Recommended Free Tools
Choose The Bus for a 1:1 Berlin map, recognizable routes, and PC-only multiplayer and modding. Choose Bus Simulator 27 for fictional Iberian-inspired cities, an advertised fleet of more than 45 licensed buses including coaches, and four-player cross-platform co-op. Both are available in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This is a feature-based recommendation—not a tested verdict on driving feel, performance, or stability.
At a glance
| What matters to you | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A recognizable real-world city and routes | The Bus | Its Berlin map is described as a 1:1 recreation and includes routes such as TXL, 100, 200, and 300. Aerosoft’s product page lists more than 200 stops. |
| A fictional southern-European setting and a broad advertised fleet | Bus Simulator 27 | It is set in Felicia Bay, inspired by Spain and Portugal, and advertises 45+ licensed buses, including coaches, plus Story, Career, and Sandbox modes. Official game page |
| Co-op on console | Bus Simulator 27 | Its publisher advertises four-player cross-platform co-op. The Bus FAQ says multiplayer is not available on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. The Bus release FAQ |
| Multiplayer and mods on PC | Both are options | Bus Simulator 27 lists co-op and PC mod.io support; The Bus lists PC multiplayer and modding. Check the current mode and community content details for your platform. |
| Running a bus company | Both are options | Bus Simulator 27 advertises Career and company management. The Bus has an Economy mode covering vehicles, staff, maintenance, contracts, and ticket sales. |
What each game offers
Bus Simulator 27: fleet variety and multiple modes
Bus Simulator 27 launched September 8, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, according to its official FAQ. Its publisher describes Felicia Bay as a fictional southern-European region inspired by Spain and Portugal, with two cities and 20 districts. The advertised fleet exceeds 45 officially licensed buses from 13 manufacturers and includes coaches. Its listed modes are Story, Career, and Sandbox. These are publisher-stated features, not independent assessments of how varied or realistic the vehicles feel.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Bus Simulator City Ride - Switch | $42.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Bus Simulator 27 (incl. Deluxe Upgrade) - PS5 | $42.04 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Tourist Bus Simulator (PS5) | $29.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Bus Simulator 21 - [Xbox Series X, Xbox One]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513awMNcrUS._SL160_.jpg)
|
Bus Simulator 21 - [Xbox Series X, Xbox One] | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Bus Simulator 27 (inkl. Deluxe Upgrade) - PS5 | $43.14 | Buy on Amazon |
The official game page also advertises four-player co-op, PC mod.io support, and support for popular steering wheels and gamepads. It does not establish compatibility for any particular peripheral model, so check a device’s platform support before buying it.
The Bus: Berlin routes and city detail
The Bus launched March 26, 2026, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, according to TML-Studios’ release FAQ. Aerosoft describes its Berlin map as a 1:1 recreation, with more than 200 stops and routes TXL, 100, N100, 123, 142, 147, 200, 245, and 300. Its product description also lists licensed urban buses, passenger transport, ticket sales, traffic, day and night, weather, and seasons. The FAQ lists 20 vehicle variants included at release.
#1 Best Overall
- 10 original licensed buses from 10 renowned manufacturers
- Open, realistic cities inspired in Northern Europe
- Route management
- Bus fleet management
Freeplay and Economy are the named modes. Economy involves managing vehicles and staff, maintenance, contracts, and ticket sales. The game’s Berlin setting and route list are its clearest distinction from Bus Simulator 27’s fictional setting.
Platform differences to check before choosing
- Console co-op: Bus Simulator 27 advertises four-player cross-platform co-op. The Bus FAQ says multiplayer is PC-only, not available on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
- Mods: Bus Simulator 27 lists PC mod.io support. The Bus FAQ identifies modding as PC-only.
- The Bus purchase path: TML-Studios says people who owned the PC Early Access version receive the release version without an additional purchase; console versions must be purchased separately.
- Bus Simulator 27 availability: Its FAQ says it is distributed through digital platforms and retail stores in several countries. Check the store for your region and edition.
TML-Studios says the basic content of The Bus is the same across platforms, subject to the platform-specific multiplayer and modding differences above.
