All The Ticket to Ride Games – Ranked from Worst to Best

All Ticket to Ride Maps & Expansions Ranked – The Definitive List

The Ticket to Ride series is one of the most beloved board game franchises ever, blending strategy, accessibility, and pure train-nerd joy. Since its debut, we've seen multiple expansions, standalone versions, and map packs that add unique twists to the gameplay.

But not all Ticket to Ride games are created equal. Some are brilliantly designed, while others derail faster than an unattended locomotive. So, let’s rank them from worst to best—all aboard! 🚂

🚉 The Worst Ticket to Ride Expansions & Variants

19. Dice Expansion 🎲 (Why, Though?)

Instead of drawing train cards, you roll dice to determine what routes you can claim. Sounds fun? It’s not. This removes the strategic planning that makes Ticket to Ride engaging and turns it into a random, luck-based mess.

18. Ticket to Ride: The Card Game 🃏 (Memory Overload)

This forgotten spin-off replaces the board with a memory-heavy card system. While the idea isn’t terrible, it just doesn’t feel like Ticket to Ride. Instead, it feels like a memory game that forgot its identity.

17. Rails & Sails 🌍 (More Like "Rails & Snails")

A beautiful game with a great concept, but way too long. By adding boats alongside trains, the game drags 30-45 minutes longer than necessary. A solid idea that overcomplicated a near-perfect system.

16. Alvin & Dexter 🦖 (Monsters on a Train?)

Adding giant monsters that block train routes and sabotage players is hilarious… for like two games. After that, it’s more frustrating than fun.

🚊 Good, But Not Great Ticket to Ride Maps

15. Ticket to Ride: Germany

A solid map, but it doesn’t add anything special compared to better versions like Märklin. Feels like a less inspired rehash.

14. Ticket to Ride: Europe (Controversial Take Alert 🚨)

Yes, Europe is a fan favorite. Yes, it adds stations to let players bypass blocked routes. But that also removes the cutthroat competitiveness that makes Ticket to Ride fun. It’s a great beginner map, but for veterans? Too forgiving.

13. Ticket to Ride: New York 🏙️ (15-Minute Express Game)

A super quick version of the game set in NYC with taxis instead of trains. Fun for a fast game night, but lacks depth.

12. Ticket to Ride: London (Like NYC, But British)

Basically the same game as New York, but with double-decker buses instead of taxis. It also introduces bonus points for linking districts, which gives it a slight edge.

11. First Journey 🚂 (Ticket to Ride for Kids)

A fantastic introduction for young players. It simplifies the rules, removes competitiveness, and makes it a great gateway game for future train nerds.

10. Ticket to Ride: Netherlands 🇳🇱

A great expansion that adds bridge tolls, forcing players to manage their money. Adds just enough complexity without ruining the flow.

🚄 The Best Ticket to Ride Maps & Expansions

9. Nordic Countries ❄️ (Perfect for 2-3 Players)

This standalone game is one of the best versions for smaller groups. It has unique long routes and a more challenging layout than standard maps.

8. Heart of Africa 🌍 (Savage, Cutthroat & Brutal)

Probably the meanest Ticket to Ride map. Since colors are split into specific regions, blocking opponents is extra ruthless. Not for the faint of heart!

7. India & Switzerland (Map Pack #2)

• Switzerland is one of the best 2-player maps ever made.
• India introduces looped routes for bonus points, adding a fresh puzzle-like feel.

6. France & Old West 🤠 (Map Pack #6)

• France: You get to decide route colors as you build, adding a new layer of strategy.
• Old West: Introduces unique starting locations and even a UFO expansion (yes, really).

5. Asia & Legendary Asia 🌏 (Map Pack #1 – The Team Version!)

• Legendary Asia introduces mountain routes that cost extra trains.
• The Team Variant lets players work in pairs—one of the most unique twists in the series.

4. Japan & Italy (Map Pack #7 – Bullet Trains!)

• Japan: Adds shared high-speed bullet trains, allowing players to cooperate (or sabotage).
• Italy: Focuses on coastal ferries and region bonuses, making route-planning more strategic.

3. USA Map (The Classic – With 1910 Expansion)

This is the original that started it all, and it still holds up. If you add the 1910 expansion (with bigger cards and new routes), it becomes even better.

2. Pennsylvania & UK (Map Pack #5 – Strategy Heaven)

• UK introduces tech upgrades—you unlock abilities (like longer trains) as the game progresses.
• Pennsylvania adds company stocks, giving players extra incentives to expand fast.

1. Ticket to Ride: Märklin (The Ultimate Version)

This Germany-based map introduced passengers who collect bonus points as they travel.

• More strategy.
• More competition.
• More ways to mess with opponents.

Märklin is the best blend of Ticket to Ride mechanics, making it the greatest version ever released.

Ticket to Ride Is a Masterpiece

Ticket to Ride is a legendary board game franchise for a reason. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive strategist, there’s a version that fits your playstyle.

The Best Ticket to Ride Versions Are:

🏆 Best Overall: Märklin
🎓 Best for Beginners: USA Map + 1910 Expansion
👫 Best for 2-3 Players: Nordic Countries / Switzerland
🚄 Most Strategic: UK & Pennsylvania
🌍 Most Ruthless: Heart of Africa

Whether you love the classic USA map, the strategic UK expansion, or the chaotic fun of Märklin, there’s a Ticket to Ride for everyone. Some versions bring fierce competition, while others let you kick back and enjoy the ride—but one thing’s for sure: this board game series is legendary for a reason.

So, what’s your go-to Ticket to Ride? Do you prefer the fast-paced New York edition, the deep strategy of Pennsylvania, or the chaotic Heart of Africa? Drop your favorites in the comments and let’s keep the discussion rolling! 🚆💨

For more board game rankings, reviews, and deep dives, stay tuned to Land of Geek Magazine—your ultimate destination for game night inspiration and nerd culture breakdowns! 🎲✨

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