Table of Contents

Exploring the World on Rails: A Guide to the Different Versions of Ticket to Ride

So, you’re looking to hop aboard the Ticket to Ride train, eh? Excellent choice! But with so many versions chugging along, it can be tough to know which one’s right for you. Fear not, intrepid traveler! This guide will break down the various editions and expansions, helping you choose the perfect journey.

The Ticket to Ride universe is vast and varied, offering a wealth of experiences for gamers of all levels. At its core, the game involves collecting colored train cars and claiming railway routes on a map. You earn points for the length of the routes you claim and for completing Destination Tickets – secret objectives that task you with connecting specific cities. Failure to complete these tickets, however, results in point deductions. That’s the basic engine that drives the entire franchise, but the variations are where things get interesting.

Here’s a breakdown of the main versions and what makes each one unique:

Ticket to Ride (USA): The original and quintessential version. Set in the United States, this is the perfect starting point for newcomers. The map is relatively straightforward, and the rules are easy to grasp. It’s a fantastic introduction to the core mechanics of route building and ticket fulfillment.
Ticket to Ride: Europe: Building upon the original, Ticket to Ride: Europe introduces a few new elements: Tunnels, which require you to reveal additional cards to ensure you can build through them; Ferries, which require specific locomotive cards; and Train Stations, which allow you to use a route owned by another player to complete one of your destination tickets. This adds a layer of complexity and strategic depth.
Ticket to Ride: Märklin: Set in Germany, this version introduces Passenger Meeples and Goods Tokens. Players can move their meeple along their routes, collecting goods tokens. The type of tokens collected and the routes they travel add to the player’s end score. This version blends the familiar Ticket to Ride experience with a unique twist.
Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries: Designed specifically for 2-3 players, this edition features a map of the Nordic countries and includes ferries and tunnels. The Destination Tickets are also tailored to the region. Due to the player count, competition for routes can be particularly fierce!
Ticket to Ride: Asia: Offers two different maps on a double-sided board: Team Asia, which is designed for teams of two, and Legendary Asia, a standard map with mountain routes that require extra train cars. This adds a layer of resource management.
Ticket to Ride: India: Another double-sided board featuring maps of India and Switzerland. The India map introduces the concept of Mandala bonuses, awarded for connecting routes to cities with specific colored borders. The Switzerland map, on the other hand, is geared towards 2-3 players.
Ticket to Ride: Africa: This map introduces the concept of terrain cards. Each claimed route requires the player to discard a terrain card that corresponds to the color of the route. This adds a significant element of card management and resource allocation.
Ticket to Ride: UK: Featuring Great Britain and Ireland, this version introduces technology cards. Players start with limited abilities and must invest in technology to unlock new possibilities, such as building longer routes or claiming ferries.
Ticket to Ride: Pennsylvania: Focuses on the state of Pennsylvania and incorporates stock shares into the gameplay. Players earn points not only for routes and tickets but also for investing in railroad companies.
Ticket to Ride: New York: A faster, more compact version of Ticket to Ride. Set in New York City, the game is played on a smaller map, and the goal is to connect tourist attractions. A simple but very engaging twist on the base game formula.
Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam: Similar to New York, Amsterdam is another fast-paced city version where players claim routes between trading centers and earn bonus points for connecting to carriage locations.
Ticket to Ride: London: Like New York and Amsterdam, Ticket to Ride London offers a quick gameplay experience in a specific city (London). The city versions usually last 15-20 minutes making them perfect filler games or introductions to the Ticket to Ride franchise.
Ticket to Ride: San Francisco: The Ticket to Ride San Francisco board game is fast-paced, easy to learn, and plays in under 20 minutes! The game focuses on collecting matching sets of colored transport cards, and using them to claim routes on the map and score points.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey (USA & Europe): Designed for younger players, these versions simplify the rules and use pictures instead of words on the cards, making them accessible to children who haven’t yet learned to read. The goal is to complete six tickets.
Ticket to Ride: Legends of the West (Legacy): The Legacy version is designed to be played over twelve games and is designed to change and evolve with player choices.

