---
name: "openbve"
section: "6"
platform: "linux"
package: "openbve"
version: "1.14.1.2-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/openbve"
---

# openbve(6)

train/railway simulator and game

## NAME

openBVE - train/railway simulator and game

## SYNOPSIS

**openbve** \[**/route=***route.csv*\] \[**/train=***directory*\] \[**/controls**\|**/newgame**\|**/options**\|**/review**\]

## DESCRIPTION

OpenBVE is a realistic rail simulator.

The driving simulation is restricted to following a pre-determined loaded route, with the focus being on the realism of the train driving experience. OpenBVE also has an *Arcade* mode where driving style and timetable-keeping affect a running score.

The simulator is backwards compatible with existing 'BVE Trainsim' route and train datafiles, which are readily available for no cost.  It is cross-platform using CLI and Mono.

## GETTING STARTED

To move the train, you need to do the following (with the default keyboard settings):

**f** Move the *reverser* to the forwards position.  (Opposite is **v**).\
 **,** Release the *brake* one notch; will be required 4-8 times before movement.  (Opposite is **.**).\
 **z** Increase the *regulator* (power) one notch; may be required 1-2 times before movement.  (Opposite is **q**).

The major controls keys are arranged closely together **q**-**a**-**z** for power control; **,**-**.** (comma and full-stop) for braking and **f**-**v** for forwards/backwards direction. Some electric trains have a combined accelerator+brake with a coast (neutral) in the centre.  This is controlled with just the **q**-**a**-**z** combination (and forwards/backwards). Pressing the **a** key moves the controller one notch closer to the coast/idle positioh, regardless of whether in power or braking mode.

**Return**/**Shift-Return** operate the horn.  Keys **F1**-**F5** select alternative camera angles. **C-r** unlocks the camera to allow free movement (**r** to reset).  A large number of other keys exist for interacting with complex signalling systems and operating the passenger doors whilst in a station.  Most routes have a supplied timetable that can be displayed by pressing **C-t**.

## LAPTOPS

For laptops/notebooks, there is an alternate keyboard mapping (called "Default keyboard assignment for Notebooks.controls"), which can be imported via the *Customise Controls* tab.  The basic keys are the same, but camera controls are moved off the numeric keypad.

## OPTIONS

- **/controls**

  Show Customise Controls screen; keyboard/mouse/joystick selection.

- **/newgame**

  Show Filemanager/route selector screen; choose activity (default).

- **/options**

  Show Options screen; display and quality settings.

- **/review**

  Show Review performance; score and incident log from previous activity.

- **/route=***someroute.csv*

  Path to the file with the route file ending *.csv* or *.rw* which describes the track, scenery and time-table.

- **/train=***train.dat*

  A train/cab.  This should be a path to the directory, which contains the *train.dat* description for the locomotive, train or cab.

## DATAFILES

Two elements are required, a route, and a train (often just a cab view and performance metrics).  These can be selected using the filemanager after OpenBVE is started.  Most routes have a corresponding recommended train (for instance a particular model of Tube train on the London Underground); if this train is located it will be selected by default.

## FILES

- \~/.config/OpenBve/

  Saved keyboard configuration, display settings and score log.

- /usr/share/games/bve/**Train/**

  Default location for packaged train directories (containing *train.dat*).

- /usr/share/games/bve/**Railway/Route/**

  Default location for packaged railway route *.csv* files.

- /usr/shares/games/openbve/data/

  Data used by OpenBVE to start up.

## AUTHOR

- OpenBVE was written by Michelle Boucquemont \<reschanger@gmail.com\> and placed in the public domain.

  - This manual page was written for Debian/Ubuntu by Paul Sladen \<ubuntu@paul.sladen.org\>

  ## SEE ALSO

Website: **https://openbve-project.net/**\