Transport Fever has two game modes: The campaign mode and the free game mode.

The campaign mode consists of two campaigns with seven missions each. Each mission has a predefined map and a clear goal that can be reached by completing various tasks.

The free mode (also called the endless game mode) allows you to build any transport network imaginable on a randomly generated map. The scenario, start year and various other parameters can be set before the game starts. This mode also supports the use of mods.

There are three interactive tutorials available in the game:

• Basics
  Learn how to gain an overview of your empire and obtain key figures for your business; how to build your first yards of road and lay your first railroad tracks
• Passenger transport
  Learn how to transport your first passengers by bus and train.
• Cargo transport
  Learn about industries and cargo chains and how to supply towns with cargo.

• There are two ways to earn money:
  • Transporting passengers in or between towns
  • Transporting cargo from industry to industry and from industry to town

• Option 1: Start with a direct train connection between two neighboring towns.
  • There are different types of stations for passengers and cargo - make sure to use the right one!
  • All stations have a limited catchment area. To allow passengers from all over the town to reach a train station, connect it with bus lines to the rest of the town.

• Option 2: Start by setting up a simple cargo chain.
  • Transport grain and livestock to a food factory and from there transport food to the commercial zone of a town.
  • Cargo chains have to be complete in order to work properly.
  • See industry for more information on cargo chains and where cargo has to be delivered too.

• When building railroad tracks, try to follow the contour lines or build level – terrain modification is expensive!

• Use the contour lines overlay to find the ideal route.
• Build along rivers.

• Build a depot and buy vehicles in the depot

• Vehicles do not have a schedule or target when they are bought. Instead, vehicles have to be assigned to a line. Lines are created in the line manager.
• Buy enough wagons for a train, otherwise it is likely to make a loss.
• For a cost-effective operation, the locomotive and wagons should have a similar top speed.

Here are some additional tips to get you started:

• Money is earned by transporting passengers and cargo.
  • The faster people and cargo travel, the higher the revenue.
  • The farther people and cargo travel, the higher the revenue.
    • For purposes of revenue calculation, distances are measured “as the crow flies” between the pick-up point and the drop-off point.
  • Empty vehicles aren't earning any revenue so minimize the portion of the time vehicles run empty.
    • One method of doing this is to have vehicles that deliver raw materials carry finished goods on their return journey (or at least a portion of it)
• When constructing complex networks, an upfront investment is generally needed. This might result in a loss for the first couple of months, but may pay off later.
• If you run out of money, you can borrow more in the finance window. Be aware that you have to pay interest, so it's a good idea to pay back as soon as possible. In Hard Mode interest rates are higher.

• Older vehicles incur higher maintenance costs − replace them manually or by using the line auto-replacement feature.
• Click on the crosshairs in the info window to follow a vehicle or a person.

• An industry gets upgraded if the production remains at high levels for several months.
• Conversely, it gets downgraded if the production remains at low levels for several months.
• Cargo chains need to be complete. Make sure to transport the output products, otherwise the storage will fill up and the industry will stop production.

• Towns are divided into three different districts: residential, commercial and industrial.
• Commercial and industrial districts consume end products. The town's exact cargo demand is shown in the info window.
• Residential districts generate customers for passenger transport.
• Accelerate town growth by fulfilling the cargo needs of the commercial and industrial districts.

• When setting up a line, try to avoid empty runs. If possible, use the same vehicle to haul cargo back and forth.
• Freight wagons, trucks and cargo ships get refitted automatically at stations, unless they are set to a specific cargo type.
• Some passengers prefer the fastest, others prefer the cheapest path to the destination.

• Build high bridges over rivers so ships can pass under.
• Use the track modification tool to electrify an existing rail line.
• Try to avoid tight road and rail curves as these restrict traffics speeds.
• Use the Shift modifier to disable snapping for more precise construction.
• Use the Shift modifier when upgrading a street to enable segment-wise operation.
• To build a bridge or a tunnel, raise and lower a street with the <m> and <n> keys.

• Rotate constructions with the <m> and <n> keys, and press Shift with the <m> and <n> keys for smaller steps.
• To increase the catchment area of a station, connect it with a town by building a bus, tram or truck line.