Expansions:

Expansions typically offer new maps and rules that can be combined with the base game Ticket to Ride or Ticket to Ride: Europe. Popular expansions include 1910 (which adds new destination tickets to the original USA map), Asia, India/Switzerland, and UK/Pennsylvania. Be sure to verify which base game is required before purchasing an expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ticket to Ride

Here are some common questions about the different versions of Ticket to Ride:

1. What’s the difference between Ticket to Ride and Ticket to Ride: Europe?

Ticket to Ride: Europe builds upon the original game by adding tunnels, ferries, and train stations. These new elements introduce more luck and strategic decision-making. The map also features more shorter routes and less straightforward network choices compared to the USA version.

2. Is the 1910 expansion worth buying?

Yes, the Ticket to Ride: 1910 expansion is definitely worth it for fans of the original Ticket to Ride (USA). It adds new destination tickets, including some longer and more challenging routes. It changes the rules of the base game, and contains replacement cards and a new way to play the game.

3. What age is Ticket to Ride appropriate for?

Most versions of Ticket to Ride are recommended for ages 8 and up. However, Ticket to Ride: First Journey is designed for younger players, typically ages 6 and up.

4. Is Ticket to Ride a good game for families?

Absolutely! Ticket to Ride is an excellent family game. It’s easy to learn, engaging for all ages, and promotes strategic thinking.

5. How long does a game of Ticket to Ride typically last?

A standard game of Ticket to Ride usually takes about 30-60 minutes to play, depending on the number of players and the version being played. The city versions play more quickly, and the legacy versions can take several sessions to complete.

6. What is the best strategy for Ticket to Ride?

A solid strategy involves a combination of building long routes, completing your destination tickets, and blocking your opponents when possible. Collecting a variety of colored train cards early on is also crucial. Remember, you should always try to pick up several tickets to connect to the long route that you are constructing.

7. Can you build more than one route between the same two cities?

In most versions of Ticket to Ride, you can only claim one of the two routes between cities. Once a route is claimed, the other one is blocked.

8. What triggers the end of a Ticket to Ride game?

The game ends when one player has only two or fewer of their train car pieces remaining.

9. How do train stations work in Ticket to Ride: Europe?

In Ticket to Ride: Europe, train stations allow you to use one route owned by another player to help complete one of your destination tickets. You can only use one station per destination ticket, and each station is worth four points at the end of the game if unused.

10. What is the Globe Trotter card in the 1910 expansion?

The Globe Trotter card in the 1910 expansion is awarded to the player who completes the most destination tickets. It’s worth bonus points at the end of the game.

11. Are all Ticket to Ride versions compatible with each other?

No, the maps and train cars are not interchangeable between different versions. However, some expansions can be used with multiple base games, such as the Megalopolis expansion.

12. What makes Ticket to Ride so popular?

Its popularity stems from its simple rules, strategic depth, and engaging gameplay. It’s easy to learn but offers enough complexity to keep players coming back for more.

13. What is the difference between the Ticket to Ride Map Collection and expansions?

The Map Collection typically only include a new map with new rules and cards. The expansions often include new playing pieces, and cards that can be used in different scenarios.

14. Is Ticket to Ride educational?

Yes, Ticket to Ride can be educational. It helps players learn about geography, practice math skills, and develop strategic thinking. It is a fantastic game for learning and developing analytical skills and is a fun way for kids to improve their critical thinking. The game improves pattern recognition and strategic planning. To learn more about the educational benefits of board games, check out the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

15. Which Ticket to Ride version is the fastest?

Ticket to Ride: Legendary Asia tends to be one of the faster games, as the mountain routes force players to lose train cars. Also Ticket to Ride: New York, Ticket to Ride: Amsterdam, and Ticket to Ride: London are the fastest.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, Ticket to Ride offers something for everyone. Choose the version that best suits your interests and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure across the rails!

What are the different versions of Ticket to Ride?