Thrustmaster T248 Bus Simulator 21 Link

The Thrustmaster T248 retails between $350 and $400 USD. For a racing sim fan, that is an entry-level price. For a bus sim fan, that feels expensive.

However, consider this: You cannot play Bus Simulator 21 properly with a controller. The triggers are too short, and the thumbsticks lack precision.

The Verdict: If you own Bus Simulator 21 and play it weekly, the T248 is the best value wheel on the market. It beats the Logitech G923 because of the magnetic pedals (better for throttle feathering) and beats the Fanatec CSL DD because it is significantly cheaper and more durable for heavy-handed driving.

✅ Full 900° Steering Lock – Critical for buses. You can set it in the Thrustmaster control panel, and BS21 handles it smoothly. No “twitchy” racing feel. thrustmaster t248 bus simulator 21

✅ Strong, Adjustable Force Feedback – You actually feel the heavy steering of a bus at low speeds, and the wheel self-centers realistically. The on-the-fly dial (3 presets) lets you quickly lower FFB for long highway stretches.

✅ Magnetic Paddle Shifters – These feel great. If you’re driving an automatic or automated manual bus, they’re crisp for gear selection.

✅ Built-in RPM/LED Screen – Surprisingly useful. You can configure it to show speed or gear. In BS21, it helps you avoid redlining the diesel engine. The Thrustmaster T248 retails between $350 and $400 USD

✅ Solid Desk Clamp – Bus Simulator sessions can be long. The T248’s clamp is heavy-duty and won’t shift during sharp turns.

A bus cockpit has dozens of switches: door controls, kneel functions, ticket validation, wipers, retarder levers, and turn signals. The T248 has 25 action buttons (plus a directional pad and a magnetic paddle shifter).

Here is the optimal Thrustmaster T248 layout for Bus Simulator 21: ✅ Full 900° Steering Lock – Critical for buses

| Action | T248 Button | Logic | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Ignition / Start | Mode button (Press) | Center of wheel, like a push-to-start | | Wipers | Left Paddle (Magnetic) | Sequential pull for intermittent/normal/fast | | Turn Signal Left | L2 (Left lever behind wheel) | Natural muscle memory | | Turn Signal Right | R2 (Right lever behind wheel) | Natural muscle memory | | Horn | Button 12 (Top right face) | Instant access for traffic | | Door Open (Front) | D-Pad Up | | | Door Open (Rear) | D-Pad Down | | | Kneeling | D-Pad Left | Lowers chassis for boarding | | Retarder (Brake assist) | Right Paddle (Magnetic) | Increase engine braking | | Hazard Lights | PS Button (or equivalent) | | | Ticket Machine | Button 2 (Cross on PlayStation layout) | |

Pro Tip: Use the T248’s rotary encoder (the +/- wheel on the base) to adjust the interior camera zoom or the volume of the AI dispatcher.

This is the most important technical spec for bus simming.

Verdict: 7/10 – Good, but overkill unless you also race.