10 Best Electric Train Sets 2025 in the United States

The Lionel The Polar Express Ready-to-Play Set is a delightful choice for children, hobbyists, and those looking to add a festive touch to their holiday decor. One of its standout features is its exclusive track system, which allows for versatile setup options including circular, rectangular, or oval layouts. The set is powered by batteries, making it convenient since no electrical outlets are required, but this also means you'll need to keep a stock of six C cell batteries for the train and three AAA batteries for the remote.

The remote control is user-friendly and designed to be easily operated by kids, adding to the set's appeal for younger users. The train itself features authentic sounds, a working headlight, and detailed passenger coaches which contribute to its realistic and festive feel. However, it's important to note that this set is not compatible with Lionel G Gauge or any other G Gauge track systems, which could limit expandability for more serious hobbyists. Additionally, the need to frequently replace batteries might be considered a downside for some users.

With a product dimension of 50” x 73” for the track, it's spacious enough to be used as a centerpiece for holiday decorations, but still manageable in size for indoor play. The set is well-regarded and promises a fun and engaging experience, particularly for its target age group of 4 to 15 years. However, those seeking a more advanced or expandable set might find this one somewhat limiting.

The Hot Bee Train Set is designed for kids aged 3 to 12 who want an engaging and realistic electric train experience. It includes a steam locomotive, several carriages with lights, and a variety of track pieces, allowing children to build different layouts like circles, ovals, or more complex shapes. The train runs on a rechargeable lithium battery, which is convenient and eco-friendly compared to disposable batteries. A remote control lets kids adjust speed and direction, and even turn on or off smoke and whistle sounds, which adds to the fun and realism. The smoke uses safe water vapor, so parents can feel comfortable letting kids play with it.

The train’s parts are made of alloy and plastic, making it durable and safe for children’s hands. The included accessories are rich, with multiple track types and light-up carriages, encouraging creativity and improving hands-on skills. While it may not easily connect to other train systems if you want to expand later, and the remote requires two AA batteries (not included) alongside the rechargeable train battery, this set is ideal for young kids and families wanting a festive, interactive toy with lights, sounds, and smoke effects.

This set offers a well-rounded and enjoyable playtime option that emphasizes fun and interactive features rather than advanced collector’s specifications.

The Lionel North Pole Central Ready-to-Play Freight Set is a festive choice that adds a touch of Christmas spirit to your home. This set is ideal for holiday decorating and is great for both kids and hobbyists. The key strength of this train set lies in its ease of use and the ability to create various track shapes (circle, rectangle, or oval) with the included track pieces.

It comes with a battery-powered locomotive, a tender, a gondola with a crate load, and a center-cupola caboose, along with a total of 32 plastic track pieces (24 curved and 8 straight) and a remote control for user-friendly operation. The added festive features like authentic train sounds, announcements, a working headlight, and bell and whistle sounds make it an attractive showpiece for the holidays.

However, there are few drawbacks to consider. The set requires a significant number of batteries (six C cell batteries for the train and three AAA batteries for the remote), which are not included in the purchase. This can be an added expense and inconvenience. Additionally, the track system is not compatible with other Lionel G Gauge track systems or any other G Gauge tracks, potentially limiting expandability options if you already own other Lionel tracks. Despite these limitations, the Lionel North Pole Central Ready-to-Play Freight Set is a delightful and easy-to-use option for holiday decorating and introducing children to the fun world of model trains.