Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop is worth considering if you want a flexible bus-driving game that also lets you plan routes and run a transit company—especially with a friend. It is a less certain recommendation if you expect polished driving or slick traffic and menus: critics noted awkward handling, clunky AI and a cluttered interface. The available ratings are mixed-to-positive, but the critic sample is small and PC-specific.
How do critics and players rate Bus Simulator 21?
At the time of the cited snapshot, Metacritic’s PC page listed a 73/100 critic score from six reviews: two positive, four mixed and none negative. Its user score was 6.0/10 from 47 ratings, categorized as mixed or average. These are small samples, and the critic score is for PC—not an all-platform verdict. Metacritic’s Bus Simulator 21 page may change as ratings are added.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop (Gold Edition) - For PlayStation 5 | $61.04 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Bus Simulator 21 | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Construction Simulator – PlayStation 5 | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing - PlayStation 5 | $33.50 | Buy on Amazon |
Steam’s English-language listing showed 73% positive from 1,168 reviews; its recent-review display showed 82% positive from 23 reviews. Those figures are storefront user reviews, not critic scores, and Steam’s live totals can change. Check the Steam listing for current counts before buying.
What do reviews praise and criticize?
Strengths reviewers identified
- Flexible simulation: you can focus more on driving or engage with the management systems, giving players room to choose their level of involvement.
- A substantial setting and fleet: the game pairs two sizable maps with a range of licensed buses, giving routes and vehicles variety.
- Driving and management together: planning routes and timetables can add a broader company-running layer to the work of driving each service.
- Co-op: cooperative play offers an option beyond running the operation solo.
Weaknesses reviewers identified
- Driving can feel awkward. Critic summaries flagged room for improvement in the driving itself.
- Traffic and interface friction: reviewers cited clunky traffic AI and a cluttered interface, issues that can get in the way of a smooth routine.
- Uneven polish: some summaries mentioned apparent optimization problems, while also finding the management side could be improved.
These are themes from critic summaries listed on Metacritic, not results from an independent hands-on test for this article. The small PC critic sample also means the score should not be treated as a definitive judgment of every platform version.
#1 Best Overall
- Get ready for the brand-new, impressive US map Angel Shores and a revamped version of the European Seaside Valley map from the previous game instalment – including its map extension. Different difficulty levels and play modes are also available for a wide range of player types.
- In Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop you have the option to use extended management elements like creating detailed timetables, buying and selling buses, and planning efficient routes. Do you prefer to get up from behind the desk and take control of your buses yourself? The auto-features of Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop can take over your management duties and let pure bus drivers simply enjoy their time on the road.
- Play in either single-player or co-op multiplayer mode, transport your passengers safely and promptly to their destinations and be rewarded for your timely and safe driving at the end of each day.
- This Gold Edition includes exclusive content and enhancements that elevate the simulation experience.
What is in the game?
Bus Simulator 21 launched on September 7, 2021, developed by stillalive studios and published by astragon Entertainment. Its launch announcement described 30 officially licensed bus models from 10 manufacturers, plus two fictional settings: North American-inspired Angel Shores and European Seaside Valley. It supports single-player and cooperative multiplayer. astragon’s launch announcement provides the original description.
The current storefront title is Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop. Official listings describe a career mode that combines sandbox access with the campaign’s economic system, as well as a free map extension adding an area to Angel Shores. The game’s licensed vehicles include rigid, articulated, double-decker and electric buses. Optional management features include route and timetable planning.
Rank #2
- Bus simulator 21 will be released on September 07, 2021 on PC, PlayStation4 and Xbox One and as well be playable on the new console generation
- contains numerous Mercedes-Benz buses of the citaro and Capacity series and, for the first time, also ecitaros!
- includes two huge maps with a us and European setting respectively!
- a number of new, reworked and extended features
- improved open world gameplay.co-op multiplayer mode
The two settings and vehicle range are useful if map atmosphere or bus types matter to you, but those specifications do not establish how convincing the driving feels. Official feature descriptions are not independent assessments of quality.
Is Bus Simulator 21 better for driving or management?
It is designed to combine both. You can drive services directly, while optional systems let you plan routes and timetables and manage a fleet and company. That makes it a better fit for players who enjoy building an operation around the driving than for someone seeking only a tightly focused driving experience.
Rank #3
- Over 90 machines, vehicles, trucks, attachments
- Two huge maps based on the USA and Germany Lach of the two maps comes with its own campaign
- Challenge yourself with over 30 contracts
- 11 new license partners, 25 officially licensed partners in total Online multiplayer with your friends
The career mode’s combination of sandbox access and campaign economics may appeal if you want more structure without giving up the freedom to explore. If you prefer fewer systems to manage, consider whether those layers sound engaging rather than assuming they are mandatory; the store descriptions identify them as optional.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does Next Stop or an edition change the value?
The Standard Edition includes the base game and the Next Stop update, according to the official game site. Gold Edition includes those, plus the MAN, IVECO BUS and VDL bus packs, Protect Nature Interior Pack, USA Skin Pack and Angel Shores Insider Skin Pack. Gold makes most sense if you specifically want its additional vehicles and customization; it does not change the critical caveats about driving and interface quality.
Rank #4
- ALL-STAR CAST OF DREAMWORKS CHARACTERS: Who will you choose? With favorites such as Shrek, Po, Tigress, Boss Baby, Puss in Boots, Hiccup, and Astrid, it’ll be hard to choose just one.
- 20 AWESOME KARTS: Each kart draws its distinct design from the unique personality of its DreamWorks character-driver! Put your very own twist on the kart with hundreds of parts and accessory combinations to level up!
- RACE THROUGH ICONIC LOCATIONS: Be transported into fantastical worlds as you speed, shift, jump and drift through tracks inspired by your favorite DreamWorks movies: The Kingdom of Far Far Away from Shrek, Bergen Town from Trolls, Baby Corp from The Boss Baby, New York City Zoo from Madagascar, and many more!
- TROLLS AS RACE HOSTS & POWER-UPS: Poppy, Branch, Barb, Cooper and others from the colorful world of the DreamWorks Trolls are not only rockin’ it as your hosts for each race, but also help you hit the right notes for your racetrack success with their power-up potential. Collect them to ride along with you throughout each race for special surprises!
- MULTIPLE RACING MODES: Awesome online and split-screen local multi-player for non-stop action the entire family will love.
Other add-ons are listed separately in platform catalogs, including Tram and School Bus extensions, bus packs, a free map extension and free seasonal packs on PlayStation. Bundles, prices, sale terms and add-on availability vary by region and storefront, so compare the contents on the platform where you intend to play rather than assuming one catalog applies everywhere.
Which platforms can you play it on?
The PlayStation Store lists PS4 and PS5 versions. Xbox’s listing includes Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and cloud gaming, and says the Series X|S upgrade is free for Xbox One owners. Availability and edition details can differ by region; check the relevant PlayStation Store listing or Xbox listing for your market.
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Quick Recap
Who should buy Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop?
- Consider it if you want a bus sim with two contrasting settings, licensed vehicles, optional company management and solo or co-op play.
- Be cautious if smooth driving, convincing traffic behavior and an uncluttered interface are your top priorities; those are among the concerns reviewers raised.
- Choose an edition by its contents, not its label: Standard includes Next Stop, while Gold’s added packs are most relevant to players who want those particular buses and skins.
- Check the current platform listing for live user-review totals, regional availability and add-on contents, since storefront information changes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
