In the almost twenty years since it was released, Ticket to Ride has become a modern board game classic due to its theme and simple yet engaging rules. So, in this quick review, I will look at the most important aspects of this classic game, what makes it good, and who it might be for!

Disclosure: I own a copy of Ticket to Ride (Europe), which I bought myself. At the time of publishing this review, I don't have any affiliations with the game's creators. The opinions in this review are my own. Find the Review Policy here.

My Experience With Ticket to Ride: I have played Ticket to Ride in multiple sittings - as two players, three players, and four. It's with both - experienced and casual players. 

"Ticket to Ride," Explained to a 10-Year Old.

Ticket to Ride is a game about building railroads between cities to complete the necessary routes. You do that by picking up the objective cards (Tickets), collecting the right kind of building cards (trains), and exchanging them for a railroad. If someone else builds a track where you need it - too bad, you will need to go around.

Skill Level - How Difficult Was it to Learn Ticket to Ride?

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

• Ticket to Ride is a relatively simple game to learn and play, but some quirks can be a little confusing. For me, I needed some help understanding the correct rules of the Stations, but otherwise, everything was clear in the instructions.
• The average board game player can learn the game in 30-60 minutes (only by reading the included instructions). 
• There are many tutorial videos and FAQs available on the internet, which can make the learning process easier.
• Overall, it is easy to learn the rules compared to similar games, so I give it a complexity rating 2/5.

Player Count & Social Interactivity of Ticket to Ride

Social Rating: Low

Ticket to Ride is a 2-5-player game, and some social interactions are needed, but they are kept limited. There is no trading, exchanging, or negotiating. The main social factor is monitoring other players' actions, but there are no social mechanics to stop or motivate someone else to do something.

That being said, seeing that you are competing for the same route with another player can be thrilling.

Best Number of Players

It is fun for two players, but more fun when played with 3 or more players.

What Did I Enjoy the Most About Ticket to Ride?

The best thing about Ticket to Ride is its balance of things.

Ticket to Ride is among my favorite games because it is neither complex nor too simple. It is balanced. It can be played with complete beginners and enthusiasts alike. This game can be an excellent option for a quick game night or as an appetizer before the big game.

What Could Be Better?

Objectively, Ticket to Ride is a complete game, and no specific aspects are lacking.

Subjectively speaking, I did not enjoy that most of the time, players were only drawing cards. Sometimes, all players take 5+ turns, only picking up cards, which becomes repetitive. However, it is a minor complaint because picking up cards takes little time, so although it is repetitive, it does not reach the point of getting boring.

Replayability 

Rating: 3/5

With Ticket to Ride, it is not so straightforward when it comes to replayability.

On the one hand, no two playthroughs are the same because there are so many options for building roads and tracks, so no two playthroughs are the same.

On the other hand, after playing the game once, you basically know everything, so there are few possibilities for finding new things and unlocking new strategies. 

But, in my opinion, you should not play Ticket to Ride because of deep strategy, but rather because it is a light game you can play with other casual board game enjoyers. 

In this respect, the game has good replayability, depending on if you want a simple, quick board game night with family or friends.

Ticket to Ride has many versions and expansions, adding more replayability options, but for the base game, I have to give a replayability rating of 3/5. 

Components and Art of Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride (Europe) comes in a medium-sized hard-cover box. It includes a playing board, 240 plastic train figures (in 5 colors), 5 wooden figurines, and 144 playing cards. 

The cards, playing board, instructions, and box have colorful illustrations. The game was released in 2005, so some illustrations can feel outdated compared to other more recent games, but overall, it is a well-illustrated game in the art style of the late 1900s. 

Value For Money

Rating: 5/5

Generally, Ticket to Ride costs around 40 USD, but as a worldwide classic, it is available in many stores and websites, so you can get it for even less.

Ticket to Ride is an excellent value for money because it comes in a big box with a large playing board, many cards, and train figures for a relatively low price. 

Overall Rating and To Who Would I Recommend This Game?

Final Rating: 4.5/5

Ticket to Ride is a true classic! Yes, it is not the most sophisticated, extensive, or complex game, with multiple ways to win. But it is not made for that. It is a fantastic board game you can learn in under an hour and then explain in 10 minutes.

This game is made for easy, quick, and simply fun game nights and is an excellent choice for friends/family game nights played by casual players. 

In the meantime, feel free to explore what Joyful Games has to offer - from other, board game reviews, board game tips to fun board and card games.

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Looking for a new card game to play with your friends?

The Spheres of Life: Mythical Forest is a brand new completive fantasy card game for 2-7 Players. From stunning design, to fun gameplay, this exciting game can be a fantastic additions to your family and friends game nights!