Ticket to Ride is a popular strategy board game created by Days of Wonder. In this game, players compete to build railroad routes across a map of the United States. The goal is to connect cities by laying railway tracks of different colors. in this article we will discuss how to play ticket to ride days of wonders rules and gameplay.
First, place the game board on a table to set up the game. Each player receives train pieces in their color, draw cards, and smart cards. Randomly determine the first player.

On each turn, players perform one of three actions:
Draw cards – A player may draw cards from the row of face-down draw cards. These cards contain city pairs to connect with routes.
Lay tracks – Players can lay track pieces between two cities of the same color on a route. Routes must connect to at least one existing track.
Reserve routes – Players can reserve routes by playing start or destination cards that match the color of the cards they hold. By reserving routes, they guarantee they can build that route later.
Objective
The objective of the game is to score the most points by building train routes between cities on the board.
Setup
Each player gets the following:
- 45 train car cards in various colors matching routes on the map
- 5 destination ticket cards showing 2 cities they must connect to score points
- The board shows cities and potential train routes connecting them.
Players also receive:
- Train cards matching routes on the board
- 46 train tokens in 6 colors that correspond to train cards
- 45 locomotive engine cards of varying point values
- 100 plastic currency cubes to purchase locomotive cards
Additional components:
- Deck of destination ticket cards faces down
- Draw a pile of face down train cards for replenishment
- 1 scoring pad for each player
- Players take turns choosing one of the following actions on their turn:
- Draw 2 train car cards from the face-up draw pile
- Play train car cards of the same color to claim a route on the board and take the corresponding color track token
- Draw 2 destination ticket cards showing 2 cities to connect for points
- Connect 2 cities on a destination ticket card by playing train cards to fulfill the ticket and score points
- Discard train cards and draw new ones from the face-up draw pile
Endgame
One player used all their train cards or the face-up draw pile of train cards is exhausted.
Players then score points from destination tickets, remaining train cards and longest route bonuses. The highest total score wins.
Gameplay
Here are the key aspects of the gameplay in Ticket to Ride by Days of Wonder:
On your turn, you can choose one of the following actions:
Draw train cards
You can draw 2 train cards either from the face-up draw pile or face-down deck. This replenishes your hand and gives you more options to claim routes or fulfill tickets.
Claim a route
Play train cards of the same color matching a continuous route on the map between two cities. You take the corresponding colored track token to indicate you own that route.
Draw destination tickets
Draw 2 destination tickets from the face-down deck. These show two cities you must connect to score points at the end of the game.
Fulfill a ticket
Play train cards of the matching colors to connect the two cities shown on one of your destination tickets. Score points based on the route length between those cities. Return the ticket to the box.
Discard cards
Discard multiple train cards of the same color from your hand to then draw that many new cards from the face-up draw pile. This can give you different colored cards if you’re lacking options.
The game ends when either all destination tickets are taken or the face-up train card draw pile is exhausted. Players then score:
- Points for completed destination tickets
- Points for remaining train cards in hand (1 point per 2 cards)
- Bonus points for the player with the longest continuous route claimed
The player with the most points at the end wins! Strategy involves balancing collecting cards, claiming routes, and completing destination tickets at the right times.
Scoring
Here are the details about scoring in Ticket to Ride by Days of Wonder:
Destination Ticket Scoring
When you fulfill a destination ticket by connecting the two cities listed on it, you score points based on the length of the route claimed between those cities:
2-3 cities = 1 point
4 cities = 2 points
5 cities = 3 points
6 cities = 4 points
7+ cities = 6 points
Remaining Train Cards
At the end of the game, any train cards left in your hand are worth:
1 point for every 2 cards
Longest Continuous Route:
The player who has claimed the longest continuous route on the board scores bonus points equal to:
2 x the length of the route in cities
For example, a 7 city continuous route claimed would earn 14 bonus points.
Total score
Your total score at the end of the game comes from:
- Points from completed destination tickets
- Points from remaining train cards in your hand
- Bonus points for the longest continuous route
The player with the highest total score wins the game!
Strategy Tip
A good strategy is to balance claiming routes to fulfill destination tickets for points while also extending your road network for potential longest route bonuses at the end of the game. Combining these approaches can lead to higher scores.
Ticket to Ride Days of Wonder Rules

Here is a summary of the rules for the board game Ticket to Ride by Days of Wonder:
• Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure board game. Players compete to connect cities by laying claim to railway routes on a map of North America.
• The goal is to complete long continuous routes between two cities to fulfill destination tickets in hand. Players also gain points by establishing the longest routes.
• Each player is dealt destination tickets that show two cities that need to be connected. Players keep some tickets and discard others. Kept tickets are kept secret from other players.
• On a turn, a player must draw railroad cards or claim a route. To claim a route, you must play a set of cards that match the length and color of the route. Some routes require locomotive cards instead of or in addition to regular cards.
• When a route is claimed, the player lays down rails in their color and scores points based on the length of the route. Longer routes are worth more points. Any player can then claim double tracks parallel to an existing route.
• Players can draw from three face up cards or the deck. Players can be holding a certain number of card in their hands and extra cards must be discarded.
• The game ends when all destination tickets have been fulfilled, all possible routes have been claimed, or a supply of engine counters has been exhausted. Players then calculate their final score based on completed destinations and longest railways for bonuses. The player with the highest total score wins!
• Other rules relate to ferries, tunnel tokens, and bonus points for smaller loops. But the above covers the essential rules to get started playing the game.
Conclusion
Players must balance completing their secret destination tickets and building the longest rail routes to gain the most points. Luck is involved in the draw of the route cards, but there is plenty of opportunity to employ strategy in claiming the most valuable routes and blocking your opponents. The different maps and expansions provide variety and more complex gameplay. Ticket to Ride is a modern classic that appeals to both casual and dedicated gamers.
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Uno Versions Guided
FAQs
Do I need the expansions to have fun with the game?
No, the original Ticket to Ride board with the North American map provides plenty of entertainment on its own. The expansions are for players who want to add variety or more competitive options. You can play many games with just the original base set.
Is ticket to ride gameplay complicated?
Ticket to Ride has simple rules that are easy to pick up, but there are opportunities for strategic thinking that give the game depth. Both casual and experienced gamers can enjoy it. Some of the larger maps and expansions add complexity for those wanting more challenge.
Can young kids play Ticket to Ride?
Ticket to Ride is suitable for ages 8 and up. Kids may need guidance at first but can readily grasp the basic rules. The modular boards and different maps also make it flexible for players of different ages and skill levels. Kids will especially enjoy the thrill of building their own rail routes!
Is the gameplay complicated?
Ticket to Ride has simple rules that are easy to pick up, but there are opportunities for strategic thinking that give the game depth. Both casual and experienced gamers can enjoy it. Some of the larger maps and expansions add complexity for those wanting more challenge.
Do I need the expansions to have fun with the game?
No, the original Ticket to Ride board with the North American map provides plenty of entertainment on its own. The expansions are for players who want to add variety or more competitive options. You can play many games with just the original base set.