Rank #2
- Includes Deluxe Upgrade: – 2 additional buses and 4 skins
- BIGGEST BUS FLEET YET: 45+ buses from 13 renowned manufacturers, NEW BUS TYPE: Drive licensed coach buses, ONLY YOU: Enjoy the game at your pace, WITH FRIENDS: cooperatively with up to 4 players, ONLINE COOP: No one is left behind
- 3 GAME MODES: Story, Career, & Sandbox, YOUR ROLES: Play as a driver, inspector, or passenger, IN-BUS EVENTS: Look after your passengers
- HEAVY TRAFFIC: Deal with accidents and more on your routes, RIDE THE SUNSHINE: Explore Felicia Bay, a southern European paradise, HUGE MAP: With 2 cities, 20 districts and beautiful landscapes
- MANAGER: Run your company and enjoy extensive management options, MODDING: Expandable with mod.io mods on PC, PERIPHERALS: Supports popular steering wheels and gamepads
Which one should you play?
Pick The Bus if Berlin is the draw
Choose The Bus if you want to recognize the city, follow named Berlin routes, and use PC multiplayer or mods. Its Economy mode also suits players who want to manage a bus operation alongside driving and passenger service.
Pick Bus Simulator 27 if you want co-op or coach buses
Choose Bus Simulator 27 if you want to play co-op on console, prefer a fictional Spain-and-Portugal-inspired setting, or value its advertised coaches and larger licensed fleet. Story, Career, and Sandbox give it a broader stated set of play modes.
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Rank #3
- Map of Fuerteventura in intricate detail
- 20 faithfully recreated cities and beaches
- Nail-biting narrow roads, winding roads, points of interest and three harbours
- Large selection of vehicles
- MAN Lion's Coach and Lion's Coach C the true buses used on the Canary Islands.Large selection of bus liveries appropriate for each task.Sightseeing offers for hotels to include customised tours.Maintaining vehicles - refuelling, repairs and service in one's own or an external workshop.Freely movable bus driver as well as passengers who board and leave.Various levels that can be unlocked by completing tasks and gaining experience
What this comparison cannot establish
The available product and FAQ information describes settings, modes, and features; it does not provide a direct independent comparison of handling, traffic AI, optimization, frame rate, bugs, stability, or overall simulation quality. Those qualities should not be inferred from marketing descriptions. The Bus Simulator 27 Steam listing identified Simteract as developer and astragon Entertainment as publisher, and displayed Mixed reviews (60% positive among 598 reviews) in a 2026 snapshot; user-review counts and sentiment change over time, so that figure is not a durable verdict.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is planned for The Bus?
TML-Studios’ April 29, 2026 roadmap described planned economy updates, bus additions, a gearbox overhaul, and Berlin-Charlottenburg routes 109 and 309. The studio cautioned that content, order, and timing can change. Treat these as plans rather than features confirmed as released.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Deluxe Upgrade: - 2 additional buses and 4 skins
- Largest bus fleet of the series: more than 45 buses from 13 well-known manufacturers, NEW BUSTYP: Drive licensed coaches, YOUR TRIP: Set the pace of your journey in single player mode
- WITH FRIENDS: Play cooperatively with up to 4 players in online mode, FULL CROSSPLAY: No one stays behind and everyone plays together, 3 game modes: story, career and sandbox, YOUR ROLES: Play as a driver, passenger or controller
- IN-BUS EVENTS: Take care of your passengers, traffic situation: traffic accidents and more await you, Ride the Sunshine: Discover Felicia Bay, a southern European jewel
- LARGE MAP: 2 cities, 20 districts and scenic landscapes, MANAGER: manage your business in the management section, INPUT DEVICES: Supports a variety of steering wheels and controllers
Rank #4
- 30 Busse international namhafter Hersteller wie Alexander Dennis, BYD, Grande West und Blue Bird wurden für den Bus Simulator 21 ebenso lizenziert wie bereits im Vorgänger enthaltene Marken wie Mercedes-Benz, Setra und IVECO BUS.
- Steuere neben klassischen Solo- und Gelenkbussen im neuen Teil der Serie nun auch einen Doppeldecker sowie die Zukunft des Personen-Nahverkehrs: E-Busse!
- Zwei riesige lebendige Spielumgebungen in Nordamerika und Europa mit noch freierem Open-World-Ansatz, der zum Erkunden der beiden Karten einlädt.
- Fahre alleine oder mit Deinen Freunden im kooperativen Mehrspieler-Modus.
- Optionale weiterentwickelte Management-Funktionen sorgen auf Wunsch für noch mehr Spieltiefe: detailliertes Aufsetzen von Fahrplänen, Besuche von Bushändlern auf der Karte, effiziente Routenplanung unter dem Gesichtspunkt von Passagieraufkommen zu unterschiedlichen Tageszeiten.
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.
