEGO City 60469 Central Station

LEGO City 60469 Central Train Station

Why it stands out: The LEGO 60469 isn't a train, but the beating heart of your railway network. This detailed station is designed to be the centrepiece of your LEGO city. It's packed with realistic details like a working lift, a control room, and a coffee shop.

Key Features:

  • Rich in Detail: Features a clock tower, ticket machine, departure board, and two platforms.
  • Interactive Functions: The working lift and the maintenance vehicle add extra play value.
  • Plenty of Figures: Includes 6 minifigures and a baby figure to bring the station to life.

Who is it for? This set is intended for builders who want to expand their LEGO city. If you already have one or more trains, this LEGO City train station adds a new dimension to your play world and connects your railway lines to the rest of the city.

LEGO City 60470 Arctic Explorer Train

LEGO City 60470 Explorers' Arctic Polar Express Train

Why it stands out: The LEGO 60470 offers a unique twist on the traditional train theme. This set combines a remote-controlled train with an adventurous Arctic theme. The train travels through a mountain tunnel where a rockslide can be triggered, creating exciting play scenarios.

Key Features:

  • Adventurous Theme: Includes a mountain tunnel, ice cave, and an explorer base camp.
  • Remote-Controlled: The locomotive can be operated with the included remote or the Powered Up app.
  • Unique Minifigures: Features the well-known adventurer Johnny Thunder and five other explorers.

Who is it for? This set is perfect for children and collectors who love adventure and storytelling. If you're looking for something different from a standard passenger or cargo train, this Arctic set offers a world of thrilling missions.

Haven't Found the Right Train Yet?

The world of LEGO trains is vast and diverse. If the recommendations above aren't exactly what you're looking for, there are plenty of other options available, from classic cargo trains to individual wagons and tracks.

Check out our full range of toy trains and find the perfect set for your LEGO city.

Frequently Asked Questions About LEGO City Trains

How does a remote-controlled LEGO train work?

A remote-controlled LEGO train uses the LEGO Powered Up system. A battery box (the 'Hub') supplies power to a motor that drives the wheels. With the included remote control or the LEGO Powered Up app on a smartphone, you can control the train's speed and direction, and sometimes activate lights or sounds.

Are all LEGO train tracks compatible with each other?

Current LEGO train tracks (sold since 2018) are all compatible with each other. You can easily combine different sets to build a larger LEGO train track. Older systems, such as the 9V tracks (with metal strips) and the 12V tracks, are not directly compatible with the current plastic tracks.

From what age is an electric LEGO train suitable?

Most motorised LEGO City trains have a recommended age of 7 years and older. This is because the building instructions are more complex and the sets contain small parts. Furthermore, operating the electronic components requires a certain level of dexterity. Always check the recommended age on the product packaging.