Bus Simulator Steam searches lead to a long-running PC series published by astragon Entertainment. Its most recent full release on Steam is Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, developed by stillalive studios, and it focuses on city public transport with detailed buses, open maps and management tools that suit desktop players.
Many people arrive here after playing Bus Simulator : Ultimate on a phone and assume the Steam version is the same game. It is not. This article explains what the Steam series includes, how it plays, and where it differs from the mobile game made by Zuuks Games.
The Series at a Glance
The Steam store lists Bus Simulator 18 and Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop as earlier entries, and the Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop page also notes that Bus Simulator 27 has been announced. Bus Simulator 21 first released on September 7, 2021, then received the Next Stop update with a new career mode and other improvements.
Console players are covered too. Bus Simulator 21 launched on PlayStation 4 and Xbox alongside PC, and a dedicated PlayStation 5 version followed with the Next Stop update. Progress does not carry between console, Steam and the mobile game.
| Detail | Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop |
|---|---|
| Developer | stillalive studios |
| Publisher | astragon Entertainment |
| Steam release | September 7, 2021 |
| Fleet | Around 30 officially licensed buses |
| Maps | Two large environments in the USA and Europe |
| Storage listed on Steam | 18 GB available space |
Buses and Maps
The Steam page describes the most comprehensive fleet in the series, with manufacturers such as Alexander Dennis, Blue Bird, BYD, Grande West, IVECO BUS, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Setra and Volvo. Electric buses, articulated buses and double-deckers all appear, each with its own handling.
Two open maps give very different driving. One reflects an American city setting with wide roads, and the other a European city with tighter streets. Learning both teaches you how much a long articulated bus needs in a narrow turn.
What Makes the Driving Stand Out
- Detailed cockpits with working switches and displays.
- Ticket sales and passenger interactions at stops.
- Weather and traffic that change how routes feel.
- Steering wheel and controller support on PC.
Management and Career
Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop mixes driving with running a transport company. You can create timetables, buy and sell buses and plan efficient routes. Players who only want to drive can let automatic features handle the office side, which keeps the focus on the road.
The Next Stop update added a career mode for players who like structured goals. All stops and bus models are available from the beginning in the free play style, so you can explore without unlocking everything step by step.
Co-op and Community
Online co-op lets friends drive the same map together, each handling their own routes. Store listings note support for up to four online players. Shared sessions are a relaxed way to test routes and compare driving styles.
The Steam community adds mods and custom content for many simulation games, so check the Workshop or community hub for the edition you own. Always read mod descriptions and comments before installing them, since poorly made mods can conflict with updates.
Steam Series Versus the Mobile Game
The two products target different players. Bus Simulator : Ultimate is free on Android and iOS, built around intercity coach trips and a global bus company, and it includes the Ultimate League multiplayer mode. The Steam series is a paid desktop and console game centred on city transit.
| Aspect | Steam series | Bus Simulator : Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | stillalive studios and astragon | Zuuks Games |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Android, iOS |
| Price model | Paid with optional DLC | Free with ads and purchases |
| Focus | City public transport | Intercity coaches |
Desktop players who still prefer the mobile game can run it through an emulator. The PC options overview compares each route, and the bus game comparison looks at the wider field.
Choosing an Edition and Extra Content
The Steam store offers the base game alongside a Gold Edition that bundles an upgrade, plus bus packs and map content sold separately. Starting with the base game is a sensible choice for newcomers, since you can add packs later once you know which buses and areas you enjoy.
Bundles also pair Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop with Bus Simulator 18 or other astragon simulators. Check what each bundle contains before buying to avoid paying twice for content you already own.
- Base game for a first look at the series.
- Gold Edition for players who want extra content upfront.
- Individual packs for specific buses or areas.
Preparing Your PC for the Steam Series
Desktop simulations use more resources than mobile games. Read the minimum and recommended requirements on the Steam page, keep graphics drivers updated and make sure there is enough free space, which Steam lists as 18 GB for Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop.
A controller or wheel transforms the experience. Configure it in the game's control settings, test it in an empty depot, and adjust sensitivity until steering feels predictable. Players coming from the mobile game usually find the extra precision rewarding.
Who Will Enjoy It Most
Players who love city transit, timetable planning and detailed cockpits tend to enjoy the Steam series most. Those who prefer quick intercity trips on a phone usually stay happier with Bus Simulator : Ultimate, and plenty of fans keep both for different moods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bus Simulator on Steam free?
No. Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop is a paid game on Steam, although it sometimes appears in sales or free weekends.
Does the Steam game run on Mac or Linux?
Steam listings point to Windows as the supported platform for Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop. Check the store page for current details.
Can I use my mobile progress on Steam?
No. The Steam series and Bus Simulator : Ultimate are separate games from different studios.
Conclusion
Bus Simulator Steam editions, led by Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, offer a paid desktop simulation with a large licensed fleet, two open maps, management tools and online co-op. It suits players who want city transit depth on PC or console.
Prefer free intercity driving on your phone instead? Grab Bus Simulator : Ultimate from the download section.
