In Ticket to Ride, a group of 2 to 5 players compete in a cross-country train adventure to claim and connect the most railway routes between capital cities. The longer your train routes, the more points you’ll receive.
The standard Ticket to Ride board game is recommended for ages 8 and up, with some alternative versions — such as Ticket to Ride: Rails & Sails — skewing older at 10 and above. While there’s a fairly low barrier for entry, the game is still popular with adults of all ages due to its relaxed gameplay style and relatively short length to complete.
On average, a game of Ticket to Ride will take you between 30 to 60 minutes to finish, depending on the number of players and their skill levels. This makes it much shorter than other family games like Monopoly and less in-depth than strategy board games like Catan.
Need a new adventure? Check out our Ticket to Ride board game expansions
You don’t have to be a railway fanatic to enjoy Ticket to Ride.
Released in 2004, the original Ticket to Ride board game was designed by Alan R. Moon and published by Days of Wonder. Since then, the game has developed a global following with sales in the millions. A 15th Anniversary edition was released in 2019.
One of the reasons the game has remained so popular is because of its replayability. The board offers countless different paths to victory, with riskier routes netting the player more points. Competitive players can flex their strategy skills while newbies can take it easy and learn the ropes — or, learn the rails.
It’s also a great way to build up your tactical skills before moving on to other, more complex strategy board games.
Plus, its fun, throwback style is reminiscent of the family classic Around the World in 80 Days, which makes it perfect for kids and adults. After all, who wouldn’t want to compete in a race across the country by train?
Ticket to Ride Board Game FAQs
I have a child who’d like to play Ticket to Ride — is there a version for young kids?
You’re in luck!
Ticket to Ride: First Journey scales down the main game to be accessible for ages 6 and up. There are fewer cities in this version and the routes between them are shorter, which brings down the length of each game. The pieces and fonts have been made bigger, with each city written in larger text for young readers and accompanied by a fun image.
To make things even more fun, the winner of the game will also receive the Golden Ticket as their prize, which adds extra incentive for your child to keep playing. Plus, it’s a nice touch if your little one is a fan of Willy Wonka.
A game of Ticket to Ride: First Journey can be completed in about 20-30 minutes depending on your child’s age and abilities. Because of its shorter length, the game is still great for older kids, too. First Journey is also a lot of fun for any adults looking for a similar experience to the main Ticket to Ride board game, in a smaller package. It’s a great way to close out a games night with friends.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey is available in both United States and European versions in-store or online at Frontline Hobbies. Order today!
I want to explore the world — are there versions of Ticket to Ride set in other countries?
Yes!
Ticket to Ride has quickly become an international sensation, with expansions of the game set in over ten countries and continents worldwide. These expansions require you to have a copy of Ticket to Ride Europe or the standard Ticket to Ride Board Game to play.
Satisfy your inner adventurer with our range of expansion boards, including:
We also sell a collection of double-sided Ticket to Ride map expansions that feature different regions on each side, so you can get the most bang for your buck with your expansion board. Our range includes:
There are even versions set in different time periods, like the Ticket to Ride USA 1910 and Europa 1912 Expansions.
For those of you looking for the authentic Ticket to Ride board game experience on a smaller scale, we also stock Ticket to Ride: New York, a scaled-down set featuring iconic locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. This version can be completed in around 15 minutes per game.
Should I choose Ticket to Ride or Catan?
Ticket to Ride and Catan are both incredibly popular settlement-based strategy games. While they’re both classed as beginner-tier boards, which one is right for you depends entirely on your skill level and preferences.
If you’re new to strategy games entirely, Ticket to Ride is the better place to start. It’s generally regarded as being the easier game to learn and has a relaxed play style that helps with replayability.
An average game of Catan can clock in at around 60 to 120 minutes, whereas Ticket to Ride is usually around half that time. This makes it ideal for people who are looking to dip their toes into a strategy board game without getting overwhelmed.
If you have a bit of experience with strategy games, or you want a new hobby to sink your teeth into, Catan could be the better option. Games of Catan are mostly more complicated and tactical, with different instructions and strategies to try out as your skill improves.
However, both Catan and Ticket to Ride are excellent options if you’re new to strategy games. Our range of strategy games covers players of all skill levels and interests. Shop online and find your next hobby obsession today!
From the UK to the Old West, browse our full Ticket to Ride board game range and shop online today!
At Frontline Hobbies, we know all things hobby. We’ve been providing Australians with the best range of models, games, toys, RC vehicles, and more since 1978.
We offer fast, affordable shipping Australia-wide and instant click and collect for our local customers.
If you’re not sure which strategy board game is right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help!
