5 Games Like Ticket to Ride
Pack your bags and prepare for a cross-country railway trip through North America. Ticket to Ride is a modern classic where players will collect train cards and connect major cities by building railway networks throughout the continent.
It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and the whole family will enjoy this game. Plus, there are tons of expansion packs available so you can hop aboard anywhere in the world!
There’s a reason this game is so popular, but if you’re looking for some new games to add to your game night roster, why not give these 5 games like Ticket to Ride a try?
Games Like Ticket to Ride
- Trekking the National Parks
- Century: Spice Road
- Istanbul
- Brass: Birmingham
- Tsuro
Trekking the National Parks
Players: 2-6
Playing time: 30- 60mins
Bring the magic of the United States’ national parks home for game night!
If nature is your happy place, this game is for you. Both Ticket to Ride and Trekking the National Parks will have players traversing the United States on preset routes; however, the objectives in each will obviously be different. In this game, players won’t be laying railways and claiming routes, but instead, they will be visiting parks, collecting stones, and occupying major parks.
The games play very similarly in that turns consist of moves like drawing cards and claiming parks (routes). Just as train cards are used to collect railway routes in Ticket to Ride, Trekking the National Parks also uses colored cards to allow players to claim park cards and occupy major parks.
Both games are great for those who love to travel, while nature lovers will particularly enjoy this game. It is educational and its unique, fun theme really sets it apart from other games.
Century: Spice Road
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 30-45mins
In Century: Spice Road, you won’t be a railway tycoon building cross-country railroads, but you will play the role of a spice merchant traveling the famed Silk Road.
In this game, players will establish trade routes by choosing merchant cards similar to the train cards in Ticket to Ride. These cards can be used to earn, trade, or upgrade spices throughout the game. Much like fulfilling a destination card, in Century: Spice Road, players will fulfill demands to earn victory points.
All railways have different values, and the same goes for spices as well. So, aim to get your hands on those high-end spices. You will need to use strategy in both games to know when to play and when to hold out for something better.
Enjoy the beauty of the journey and colorful, fragrant markets along the way. Spice things up on your next game night as you head out on an international adventure on The Silk Road.
Istanbul
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 40-60mins
Istanbul is a fascinating city that straddles both Europe and Asia. With its famous mosques, long-spanning history, and bustling bazaars, it’s no wonder they’ve created a game around this city. But you won’t be taking a train through this metropolis, you’ll be shopping in it.
Lead your merchant and assistants through 16 stalls of the bazaar as you strategize the best way to efficiently fill your wheelbarrows and transport the goods. As far as mechanics go, you’ll find contract and networking and route-building mechanics in either game. This will allow you to carry out actions, but can also end up costing you as you visit your fellow merchants. The competition is on as everyone is fighting to collect the most rubies.
For a slightly more challenging game, add Istanbul to your next game night lineup and see what kinds of treasures unfold before you.
Brass: Birmingham & Brass: Lancashire
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 60-120mins
Set during the time of the Industrial Revolution, Brass Lancashire will have you competing with your fellow entrepreneurs to build profitable networks for your new, thriving industries.
While there’s a bit more to Brass Lancashire than simply laying railways, this aspect is one of the key elements of the game. Players will expand their network by building canals and railways to spread their industry to different cities. The type of industry you decide to develop will dictate how you form your connections.
Both games are competitive as players vie for the most lucrative routes and of course, the most victory points. This game isn’t just about creating the railways though, there is an entire economic theme that adds to its complexity. It’s not an easy game, but definitely worth the learning curve if you’re looking for a game with a bit more depth.
If you loved Brass: Lancashire, you’ll definitely want to try Brass: Birmingham, the 2018 release of this network-building board game phenomenon.
Tsuro
Players: 2-8
Playing time: 15-20mins
In the abstract game, Tsuro, players will place tiles using strategy and a bit of luck to form winding paths that grow and change with every turn. Watch the paths build before your eyes as it becomes increasingly challenging to keep your player on the board. Only the wisest of the wise will be able to adhere to their route until the very end.
You won’t find any trains in this game — just dragons — but in both Tsuro and Ticket to Ride, players need to plan ahead and practice efficient hand management to ensure they’re choosing the best routes. Your goal is to be the last player on the board, and if you can lay tiles that drive your opponents off the board, you’re one step closer to victory.
This quick, family-friendly game is loved by both beginners and veteran players. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s beautifully simplistic with its elegant artwork and uncomplicated puzzle-like design. It’s a must-have for any board game lover.
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of 5 games like Ticket to Ride! This classic game has tons of maps and expansions to keep you and your gaming group busy for a long time. But if you’re feeling like mixing things up a bit, these games are a great option to try something new!
If you liked any of these games, we can guarantee that you’ll love these as well: Forbidden Desert, Codenames, Pandemic: On the Brink, Forbidden Island, Photosynthesis, and Five Tribes. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these games! Drop a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.
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