Are you loco for locomotives? Then you'll love our list of train games for portable platforms. Who doesn't love letting off some steam on a steam engine, gently riding down the rails, or conducting a bunch of carriages? We've got some 'rail-y' amazing titles that are a 'freight' way for train lovers to relax.
Before we pull into the station of this guide, let us quickly derail you and point towards the huge cargo of great guides we're carrying! We have articles covering the best motorbike games, games like The Sims, games like Skyrim, baseball games, pool games, bowling games, wrestling games, and rugby games.
These are the best train games:
Conduct Together!
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, iOS, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
An explosive action game, Conduct Together! (known as Conduct This! on mobile and Conduct Deluxe! on Steam) is a thrilling railway adventure all about managing your locomotives strategically. Expand your railway empire, but avoid any accidents, as explosions are imminent when trains collide.
The Nintendo Switch version also has a great multiplayer mode, so you can share a Joy-Con and the fun with your friends.
Railbound
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, iOS, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
A cozy puzzle game all about two dogs that work on the railroads, Railbound is all about connecting tracks to solve each level. With chill music and lots of wholesome vibes, this entry is a great way to relax, and with over 150 levels, you can play this entry for days!
With a good mixture of simple puzzles and more brain-bending challenges, Railbound is also a great game for kids to get to grips with some simple logic puzzles.
LocoMotion
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
If you love Captain Toad's Treasure Tracker but wish it had more trains, boy, do I have good news for you. LocoMotion is a 3D puzzle game where you move the camera around diorama-style levels, moving the track and obstacles to get your train to its destination.
With a really satisfying gameplay loop, gorgeous visuals, and a steady increase in obstacles and challenges, this is a delight for puzzle fans and train-lovers alike.
Metro Simulator
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
For a more authentic train driving experience, Metro Simulator is a realistic interpretation that puts you firmly in the conductor's hat. Manage a railway station, drive the trains, and make sure all your passengers arrive safely.
If you've always fancied a go at driving a train, this is probably the quickest and cheapest way to try it out. You can also explore the Moscow Metro in Metro Simulator 2.
Mini Metro
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Apple Arcade, Android, iOS, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
Alright, yes, this is another cozy rail-based puzzle game, but there is a reason it's here. Mini Metro is a minimalist title that tasks you with designing a subway system, with the aim of including multiple stops as efficiently as possible.
Whether playing on Switch or mobile, this entry is a great way to relax. Plus, the gorgeous sparse visual design is really striking and only helps to further the focus on the puzzles themselves. Check out our Dinosaur Polo Club interview from GDC 2023 to hear more from the creators about how civil engineering influenced the game.
Unrailed!
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
As big fans of Minecraft and Roblox, we can't leave fellow blocky game Unrailed! off of our list. Developer Indoor Astronaut describes this game as a cooperative roguelike about building railways, and that's surprisingly accurate.
In either local or online multiplayer, work together to build the train's track as it slowly rolls towards the next station. Fend off bandits, traverse complex terrain, and wind your way through adorable miniature procedurally-generated maps.
Choo-Choo Charles
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
If you're looking for a choo-choo that goes boo, Choo-Choo Charles is your new best friend. This giant spiderlike train monster stars in one of the best indie horror games of recent years, and he's finally made it to the Switch.
Traverse a deadly playground in your trusty engine, collecting scrap for upgrades and completing missions to protect the townspeople from this bloodthirsty train. Will you be the one to finally take him down? Maybe once you defeat him, he'll return in a Choo-Choo Charles mobile port…
Thomas & Friends Minis
Portable platforms: Android, iOS
You can't have a list of train games without Thomas! Thomas & Friends Minis lets you build your own whimsical train sets for the residents of Sodor to ride along, transporting people and goods wherever they need to go.
Budge Studios is known for making incredible mobile games for kids, including Barbie DreamHouse Adventures and a range of Hello Kitty games. Your little ones are in safe hands with this game.
Subway Surfers
Portable platforms: Android, iOS
Sure, it's become a bit of a meme recently, but Subway Surfers is an incredible mobile train game. Plus, it's unique compared to the other entries on this list as instead of managing the trains, you're surfing over their roofs, collecting coins, and doing sick tricks.
Subway Surfers still has a massive community of fans, regular content updates, and awesome collabs with the likes of Joe Jonas, so there's never been a better time to dive right in.
Monster Train
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Deck, Windows handhelds
Monster Train is a strategic deckbuilding roguelike game that uses a train ride to Hell as its backdrop, leading to some seriously spicy battles. With over 220 cards, you'll build your deck from ten different starting choices and encounter new clans and enemies with each run.
Unlike other deckbuilding roguelikes, Monster Train uses an element of verticality, so you have to defend three battlefields at once instead of just one. With multiplayer modes and a backlog of free content updates and DLC, there's plenty to keep you occupied on this journey.
Honkai Star Rail
Portable platforms: Android, iOS, Windows handhelds
In case the name doesn't make it clear enough, Hoyoverse's space-faring turn-based RPG heavily features a train - The Astral Express. You play as the Trailblazer, a blank canvas of a character who follows the Express' crew on their missions across the galaxy, saving various civilisations from world-ending disasters.
Honkai Star Rail has it all, from compelling and beautifully designed characters to engaging gameplay and story missions. It's a true gem in the gacha game genre right now, and you should definitely give it a go.
Well, we've reached the end of the line, as that's it for our guides to train games folks. For even more great guides, stay tuned to Pocket Tactics, and check out our great articles covering FNAF characters, Poppy Playtime characters, and Poppy Playtime Boogie Bot.