Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries

1 Overview

Ticket to Ride: Nordic Countries is a standalone Ticket to Ride game designed specifically for 2 to 3 players, set across Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Unlike the base game, it was built from the ground up for smaller player counts, making it the best Ticket to Ride experience for 2 players specifically. It shares mechanics with TTR Europe (Tunnels and Ferries) but on a denser, more competitive map.

For 2 to 3 players. Ages 8+. Plays in 45 to 75 minutes.

2 Key Differences from the Base Game

• Player count: Strictly 2 to 3 players. Do not play with 4 or 5 -- the map becomes too crowded.
• Tunnels: Same as TTR Europe (draw 3 cards, pay extra if colors match).
• Ferries: Same as TTR Europe (require Locomotive cards as part of payment).
• No Stations: Nordic Countries does not use the Station mechanic from TTR Europe.
• More Locomotives: The Nordic deck has significantly more Locomotive (wild) cards, reflecting the frequent Ferry and Tunnel routes on the map.
• Longer destination tickets: Nordic tickets tend to span long distances across the map, rewarding bold route-building.

3 Tunnels

When claiming a Tunnel route, reveal the top 3 cards from the draw deck. For each card matching your route color (or a Locomotive), pay 1 additional card of that color or a Locomotive. If you cannot or choose not to pay the extra cost, return your cards to hand and lose your turn. Tunnel attempts can fail.

4 Ferries

Ferry routes cross the sea and are marked with a Locomotive icon showing how many Locomotives are required. A 4-car Ferry requiring 2 Locomotives needs 2 Locomotive cards + 2 cards of any matching color. Ferries cannot be completed with regular cards alone.

5 Locomotive Cards

Nordic Countries has more Locomotive cards than the standard game. Locomotives are wild and can substitute for any color. They are essential for Ferries and very useful as Tunnel insurance. Prioritize drawing face-up Locomotives when available.

6 Strategy

• Hoard Locomotives. The dense Ferry network means running out of Locomotives mid-game can strand you. Always keep 2 to 3 in reserve.
• Block aggressively. With only 2 to 3 players, contested routes get claimed faster. Claim critical routes early before an opponent takes them.
• Nordic is great for 2. The map was balanced specifically for 2 players. If you regularly play Ticket to Ride 2-player, Nordic Countries is the best map for that experience.

7 FAQ