This bus simulator sold way better than expected – and it’s not the newest one!

Starting with Bus Simulator 16, this entry laid the foundation for the modern Bus Simulator series. With roughly 210,900 copies sold, it established a solid niche audience, but it was clearly just the beginning rather than a breakthrough.

That breakthrough arrived with Bus Simulator 18. At around 623,600 sales, this title stands out as the most commercially successful bus simulator in this comparison. It managed to reach far beyond the core simulation audience and brought the genre to a much wider group of players.

Things shifted again with Bus Simulator 21. Despite technical improvements and a larger scope, sales settled at approximately 343,300 units. That is a noticeable drop compared to its predecessor, suggesting a saturated market rather than a lack of interest altogether.

The comparison becomes especially interesting when looking at OMSI 2. Often considered the benchmark for realism, OMSI 2 has sold around 486,300 copies. Personally, I did not expect it to fall behind Bus Simulator 18 in pure sales numbers, given its longevity and strong community.

Finally, there is The Bus, a title frequently described as a future-oriented platform. With approximately 298,500 copies sold, it currently sits below Bus Simulator 21, but close enough to suggest further growth as development continues.

Overall, the data paints a clear picture: Bus Simulator 18 represents the commercial peak of the series so far. Neither newer entries nor long-standing classics have matched its reach. At the same time, the market is clearly diversifying, with different simulators appealing to different audiences and playstyles.

Which bus simulator do you play the most today? Did these sales figures surprise you? Why do you think Bus Simulator 18 performed so well?