How to play Ticket to Ride Europe Official Rules

By: Dennis B. B. Taylor

Ticket to Ride Europe Rules

Welcome to Ticket to Ride Europe! Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure across the continent. I’m here to guide you through the rules, so you can start playing right away.

First, let’s talk about the game board. In Ticket to Ride Europe, your goal is to connect cities with train routes and complete destination tickets to score points. The board is a map of Europe, with different cities and their connections displayed. You’ll see cities like London, Berlin, Rome, and many more.

To start the game, each player will receive a set of colored train cards and some destination tickets. The train cards come in different colors and represent the train cars you’ll use to claim routes on the board. There are also locomotive cards, which are wild and can be used as any color. You’ll use your train cards to claim routes and build your train network across the continent.

Now, let’s talk about claiming routes. Each route on the board requires a specific number and color of train cards to claim. For example, a route between Paris and Brussels might require two blue train cards. You’ll need to have the matching cards in your hand to claim the route. Once you’ve claimed a route, you’ll place your colored trains on the corresponding spaces to mark your ownership.

Completing destination tickets is another way to score points. At the beginning of the game, you’ll receive some destination tickets that show two cities and a point value. Your goal is to connect those cities with your train routes. At the end of the game, you’ll score points for each completed destination ticket and lose points for any uncompleted tickets.

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about scoring. In Ticket to Ride Europe, you’ll earn points for each route you claim and for completing destination tickets. The longer the route, the more points it’s worth. So, planning your routes strategically is key to winning the game.

There are also bonus points up for grabs. If you’re the player with the longest continuous route, you’ll earn extra points. Additionally, there are some routes that require specific types of train cards. If you can claim those routes, you’ll also earn bonus points.

That’s it for the rules! I hope this guide has helped you get a better understanding of Ticket to Ride Europe. Now, it’s time to gather your friends, set up the game board, and begin your epic rail adventure across Europe. Enjoy the journey!

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How to play Ticket to Ride Europe Official Rules UltraFoodMess

Join me on a thrilling train adventure through the magnificent cities of Europe! We’ll explore the craggy hillsides of Edinburgh, the sunlit docks of Constantinople, the dusty alleys of Pamplona, and the windswept station in Berlin. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime with Ticket to Ride Europe.

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of turn-of-the-century Europe? Brace yourself for exciting challenges and the opportunity to become the greatest train magnate in Europe.

As we travel through Europe, we’ll encounter various obstacles and make strategic decisions. Will we conquer the dark tunnels of Switzerland, brave the treacherous waters of the Black Sea on a ferry, or establish grand train stations in the magnificent capitals of the old empires? Our choices will determine our success on this epic adventure.

Let’s Take a Look at the Components

  • 1 Board map of European train routes
  • 225 Colored Train Cars
  • 158 Illustrated cards
  • 15 stations
  • 5 Wooden Scoring Markers
  • 1 Rules booklet

Hey there!

If you’ve played the first game in this series, Ticket to Ride, I’ve got some exciting new features to tell you about.

First up, we’ve got Ferries! These beautiful little boats take you across rivers and lakes, connecting different routes in a whole new way. It adds an extra level of strategy and planning to your journey, making each decision feel important and exciting.

Next, let’s talk about Tunnels. These underground passages can be a bit tricky to navigate, but they offer a shortcut to your destination. However, be prepared for some challenges along the way! Sometimes, you’ll need to dig a little deeper (pun intended!) to secure your path and ensure a smooth ride.

And finally, Train Stations. These stations allow you to claim routes that have already been taken by other players. It’s a great way to get around roadblocks and ensure your journey continues without any hiccups. Plus, it adds a layer of interaction with your fellow players, making the game even more engaging and competitive.

So, if you enjoyed Ticket to Ride, I think you’ll love these new additions. They bring a fresh twist to the gameplay and open up exciting new possibilities for your railroad adventures. Get ready to explore new routes, conquer tunnels, and sail across the water. With these features in mind, your journey is about to get a whole lot more exciting!

