This is a very good and very expensive board game.

The mechanics are exceptional and the replay value is huge. I'll trust that other reviews have gone over the basic mechanics. Let me just say that the play factors of planning your routes, dealing with the cards that are available and sudden changes necessitated by opponents taking routes you were counting on is very entertaining.

A video game version of this is also available on Xbox 360 LIVE arcade. You can purchase it for either 600 or 800 points (see Xbox 360 Live 1600 Points and others) which works out to considerably cheaper than the board game and allows online multiplayer. A demo of this is available as well.

There are several expansions/variations to Ticket to Ride available involving new maps and / or mechanics, but these are not included in this core product.

Ticket to Ride
This is one of my favorite board games! Adults and kids can play together too! The only thing about the rules in the manual that is not clear is the scoring, when calculating the points at the end. Since I've played with friends before I purchased this game, I tell you. Here's how: After a person is down to 2 or less trains, it becomes the last and final round for everyone else and stops back at that person. The game then ends and calculating the score begins. For every destination cards that you didn't or were not able to complete, you subtract that number score on the card. Then the person with the longest train route score an extra 10 points. Any other cards or locomotive cards in their hands are discarded and not used for scoring.
It is a great game and can be addictive. You can also sign up as guest online at www.daysofwonder.com to play it too! The most basic version is the USA one, other versions may add extra things in it.

This board game seems to go over very well with anyone that I introduce to it. I have yet to find a person that does not enjoy its simplicity and strategy. Don't pass this one up!

This game is quick, easy to learn (one practice round & you're off & running), and fun. Easily grasped by kids from 7-8 on up. We had it out last weekend and it was played for hours on end. Plays quickly enough that a game or two can be played between dinner and bedtime during the week . . . it's a nice way to get the whole family together.

This game makes a good gift . . . . well, our visitors have all ended up wanting their own game. Amazon's price with free delivery is competitive, at least when i made my purchase.

We started with Ticket to Ride then moved to the European edition . . . that seems to be a good transition. Then tack on some of the Expansion games if you want.

Have fun!

This is tons of fun. My spouse and I love to play against each other or with other adults. Our kids also really like to play and we modify the rules a bit to include a 6 year old, 4 year old and 2 year old. Family game night has gotten even better with this game!