All Aboard! Ticket to Ride is one of the most popular board games out there, with multiple versions and expansions to try. If it's one of your favorites, you might be looking for others with the same game mechanics or style. We asked our Facebook fans for their favorite games like Ticket to Ride, and they had plenty of terrific suggestions. We've rounded up some of our favorites here, with options for those that love route-building, travel, and, of course, trains!
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TransAmerica
TransAmerica is at the top of our list of games like Ticket to Ride, because the two are extremely similar. TransAmerican is a little bit simpler, though, so it's a terrific starter game that only takes about 30 minutes to play. It's easy enough for younger players to learn, but any age can enjoy the strategy involved. During each round, each player places one or two tracks in an effort to connect their five cities. Use other player's routes to help complete your own first! (2-6 players, ages 10+)
Karuba
If you love building routes to achieve a goal, give Karuba a try. You and your competitors have been dropped off on a desert island, ready to seek the treasure from various temples. Place your cards to build a path, trying to be the first to each temple to snag the most loot! A game takes about 40 minutes. (2-4 players, ages 8+)
Railroad Ink
Each player has their own dry-erase gamecard in this railroad game. Roll the dice to see which kind of routes you'll use in each round, then try to connect more exits on your card than all the other players. The Challenge edition includes special yellow dice that add a new desert aspect to the game, with cacti and oases in the mix. Expect a game to take 20 minutes or so. (1-4 players, ages 8+)
Century: Spice Road
Set up your caravan and set out on the Spice Road to seek your fortune. Establish trade routes, make trades and harvest spices, all in an effort to accumulate wealth and win the game. If you like this one, check out other titles in the Century series, each set in a different era and location. Gameplay takes 30-45 minutes. (2-5 players, ages 8+)
Mariposas
Each year, a generation of monarch butterflies makes an astonishing migratory journey to winter in Mexico. In the spring, they and then their offspring repeat the journey on the way north. This innovative nature game is all about that journey, with players collecting flowers and breeding new butterflies to complete the migration. A game covers three seasons: spring, summer, and fall, and takes about an hour. (2-5 players, ages 14+)
Power Grid Recharged
Create a grid across the country, this time with power instead of train tracks. Will you use coal, oil, or nuclear power? Or maybe choose an eco-friendly option? Whichever you pick, you'll need to gain and manage the resources you need to expand your network. Remember, it's not just about building the grid—you've got to keep the power on too! This is a longer game, so set aside a couple of hours to play. (2-6 players, ages 13+)
Steam
Take your love of trains abroad with Steam, a route-building game set in Europe. Use your initial investment to set up a starter track, then use it to transport commodities where they're needed. Make the money you need to build more track, buy faster trains, and beat your competitors. A game takes about 90 minutes. (3-6 players, ages 12+)
Brass: Birmingham
It's the dawn of the Industrial Age in England, and only the best entrepreneurs will come out ahead. Building railroads and canals is just part of the game, as players compete to build, network, buy, sell, and exploit the market for their own gains. This one is for serious players willing to sink a couple of hours into a highly strategic game. (2-4 players, ages 14+)
Trekking the National Parks and Trekking the World
If you love the travel and exploration aspect of Ticket to Ride, the Trekking games will be right up your alley! Learn about new national parks and world landmarks as you play, discovering new sites around the country and the world. Each game takes less than an hour, and is ideal for families to play together. (2-5 players, ages 10+)
Other games like Ticket to Ride that our fans love include Cascadia, Downforce, Takenoko, Splendor, and Snapshots Across America. Plus, discover exciting new worlds with these adventure board games!