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Getting Set Up

First, let’s get everything ready. Put the game board in the middle of the table. Each player gets a set of 45 Colored Train Cars, three matching Colored Train Stations, and a Scoring Marker.

Now, each player puts their Scoring Marker on Start, which is on the Scoring Track that goes around the edge of the map. Whenever a player scores points, they move their marker forward on the track.

Next, shuffle the Train cards and give each player four cards to start with. The rest of the Train cards go near the board. Take the top five cards from the deck and place them face up next to each other.

Finally, put the European Express Bonus and the Summary card next to the board. These will help you remember important information during the game.

Alright, let’s get started! First, take the deck of Destination Tickets and separate the long routes – these are the six Destination Tickets with a blue background – from the regular routes. Give the long routes a good shuffle, and then deal one to each player. Any extra long routes should be put back in the game box without anyone peeking at them.

Next up, let’s shuffle the regular Destination Tickets. These are the short routes with a plain background. Deal three of these to each player, and place the rest in a draw pile, face down next to the board.

Now, onto the beginning of the game.

Before we take our first turn, we need to choose which Destination Tickets we want to keep. Look at the ones you were dealt initially and decide which ones you’d like to hang on to. Remember, you have to keep at least two tickets, but you can keep more if you want.

So, here’s what you gotta do: if you have any Destination Tickets in your hand that you don’t want, you can just stash them away without showing them to anyone else. It doesn’t matter whether those tickets are long or short routes. But the ones you choose to keep, you gotta hold on to them until the game is over.

What’s the Game About?

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The goal of the game is to get as many points as possible. You can score points in a few different ways:

  • By connecting two cities on the map;
  • By completing a path that connects two cities on your Destination Ticket;
  • By making the longest continuous path of routes and winning the European Express Bonus card;
  • And for every Train Station you have left at the end of the game.

If you don’t successfully complete your Destination Tickets by the end of the game, you’ll lose points from your total score.

How to Play

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In the game, the person who has been to the most countries in Europe goes first, and then we all take turns going clockwise.

When it’s my turn, I have a few different options:

Option 1: Draw Train Car Cards – I can choose to draw two Train cards from the deck. If there’s a Locomotive card facing up, I can just take that one instead. But there are special rules for Locomotives, so I need to be careful.

Option 2: Claim a Route – I can choose to claim a route on the game board. To do this, I need to have a set of Train cards in my hand that match the color and number of spaces in the route. I’ll place one of my colored trains on each space and score points based on the length of the route.

Option 3: Draw Destination Tickets – I can choose to draw three Destination Tickets from the deck. I have to keep at least one of them, but I can choose to keep all three if I want. These tickets will give me specific cities to connect, and I’ll earn extra points if I can complete the routes.

Let’s Build a Train Station! You can build a Station in any city that doesn’t have one yet. To start, just play a Train card of any color and put one of your Train Stations in that city.

To build your second station, you’ll need to play a set of two cards in the same color. And for your third station, you’ll need a set of three cards in the same color.

Getting Train Cards

There are eight types of regular Train cards, each with 12 cards available, and there are also 14 Locomotive cards. The colors of the Train cards match the colors of the routes between cities on the board. You can find Train cards in these colors: Purple, Blue, Orange, White, Green, Yellow, Black, and Red.

If you want to draw Train cards, you can choose to draw two cards each turn. These cards can come from the five face-up cards next to the board or from the top of the deck (blind draw).

If you decide to draw a face-up card, you must immediately replace it with a new card from the top of the draw pile. However, if you choose a face-up Locomotive card, you can only pick one card this turn (see Locomotives).

If at any point three out of the five face-up Train cards are Locomotives, all five cards are discarded instantly. Then, five new cards are revealed to replace them.

You can hold as many cards as you want in your hand at any given time. Once the draw pile runs out, the discarded cards are shuffled and become a new draw pile deck. It’s important to thoroughly shuffle the cards, as they are often discarded in sets.

