The Complete Ticket to Ride Buyer's Guide
Ticket to Ride is a classic in the board gaming world and already has a lot of different expansions that you can play with. In Ticket to Ride it's your job to connect different cities with each other with trains. In this buyers' guide, I'll let you know what sort of expansions there are and where you should get started.
If you are just looking for a list of expansions, then this collections page is the place to be! Or if you want a list of the most popular expansions, then we also have these top 5 Ticket to Ride expansions!
Is Ticket to Ride fun?
Ticket to Ride is one of our favorite games to play. It's a very easy game to teach to other people, especially people that aren't that much into board games. It's quite a quick game, so you'll be able to play multiple games easily. And each game can play differently through the different destinations that you can get, so each game usually requires a new game plan.
Along with that, if you ever get tired of just the base set, you'll be able to buy one of the expansions and play a lot more of Ticket to Ride.
What type of games are there for Ticket to Ride?
Ticket to Ride has multiple types of games that you can buy. There is:
- Standalone games. These are Ticket to Ride versions that you are able to play without any extra versions.
- Map expansions. These expansions allow you, in combination with a base game, to visit a new location for your Ticket to Ride game. Some expansions will include one map while other expansions include two maps for you to play.
- Base game expansions. These expansions don't come with a map, but with some additions to the actual base game.
- Smaller ticket to ride games. Ticket to Ride has started making some smaller versions that can be played in around 15 minutes. They are a good way to get a feel for the game.
What to buy first?
To start with your ticket to ride collection, you'll need a base game. You should buy either the original Ticket to Ride or Ticket to Ride Europe. The original one will usually be cheaper than the Europe version, but the Europe version expands on the original one with stations, tunnels, ferries and long routes.
If you are not interested in buying the different boards, then you can choose from a lot more. You can try the bigger version Ticket to Ride Rails & Sails, but if you are new to this game it might be a bit overwhelming.
If you just want to try out the game. Check with a local store if you can try a game or two and see if you like it. Still not convinced or don't have a local store in the area? Try out a small version. They usually sell for quite good prices and it allows you to try out some quick games before deciding on the game.
What Ticket to Ride map expansion to buy?
With so many map expansions, it might be difficult to figure out what one to buy first. This is mostly an opinion based one. There are a lot of good maps and they all come with their own specific rules. So something that you like might not be something that someone else likes.
In my eyes, if you are looking for some of the best maps check out the United Kingdom expansion and the Japan expansion. Those maps have the best ratings among the Ticket to Ride community. Still, make sure to read up on some reviews to make sure that the mechanics are something that you would enjoy.
Are the 1910 and 1912 expansions any good?
Ticket to Ride has two expansions that you can add to your base games. There is the Ticket to Ride: USA 1910 expansion and the Ticket to Ride: Europe 1912 expansion. Both are fine to pick up. They add some more new cards to the game, but also come with some reprints from the base game! So this option might also make sense if your train cards need a replacement after playing too much with them.
What small version to get?
Currently, Ticket to Ride has 3 small versions of the game:
- Ticket to Ride New York
- Ticket to Ride London
- Ticket to Ride Amsterdam
I think all three of those games are a very good purchase, especially if you have people that don't feel like playing a whole hour of the normal Ticket to Ride. I think that you don't necessarily need all three versions. The games are very similar to each other except for the map and each has a special way to get additional points. Look at what map appeals to you and get that one.
Where to buy Ticket to Ride?
Now that you have all the information on the various different types of expansions, versions, and editions. It's time to find the best place to buy the game. Budgetboardgaming shows the prices of most of the game stores out there! Just try out the search and see what is available for you. Is there a store missing? Contact us and we'll see if we can get it added to the website.
