Toy trains have been a beloved part of childhood for decades. Whether it's the charm of wooden trains clicking along the track, the imaginative storytelling that naturally unfolds, or the hands-on building fun, a great train set can keep kids engaged for hours.
Among today's popular options, BRIO wooden train sets have long been seen as the gold standard. But in recent years, Costway's wooden train tables and toy train sets have surged in popularity—especially among parents looking for a more affordable, furniture-style play table that includes everything needed for interactive play.
If you're trying to decide between a BRIO train set and a Costway train set for kids, this comprehensive comparison breaks down everything you need to know:
what each brand offers
how their products differ
whether Costway's train tables are compatible with BRIO
and which choice provides more overall value
At the end, you'll also find curated recommendations for Costway's best-selling train tables so you can choose confidently.
What Makes a Great Train Set for Kids?
Before diving into the comparison, it's helpful to understand what actually matters when shopping for a quality wooden train set or toy train set. Parents typically look at five factors—build quality, included accessories, table design, expandability, and value.
Durable Wooden Materials & Safe Construction
Traditional wooden train sets remain popular for a reason—they're sturdy, long-lasting, and withstand years of imaginative play. A good set uses non-toxic paints, smooth edges, and solid wood components that won't crack or warp easily.
Engaging Accessories and Layout Possibilities
A train set shouldn't just include track pieces. Parents increasingly expect:
bridges
miniature buildings
trees
people and vehicles
storage drawers
reversible tabletops
themed environments
Both Costway and BRIO meet these expectations, but they approach them differently—as you'll see in the comparison below.
Expandability and Compatibility
One major reason families love wooden train sets is their ability to grow. A child might start with a small oval track but eventually expand into full railroad towns.
For this reason, compatibility with major track systems (BRIO, Thomas, Melissa & Doug, IKEA, etc.) is a huge advantage—and Costway checks this box, which we'll cover in detail later.
Table vs No Table
Another key decision is whether you want a wooden train table or a stand-alone train set. A train table:
keeps all pieces in one space
encourages upright play
prevents kids from stepping on track pieces
often provides drawers or shelves
Costway specializes in train set with table designs, whereas BRIO typically sells the train set alone (table sold separately).
Value for Money
This is often where the biggest differences appear. BRIO offers premium craftsmanship and brand reputation—but at a higher price.
Costway focuses on giving families a complete play experience (table + storage + dozens of accessories) at a significantly lower cost.
Costway Train Set vs BRIO: A Deep Comparison
Now let's break down the key differences between the two brands across major purchasing factors.
1. Build Quality & Materials
BRIO:
BRIO is known for excellent craftsmanship. Their wooden train sets use high-quality beech wood and consistently smooth finishes. They feel premium, sturdy, and long-lasting—ideal for families wanting heirloom-level durability.
Costway:
Costway's train sets also use durable, kid-safe wooden materials, but the value lies more in the overall system—especially the built-in wooden train table and larger piece count. While BRIO feels slightly more refined in finish, Costway offers impressive durability considering the full table + set price.
Verdict:
BRIO wins slightly on refinement.
Costway wins on value per piece and overall system durability.
2. Accessories, Imagination, and Play Experience
BRIO:
BRIO accessories tend to be minimalistic yet elegant. They focus heavily on core pieces like engines, bridges, and simple buildings. Their sets encourage open-ended play and feel very high-end.
Costway:
Costway train sets usually include 50–100+ pieces, such as:
rescue vehicles
helicopter pads
trees
buildings
people figurines
complex track layouts
multi-level railway elements
reversible tabletops with printed landscapes
This creates a richer storytelling environment right out of the box—great for younger kids who enjoy more visual cues and a busy play scene.
Verdict:
BRIO wins on elegance and minimalism.
Costway wins on variety, creativity, and visual storytelling.
3. Train Tables & Integrated Play Systems
BRIO:
BRIO does produce train tables, but they are sold separately and often cost as much—or more—than Costway's entire table + train set bundle.
Costway:
Costway's biggest advantage is that many of their train sets come with integrated wooden train tables that include:
large flat play surfaces
reversible tabletops
storage drawers or bins
raised edges to prevent pieces from falling
easy assembly structures
This makes Costway ideal for families who want a complete station for wooden train play without needing to buy additional furniture.
Verdict:
Costway is the clear winner for table-based play systems.
4. Compatibility With BRIO Tracks
One of the most common customer questions is:
“Are Costway train tables compatible with BRIO wooden train sets?”
The answer: Yes — Costway train tracks and tables are compatible with BRIO.
This means:
You can use BRIO engines on Costway tracks
You can expand Costway layouts with BRIO track packs
You can combine accessories from both brands
You can use a BRIO train set on a Costway train table with no issues
This compatibility ensures long-term usability and the option to expand your child's layout with premium components later on.
5. Price & Overall Value
BRIO: Premium price, premium build, fewer pieces.
Costway: Moderate price, comes with a table, larger piece count, and excellent accessory variety.
Most families conclude:
BRIO is best for collectors or parents who want premium craftsmanship.
Costway is best for parents looking for a complete, ready-to-play setup at an affordable price.
Best Costway Train Tables & Train Sets (Top Recommendations)
Below are some of Costway's most popular wooden train tables and toy train sets. Each one is compatible with BRIO and includes dozens of accessories for all-day play.
1. 84-Piece Activity Playset With Reversible & Detachable Tabletop
Why You'll Love It:
Includes 84 pieces, offering one of the richest play environments in the category
Reversible tabletop features two themes
Lightweight tabletop can be removed for floor play
Raised edges keep toys from falling
Perfect starter train set for kids who love active storytelling
Best For: Parents who want maximum variety and flexibility in one table.
2. Kids Double-Sided Wooden Train Table Playset with Storage Drawer
Why It Stands Out:
Large, sturdy wooden train table
Includes double-sided playboard
One big storage drawer keeps everything organized
Smooth edges and stable structure
Ideal for kids who love switching between different types of layouts
Best For: Families wanting a dedicated wooden train table with built-in storage.
3. Children's Wooden Railway Set Table with 100 Pieces & Storage Drawers
Key Features:
Massive 100-piece wooden train set
Includes buildings, vehicles, tracks, figurines, and scenery
Two pull-out storage drawers
Durable full-size table designed for long-term play
Ideal for kids who love building large cities and multi-level routes
Best For: Kids who want a big, imaginative world with lots of accessories and storage space.
Final Verdict — Should You Choose BRIO or Costway?
Both BRIO and Costway offer excellent wooden train sets—but they serve different types of families.
Choose BRIO If:
You want premium craftsmanship
You prefer minimalist Scandinavian-style design
You already own BRIO sets and want perfect aesthetic continuity
Choose Costway If:
You want a train set with table included
You want more accessories for the price
Your child loves active, imaginative storytelling
You want compatibility with BRIO without the premium cost
For most families, Costway delivers the best value, especially with its table-based train systems designed for long-term, organized play.
Call to Action
If you're looking for a durable, affordable, and fully equipped wooden train set for kids, Costway has multiple options that offer exceptional value—many including 80–100+ accessories and a sturdy play table.
Explore Costway's full collection of wooden train tables to find the perfect fit for your child's playroom.