If, by some strange chance, all the cards in the deck are gone and there aren’t any discards to shuffle because everyone is clutching onto them, you won’t be able to snatch up any Train cards. So, you’re left with a few options. You can either Claim a Route, Draw Destination Tickets, or Build a Station.

What About Locomotives?

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Did you know that locomotives in the game are like wild cards? They come in many different colors and can be used with any set of cards when claiming a route. They are also important for claiming Ferry routes.

When you draw cards, if one of them is a Locomotive, you have to choose it as your only card for that turn. If a Locomotive is turned over as a replacement for the first card you draw, or if it’s available face-up but you don’t pick it as your first card, you can’t select it as your second card.

However, if you’re lucky enough to draw a Locomotive blindly from the top of the deck, it still counts as one card. So you can still draw a total of two cards that turn.

Now, let’s talk about claiming routes

A route on a map is like a colored pathway that connects two cities. To claim a route, you need to play Train cards that match the color and number of spaces in that route. For most routes, you’ll need cards of a specific color, but you can use Locomotive cards as a wild card substitution (Example 1). Gray routes, on the other hand, can be claimed using cards of any color (Example 2).

Once you claim a route, you place your plastic trains on each space of the route. Then, you discard all the cards you used. Finally, you move your Scoring Marker along the Scoring Track to record your score, following the Route Scoring Table.

When you’re playing the game, you have the choice to claim any open route on the board. You don’t have to connect it to any of the routes you’ve already played.

However, there are some rules you must follow. First, you have to claim the entire route in one turn. You can’t lay some of your trains on a route and then wait for your next turn to finish it.

Also, keep in mind that you can only claim one route in your turn. You can’t claim multiple routes at once.

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Two Roads

Life often presents us with choices. It’s as if we’re standing at a crossroads, forced to decide which path to take. Each road leads to a different destination, offering a unique set of experiences and opportunities. Sometimes it’s easy to know which road to choose, but other times it can be quite challenging. That’s because the decision is not just about the destination, but also about the journey itself. Although the options may seem similar at first glance, they often hold distinct differences and consequences.

But how do we make the right choice?

While there are many factors to consider, one of the key elements is understanding ourselves. It’s important to know what we truly value, what brings us joy, and what aligns with our passions. By taking the time to reflect on these aspects, we can gain clarity and confidence in our decision-making process.

Another crucial factor is seeking advice and guidance from trusted sources. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a family member, involving others in our decision-making can provide valuable perspectives and insights that we may have overlooked. Additionally, seeking support from those who have walked similar paths can offer guidance and reassurance along the way.

It’s also essential to evaluate the potential risks and rewards of each road. While one option may appear more appealing on the surface, it may come with hidden challenges or sacrifices. Conversely, the less obvious path might hold unforeseen opportunities and personal growth. By weighing the pros and cons, we can make an informed decision that aligns with our goals and values.

Lastly, it’s crucial to trust our intuition and listen to our gut feelings. Sometimes, our inner voice knows what’s best for us, even if it goes against logical reasoning or external opinions. Tuning into our instincts can guide us towards the path that feels most authentic and fulfilling.

So, when faced with a crossroads in life, remember that you have the power to choose your own adventure. By understanding yourself, seeking advice, evaluating risks and rewards, and trusting your intuition, you can confidently embark on a journey that leads to personal growth and fulfillment. The choice is yours. Will you take the road less traveled?

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Have you ever heard of Double-Routes? They’re pretty interesting. Some cities have these special routes that are parallel and have the same number of spaces. It’s like having two roads that connect the same cities.

But here’s the catch: each player can only claim one of the routes between the same cities. So even though there are two parallel routes, you can’t have both.

Now, things can get a little tricky. Sometimes, there are routes that look parallel, but they actually connect different cities. These routes are not double-routes, so you can’t use the same strategy with them.

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Note: Only one of the Double-Routes can be used in games with two or three players. You can choose to claim either of the two routes between cities, but once you do, the other route becomes off-limits to the other players for the rest of the game.

