Introduction
One of the biggest strategic decisions in Township is how much effort to put into trains versus airplanes. Both systems offer XP and rewards, but they behave very differently—and using them incorrectly is one of the main reasons towns stall, storage overflows, and progress slows.
This guide breaks down how trains and airplanes actually work, what they are best used for, and how to combine them intelligently depending on your level and play style.
The goal is not to choose one forever, but to know when each one deserves your attention.
How Trains Work (And Why They Are So Powerful)
Trains arrive frequently and request a mix of crops and factory goods. Their strength lies in consistency and predictability.
Key Characteristics of Trains
- Arrive on a fixed schedule
- Require smaller quantities per crate
- Give XP, coins, and tools
- Scale smoothly with town level
- Can be upgraded for speed
Trains are the backbone of steady progression.
Why Trains Are the Best Tool for Leveling
1. Reliable, Repeatable XP
Trains come back again and again, meaning XP is earned in small but constant chunks. Over time, this adds up faster than sporadic big rewards.
2. Storage-Friendly Requests
Train crates usually ask for items in manageable quantities, reducing the need to hoard or panic-craft.
3. Tool Rewards Matter
Trains are the primary source of tools for:
- Barn upgrades
- Silo upgrades
- Land expansion
Better storage directly translates into faster leveling.
4. Train Upgrades Multiply Value
Upgrading train speed increases:
- Number of train cycles per day
- Total XP earned
- Tool income
This compounding effect makes trains stronger the longer you play.
How Airplanes Work (And Why They Are Risky)
Airplanes appear less frequently but demand large quantities of goods across multiple crates.
Key Characteristics of Airplanes
- Large, multi-crate orders
- High XP rewards per plane
- Tight completion windows
- Often require rare or slow items
- Can block factories and storage
Airplanes are high-risk, high-reward systems.
When Airplanes Are Worth Doing
1. You Already Have Most Items
The best airplane is the one you can complete without changing your plan.
If you already have:
- Most required goods
- The ability to finish quickly
Then the airplane becomes efficient XP.
2. Crates Use Common Items
Airplanes asking for:
- Bread
- Sugar-based goods
- Common crops
Are far safer than planes demanding rare factory chains.
3. You Can Finish Before the Deadline
A half-filled airplane is wasted effort. Only commit if you can finish it cleanly.
When Airplanes Should Be Skipped
Skipping airplanes is not failure—it is advanced strategy.
Skip airplanes when:
- They require rare animal products
- They drain barn storage
- They force long production chains
- They conflict with train preparation
- They cause factory congestion
Many high-level players skip more airplanes than they complete.
Trains vs Airplanes: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Trains | Airplanes | | — | – | | | Frequency | Very high | Low | | XP style | Steady | Burst | | Storage impact | Low | High | | Risk level | Low | High | | Tool rewards | Yes | No | | Upgrade value | Very high | None | | Best for | Consistent leveling | Situational boosts |
The Optimal Strategy: Trains First, Airplanes Second
Core Rule
Never let trains wait because of airplanes.
Trains should always be:
- Filled first
- Sent immediately
- Prepared for in advance
Airplanes are optional bonuses, not priorities.
Early Game Strategy (Levels 1–30)
- Focus heavily on trains
- Upgrade train speed early
- Attempt airplanes only when easy
- Skip planes that slow factory growth
At this stage, stability matters more than XP bursts.
Mid Game Strategy (Levels 30–60)
- Trains remain the primary focus
- Airplanes become situational XP tools
- Attempt planes that align with stock
- Skip planes that drain barn space
Mid-game players often slow down by overcommitting to airplanes.
Late Game Strategy (60+)
- Trains still provide steady XP and tools
- Airplanes become more viable with larger storage
- Complete planes selectively for events or bonuses
- Never rush planes blindly
Even late-game towns rely on trains for balance.
How to Combine Trains and Airplanes Efficiently
Step 1: Fill Trains First
Always complete train crates before touching airplane crates.
Step 2: Check What the Plane Shares
If airplane crates use items you already produced for trains, proceed.
Step 3: Protect Storage
Never empty your barn just to fill a plane. That creates downtime later.
Step 4: Exit Gracefully
If a plane becomes too expensive, stop. Partial completion is worse than skipping.
Common Mistakes Players Make
- Treating airplanes as mandatory
- Ignoring train upgrades
- Rushing rare items
- Letting factories stall
- Using cash to fix bad decisions
These mistakes slow long-term leveling dramatically.
Cash Usage: Trains vs Airplanes
If you use Township cash:
- Spend it on train upgrades
- Buy extra factory slots
- Use it to finish final airplane crates only when justified
Never use cash to rush entire airplanes repeatedly.
The Psychology Trap of Airplanes
Airplanes are designed to create urgency:
- Timers
- Visual progress bars
- Large rewards
Trains are quiet and consistent.
The fastest players learn to ignore urgency and trust consistency.
Final Verdict
Trains win for leveling speed, stability, and long-term progress. Airplanes are optional accelerators, not core systems.
If you:
- Prioritize trains
- Upgrade them early
- Use airplanes selectively
- Protect storage and factories
You will level faster with fewer stalls and far less frustration.
The smartest Township players don’t do everything—they do the right things at the right time.