Ticket to Ride is a board game featuring train routes across different maps. The game’s goal is to score the highest points by placing trains on the board, completing destination cards, and having the longest continuous train. Two to five players can enjoy this adventure.
A game of Ticket to Ride usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes. A game played with experienced players will take around 45 minutes. Games tend to last longer if players are unfamiliar with the rules and need to consider the best routes. This game at our house takes about an hour.
Several versions or expansion packs of Ticket to Ride can impact the length of a game. We’ll explore these variations and examine how challenging the game can be to help us decide if we are ready to take on the railway adventures of Ticket to Ride. So, how much time will it take to lay down the winning tracks? Let’s find out!
How Long Does It Take To Play Ticket To Ride?
The original Ticket to Ride version can take 30 to 90 minutes to play a complete game. If players take many breaks or need time to check the rules, a game could exceed 90 minutes. Most games with experienced players are done in 45 minutes.
Some versions of the game can take as little as 10 minutes, while others last up to 120 minutes.
Ticket to Ride is a very accessible game for a lot of reasons. It’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed by players of all ages. The fact that a game won’t take a lot of time is another benefit, meaning even game enthusiasts with a busy lifestyle can fit in a quick game of Ticket to Ride.
How long does it take to play Ticket to Ride First Journey?
In the First Journey version of Ticket to Ride, a game will last 15 to 30 minutes. This game version is designed to introduce new players to the game series. Simplified rules and speedier gameplay make this version quick to learn and prepare young players for the full version.
Ticket to Ride First Journey has fewer trains and stations. It’s easy to claim routes and requires only basic counting skills and the ability to recognize colors and stations.
With new or younger players, the game can be completed quickly and is a fun activity that kids can enjoy on a lunch break or play date.
How long does it take to play Ticket to Ride London?
In the 70s-themed London version of Ticket to Ride, a game will take about 10 to 15 minutes. This version of the game is designed to be a fast-paced experience collecting bus routes around the English capital.
A smaller map with fewer route options reduces the gameplay time of this version. In Ticket to Ride London, players only get one action on their turn, meaning they need to be quick thinking to get ahead.
This means the winning strategy is claiming routes as soon as possible, giving the version of this a faster-paced atmosphere.
How long does it take to play Ticket to Ride Rails and Sails?
The Rails and Sails version of Ticket to Ride is the longest version of the game. Game guidelines advise this version can take from 90 to 120 minutes. This version is designed for more experienced players looking for a challenge who have plenty of time to play.
In this game version, players will need to use ships and trains to connect routes on the board. They will require more strategy and attention to navigate two sets of travel cards. The board itself is double-sided, giving two maps to play on.
With the increased routes and modes of transport, Ticket to Ride Rails and Sails takes longer to complete than any other version of the game.
Is Ticket To Ride Easy To Play?
Ticket to Ride has become one of the most popular new board games. This is in part because it is very easy to play. The rules are easy to learn, and even a novice player can come out on top in their first game.
Ticket to Ride has expanded from its original game to include simplified variations, making it easy for beginners to get comfortable with the game’s rules and easily learn to play.
The First Journey version is designed for younger players and has simplified gameplay making it easy for anyone to understand the game.
Is Ticket To Ride A Hard Game?
Ticket to Ride is not a hard game, but this does not mean it is boring or without challenges. As beginners start playing with more experienced players with strong strategies, they will need to use their wits to succeed.
Also, thanks to Ticket to Ride different editions, there is always a new adventure to be discovered.
The Rails and Sails version of Ticket to Ride has added modes of transportation, ships, and new ways to score points and harbors. This version is more complex and requires more strategy to win. These extra elements not only extend the game’s time to play but can make it harder for beginners.
Does The Number Of Players Affect How Long Ticket To Ride Takes To Play?
The number of players impacts the length of a Ticket to Ride game. Most find that games of 3 or 4 players are best. Playing with 5 players can take a little longer since the waiting between turns increases. Player experience tends to impact the length of a game more than the number of players.
Playing Ticket to Ride with 4 players is considered the most engaging number, we will interact with others frequently and need a competitive strategy. Due to these elements, a game played with 4 players tends to be faster than with 2 as these games tend to be more relaxed.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
In the world of board games, Ticket to Ride is a fun and fast game that is ideal for families and friends who want an engaging board game that isn’t too taxing for the brain.
The creators of Ticket to Ride have created plenty of different versions of the game, meaning the players can choose how short or long they want a game to last.
These different versions also present new challenges, so gameplay is always exciting and fresh but without making the rules too complex. Whatever your schedule, there’s a version of Ticket to Ride for everyone.
Resources
Learning from your own experience is important, but learning from others is also smart. These are the sources used in this article and our research to be more informed as gamers.
- Ticket to Ride (board game). Wikipedia. (2023, January 13). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticket_to_Ride_(board_game)
- A big thank you to our friends who introduced us to Ticket to Ride several years back!