Boats

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I want to talk about ferries. Ferries are like special gray routes that connect two cities across water. You can tell if a route is a ferry because it has a locomotive icon on one of the spaces. Claiming a ferry route is a little different than claiming other routes. You need to play a locomotive card for each locomotive symbol on the route. And of course, you still need to play the right colored cards for the rest of the spaces on the route. So, make sure you have enough locomotive cards if you want to claim a ferry route!

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To claim the Ferry Route from Smyrna to Palermo, you need four Train cards of the same color and two Locomotives.

Tunnels are a tricky business in Ticket to Ride.

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Tunnels are unique pathways that can be easily identified by the special markings and outlines that surround them. You’ll know you’re dealing with a tunnel when you see these distinct features.

What makes tunnels so special is that you never know for sure how long the route you’re trying to claim will be. It adds an element of uncertainty and excitement to the game.

When you want to claim a tunnel route, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, you have to lay down a number of cards that matches the length of the route you want to claim. Then, you need to turn over the top three cards from the Train draw pile and reveal them to everyone.

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Two parallel tunnels (Black/White)
link Madrid to Pamplona.

When I reveal a card in the tunnel, and its color is the same as the cards I played to claim the tunnel, I have to play another card of that color (or a Locomotive) from my hand. This is important because it allows me to successfully claim the tunnel route.

If I don’t have enough extra cards of the matching color, or if I don’t want to play them, I can take all my cards back into my hand and my turn ends.

At the end of my turn, I discard the three train cards that were revealed for the tunnel.

Don’t forget that Locomotives are wild cards that can be any color. So if I draw a Locomotive from the top of the Train draw pile when I’m trying to go through a tunnel, it automatically counts as the same color as the train cards I played, and I have to play an additional card.

When you try to go through a Tunnel using only Locomotive cards, things can get a little tricky. You might have to play more cards, but only if Locomotives come up in the three cards you draw for the Tunnel.

Sometimes, it’s a rare situation where there aren’t enough cards left in the draw and discard piles to reveal three cards and see what happens with the Tunnel. In that case, you can only reveal the cards that are actually available. And if players have been holding onto their cards, there might not be any left to reveal. But don’t worry, if that happens, you can still claim the tunnel without having to play any extra cards.

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How to Choose the Perfect Destination Tickets for Your Trip

Let’s talk about choosing the perfect destination tickets for your trip. This is an essential part of the planning process, and it can make or break your travel experience. So, how do you go about picking the right tickets? I’m here to guide you through it!

The first thing you need to consider is the purpose of your trip. Are you looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous hike through the mountains? Knowing what you want to do and see will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect destination.

Next, think about your budget. How much are you willing to spend on tickets? This will determine what kind of destinations are within your reach. You don’t want to overspend and end up with limited funds for other aspects of your trip.

Another important factor to take into account is the time of year you plan to travel. Different destinations have different peak seasons, and prices can vary accordingly. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and save money, consider traveling during the off-peak season.

Now, let’s talk about your travel preferences. Are you more of a city person or do you prefer the tranquility of nature? Would you rather explore historical sites or immerse yourself in local culture? Knowing your preferences will help you choose a destination that aligns with your interests and desires.

Finally, do some research. Look up various destinations and read reviews from other travelers. The internet is a great resource for finding information and getting a sense of what different places have to offer. You might discover hidden gems that you hadn’t considered before!

So, to sum it up, here are the steps you should follow when choosing the perfect destination tickets:

  1. Consider the purpose of your trip.
  2. Set a budget.
  3. Take into account the time of year.
  4. Think about your travel preferences.
  5. Do your research.

I hope these tips will help you find the perfect destination tickets for your next adventure. Happy travels!

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When it’s my turn, I get to do something really cool – I can draw more Destination Ticket cards! To do that, I simply grab three new cards from the top of the Destination Ticket Deck.

Now, if there are fewer than three cards left in the deck, don’t worry. I just draw whatever cards are available.

