Which Ticket to Ride Should You Buy? A Simple Guide to the Versions
Ticket to Ride is the #1 family board game — but there are a dozen versions. Here's exactly which one to buy, whether you're shopping for a 6-year-old or a game-night crew.
Ticket to Ride is the game we recommend more than any other for families. The only hard part is the shelf: there are First Journey editions, the original USA map, Europe, Nordic Countries, London, Rails & Sails… it's genuinely confusing. Here's the short, honest answer.
The 30-second answer
- Buying for a young child (ages 6–8)? → Ticket to Ride: First Journey (USA or Europe map — they play the same). No reading required, simpler scoring, ~15–30 minutes.
- Buying your family's first "real" version (ages 8+)? → the original Ticket to Ride (USA map). It's the classic, the easiest to find, and the one everyone learns on. See it here.
- Want a little more depth / prefer the Europe map? → Ticket to Ride: Europe. Adds tunnels, ferries, and train stations that make it a touch more forgiving and strategic — many fans consider it the best standard version.
The versions, explained
Ticket to Ride: First Journey (ages 6+)
The kid-friendly on-ramp. The board and route cards use pictures instead of text, so pre-readers can play, and you win by completing six routes. Faster and simpler than the full game. There's a USA and a Europe First Journey — gameplay is identical, so pick the map you like. Our First Journey pick.
Ticket to Ride (original, USA map — ages 8+)
The modern classic that launched the series. Collect train cards, claim routes across the United States, and complete secret destination tickets for points. About 45–60 minutes, 2–5 players. This is the default recommendation if you're not sure — simple rules everyone understands, and endlessly replayable.
Ticket to Ride: Europe (ages 8+)
Same core game on a European map, plus three twists: tunnels (you might need extra cards), ferries (need locomotives), and train stations (let you use an opponent's route). These small additions are slightly more beginner-forgiving and add a bit of strategy. A great alternative first version — it really comes down to which map appeals.
Smaller & cheaper options
- Ticket to Ride: London and New York — tiny, ~10–15 minute versions for ~$15. Great for travel or a quick filler.
- Nordic Countries — built for 2–3 players, slightly meatier.
- Rails & Sails — a big, longer game adding boats; for fans who want more.
Quick recommendation by situation
- Gift for a 6–7 year old: First Journey
- One game for the whole family (kids 8+): original USA, or Europe for a touch more depth
- Two-player households: Nordic Countries (or any base game — they play fine at two)
- Travel / quick games / a cheap add-on: London or New York
A buying tip
All of these go on sale regularly — the standard versions often drop well below MSRP around the holidays. We track the prices so you can grab the right one at the right time instead of paying full price. Browse our gateway games for more first-game ideas.