Ticket to Ride Europe

1 Overview

Ticket to Ride: Europe is a standalone expansion to Ticket to Ride published by Days of Wonder. Players build train routes across a European map connecting cities from London to Moscow, Edinburgh to Constantinople. It adds three new mechanics -- Tunnels, Ferries, and Stations -- that significantly deepen the base game experience. Often considered the definitive Ticket to Ride experience and the best starting point for new players.

For 2 to 5 players, ages 8+. Plays in 45 to 90 minutes.

2 Key Differences from the Original

• Tunnels: Some routes in mountain regions are Tunnels. When claiming a tunnel, draw 3 additional cards from the deck -- if any match the color you're playing, you must pay that many extra cards (or abandon the attempt).
• Ferries: Sea routes between islands or across water require at least one Locomotive (wild) card plus additional color-matched cards.
• Stations: Each player gets 3 Station tokens. Use a Station (1 train card) to place it on a city you don't own, letting you count one of that city's routes toward your destination tickets.
• Long Destination Tickets: Europe includes both regular and long destination tickets (worth more points but harder to complete).

3 New Mechanics Detail

Tunnels

When you attempt to claim a Tunnel route, reveal the top 3 cards from the draw pile. For each revealed card that matches the color of your route (or is a Locomotive), you must pay 1 additional card. If you can't or won't pay the extra cost, return your original cards to hand and the 3 revealed cards go to the discard. You lose your turn action.

Ferries

Ferry routes are shown with a wave symbol and require Locomotive cards as part of the payment. A 3-car ferry with 1 Locomotive requires 1 Locomotive + 2 cards of matching color. You cannot complete a ferry with only regular cards.

Stations

Stations are powerful but limited. You only have 3. Each unplaced Station at game end scores 4 points. Each placed Station costs 4 points. Only use Stations when you're blocked from a critical route and can't afford to reroute.

4 Setup

Same as base Ticket to Ride, with additions:

1. Each player receives 3 Station tokens in their color.
2. Deal each player 1 Long Route ticket and 3 regular destination tickets. Keep at least 2 (must keep the Long Route if kept separately -- check your edition).
3. Place 45 trains and start with 4 train cards each.

5 Gameplay

On your turn, take ONE of these actions:

• Draw 2 train cards (from face-up display or blind from deck)
• Claim a route (pay matching cards, place trains)
• Draw 3 destination tickets (keep at least 1)
• Place a Station (pay 1 card per station already placed + 1, choose a city, place your token)

6 Scoring and Winning

Same route-length scoring as base game. Additionally:

• Each unplaced Station: +4 points
• Each placed Station: -4 points effectively (you didn't earn the 4 point bonus)
• Longest continuous route: +10 points (Globetrotter bonus)
• Completed destination tickets: add points; incomplete: subtract points

7 Strategy Guide

Hoard Locomotives Early

Ferries require Locomotives, and Tunnels benefit enormously from having spare Locomotives to cover surprise extra costs. Prioritize drawing face-up Locomotives when available early in the game.

Plan Around Tunnels

Tunnel attempts can fail and cost you a turn. Before attempting a Tunnel, have 2 to 3 extra matching cards as insurance against unlucky draws. Never attempt a Tunnel with exactly the minimum cards.

Save Stations as a Last Resort

Placed Stations cost you the 4-point bonus per token. Only use them when losing a destination ticket would cost more than 4 points and you cannot reroute. Three unused Stations at game end is 12 free points -- massive.

8 FAQ