But here comes the fun part – I get to choose which cards I want to keep! I have to keep at least one of them, but if I’m feeling lucky, I can keep two or even all three of them. However, any cards that I don’t want to keep go back to the bottom of the Destination Ticket Deck – no hard feelings, right?

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When I play the game, I need to keep my tickets until the game is over. I can’t throw them away after drawing a new one.

The cities listed on my Destination Ticket are like travel goals for me. If I can make a continuous path of my own colored trains between the two cities on the ticket, I earn extra points.

But if I can’t make a continuous path between those cities, then I lose points instead.

I have to keep my Destination Tickets a secret from the other players until the end of the game, when we calculate our final scores. And I can have as many of these tickets as I want.

How to Build a Train Station

Hey there! Let’s talk about train stations and how they can help you in the game. A train station allows you to use one of the routes belonging to another player to connect the cities on your destination tickets.

You can build a station on any unoccupied city, even if there are no routes leading to it at the moment. Just keep in mind that two players can never build a station in the same city.

Now, here’s the catch: you can only build one station per turn and a maximum of three throughout the game. So choose wisely when and where to build them!

If you want to build your first station, all you need to do is play and discard one train card from your hand. Then, you can place one of your colored train stations on the chosen city.

For your second station, you’ll need to play and discard a set of two cards of the same color. And if you want to build a third one, you’ll need to play and discard a set of three cards of the same color. You can always swap some of those cards for locomotives if you have them.

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Station Cost

If you use the same Station to connect cities on multiple Tickets, you must use the same route into the city with the Station for all those Tickets. You don’t have to decide which route to use until the game is over.

You don’t have to build any Stations if you don’t want to. But if you have unused Stations, you’ll get four extra points for each one at the end of the game.

End of the Game

When any player’s stock of colored plastic trains is down to two or fewer at the end of their turn, every player, including that player, gets one more turn. After that, the game is over and everyone adds up their final scores.

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Did you know that when a player has two or fewer plastic trains left in their stock, it means the game is almost over?

The Scores

By now, players should have already added up the points they earned from completing different routes. To make sure everything is correct, it’s a good idea to double-check the points for each player’s routes.

Next, everyone reveals their Destination Tickets. If you successfully completed a ticket, you add its value to your score. But if you didn’t finish a ticket, you have to subtract its value from your score.

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When you claim a route, you instantly score the number of points shown on the Route Scoring Table for the length of the route you claimed.

Hey, remember when you play a Station card, you get to use someone else’s route to reach a city and complete a Destination Ticket. Pretty cool, huh?

But here’s the thing: if you’ve got a Station card and you want to connect different cities on multiple Destination Tickets, you have to use the same route for all of them. Fair is fair!

Now, when you claim a route, you score points based on how long that route is. Easy enough, right? The longer the route, the more points you get!

Oh, and one more thing. Don’t forget to keep track of your unplayed Station cards. For every one you still have, you’ll score an extra four points. Nice little bonus!

Finally, let’s talk about giving out the 10 point bonus for the European Express card. This bonus goes to the player or players who have the Longest Continuous Path on the board. When determining the length of a path, we only consider continuous lines of plastic trains of the same color.

A continuous path can include loops and can go through the same city multiple times, but you can’t use the same plastic train twice in the same path. It’s important to note that stations and the routes they give you access to don’t count when calculating paths or claiming the longest one.

If multiple players are tied for the longest path, each of them will receive the 10 point bonus from the European Express card. The player with the most points is the winner of the game.

In the event of a tie for the most points, the player who has completed the most Destination Tickets will be declared the winner. So keep that in mind and make sure to complete as many Destination Tickets as you can to increase your chances of winning.

If we find ourselves in a situation where there is a tie, the person who has used the fewest number of Stations will be declared the winner. It is unlikely, but if we are still tied after that, the person who has the European Express bonus card will be the winner.

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When it comes to calculating our final score, we need to take a look at a few things.

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