Best Picks guide

Best Train Sets: Wooden Starter Sets and Expandable Tracks

A train set is part construction project, part small world and part storage problem. This shortlist starts with a value baseline and compares systems that can grow, while keeping floor space, compatibility, loose track and small parts visible.

Quick recommendation

IKEA LILLABO is the value starter, BRIO is the polished expandable system, Hape is the flexible middle ground and Bigjigs gives families a lower-cost route into wooden railway play.

Affiliate disclosure: some retailer links may earn KidCritic a commission at no extra cost to you. That commercial relationship does not determine our coverage, ratings or verdict.

The shortlist

Our Top Picks

Browse all guides →

IKEA LILLABO 45-Piece Train Set illustrative product image

Illustrative image

Editorial roundup pick

Toys

IKEA LILLABO 45-Piece Train Set

£20indicative price

★ 4.4 Our rating3–8 yearsBest for Open-ended transport play at a sensible price.

Still worth it after 12 months? MOSTLY

The useful test is whether it keeps earning a place in the family routine after the first few weeks.

A strong value set for building a little world, particularly when you are happy to add track over time.

Good to know

+ Good price
+ Open-ended

Watch for

− Storage spreads quickly
− Some joins need patience

Parent hassle: 1/5
Value: 5/5See this pick

Recommendation → see the retailer → you decide.

BRIO Starter Track Pack illustrative product image

Illustrative image

Editorial roundup pick

Toys

BRIO Starter Track Pack

£55indicative price

★ 4.5 Our rating3–8 yearsBest for Families wanting a dependable starter set with a clear expansion path.

Still worth it after 12 months? MOSTLY

The useful test is whether it keeps earning a place in the family routine after the first few weeks.

A polished wooden starting point with easy-to-understand track play and plenty of room to add pieces slowly.

Good to know

+ Expandable system
+ Good wooden feel

Watch for

− Add-ons become expensive
− Storage grows quickly

Parent hassle: 2/5
Value: 4/5See this pick

Recommendation → see the retailer → you decide.

Hape Railway Bucket Set illustrative product image

Illustrative image

Editorial roundup pick

Toys

Hape Railway Bucket Set

£45indicative price

★ 4.3 Our rating3–8 yearsBest for Children wanting a flexible wooden railway at a middle price.

Still worth it after 12 months? MOSTLY

The useful test is whether it keeps earning a place in the family routine after the first few weeks.

A friendly set for building routes and stories, with compatibility and the amount of extra track worth checking before expanding.

Good to know

+ Open-ended routes
+ Good starter value

Watch for

− Track takes room
− Compatibility needs checking

Parent hassle: 2/5
Value: 4/5See this pick

Recommendation → see the retailer → you decide.

Bigjigs Wooden Railway Starter Set illustrative product image

Illustrative image

Editorial roundup pick

Toys

Bigjigs Wooden Railway Starter Set

£35indicative price

★ 4.2 Our rating3–8 yearsBest for Families looking for a lower-cost wooden starter route.

Still worth it after 12 months? MOSTLY

The useful test is whether it keeps earning a place in the family routine after the first few weeks.

A straightforward first railway when budget matters and the child enjoys building a route more than collecting branded extras.

Good to know

+ Accessible price
+ Simple first layout

Watch for

− May need extra track
− Storage spreads

Parent hassle: 2/5
Value: 5/5See this pick

Recommendation → see the retailer → you decide.

At a glance

How they compare

Read product reviews →

Product	Our rating	Age	Parent hassle	Value	Best for
IKEA LILLABO 45-Piece Train Set	4.4	3–8 years	1/5		Open-ended transport play at a sensible price.
BRIO Starter Track Pack	4.5	3–8 years	2/5	Strong	Families wanting a dependable starter set with a clear expansion path.
Hape Railway Bucket Set	4.3	3–8 years	2/5	Strong	Children wanting a flexible wooden railway at a middle price.
Bigjigs Wooden Railway Starter Set	4.2	3–8 years	2/5		Families looking for a lower-cost wooden starter route.

Buying advice

What to look for.

These are editorial starting points, not a certification system. Check the maker’s instructions, the real retailer price and the child’s individual fit before buying.

Measure the floor and the storage space before buying; a small box can become a large layout.

Decide whether you want an affordable starter set or a system you will expand over time.

Check track compatibility before mixing brands or buying add-ons.

Flag small parts and choking hazards for under-3s. Train-set magnets can be dangerous if swallowed: keep magnetic components away from under-3s unless the manufacturer states suitability.

Follow the age label, not assumption, and inspect track, wheels and magnetic couplings regularly.

Our method

How We Tested

We compared the draft sets for first-layout ease, track quality, expansion, compatibility, storage, floor space and shared play. Train-set magnets can be dangerous if swallowed; keep magnetic components away from under-3s unless the manufacturer states suitability, and follow the age label.

Note: product prices, imagery and retailer availability can change. Check the live listing and current manufacturer guidance before buying.

Our Verdict

The short answer

LILLABO is the sensible value start, Bigjigs keeps the first purchase approachable, Hape is the flexible middle option and BRIO makes most sense when the family wants to build a collection slowly. The best set is the one you can store without resenting it.

Questions parents ask

FAQ

Read reviews Read the toy cars guide Read the toys for 4-year-olds guide

Are wooden train sets safe for toddlers?+

Follow the exact age label and keep small parts away from under-3s. Magnets can be dangerous if swallowed, so keep magnetic components away from under-3s unless the manufacturer states suitability.

Can I mix train-set brands?+

Do not assume compatibility. Check the track dimensions, coupling design and current maker guidance before combining systems.

Which train set is best for a small home?+

Start with the footprint and storage, not the product photograph. LILLABO or a smaller Bigjigs set may be easier to live with, while every system grows as you add track.

Do train sets need adult help?+

Many children can make a first loop independently, but an adult may help with layout, storage and checking couplings. Follow the exact supervision guidance.

The useful list

Keep the useful shortlist coming.

Get practical product picks and gift ideas in a calm email every few weeks.

What you get each week

One primary product pickOne budget findOne educational pickOne unusual giftOne parent tipOne seasonal recommendation

80% useful ideas, 20% clearly labelled offer. One primary offer per email, once a week. Unsubscribe anytime.