Mattel Ticket to Ride

You're collecting sets of colored train cards to claim railway routes on a map. The point is to connect cities shown on your secret destination tickets. Longer routes and completed tickets get you points. The game ends when someone runs out of their little plastic trains, then you count up who won.

This version is from Mattel. It's aimed at kids aged 8 to 12, which means the rules aren't too complicated for younger players, but it’s not so simple that older kids or adults will get bored in five minutes. You need 4 to 5 players for this one, so it’s best if you’ve got a decent group ready to play. Don't expect to play this with just two people.

Specifications

Brand	Mattel
Type	Board Game
Product Name	Ticket to Ride
Age Group	8-12 years
Players	4-5 players
Material	ABS Plastic
Safety Rating	CPSC Certified

What You Get

Inside the box, you'll find the game board, a bunch of little plastic trains (they're ABS plastic, so they feel pretty solid), a deck of train cards, and the destination tickets. Everything you need to get a game going.

How to Play

On your turn, you can do one of three things: draw more train cards, claim a route on the board by discarding matching colored train cards, or draw new destination tickets. Claiming longer routes or connecting the cities on your destination tickets scores you points. The game wraps up when one player uses up most of their trains.

Care and Usage

Keep all the small bits in the box when you're done playing so they don't wander off. A quick wipe with a dry cloth should handle any dust. The CPSC certification means it meets some safety standards for toys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the original Ticket to Ride?

This is Mattel's version. The basic way you play is the same as other Ticket to Ride games.

How long does a game usually take?

With 4 to 5 players, expect a game to run about 30 to 60 minutes.

Is it hard to learn?

The rules are pretty simple. Most people figure it out in about 10 to 15 minutes.

What if I lose a piece?

The catalog doesn't mention replacement parts. You'd probably have to ask the vendor, Family Fun Store, or look for third-party pieces.