Ticket to Ride Refresh review

Ticket to Ride Refresh is the refreshed edition of Days of Wonder's train game, and the Asmodee US store lists it at $39.99 with a minimum age of 8 and a 2 to 5 player range. Each turn is simple: draw train cards or spend a set of one color to claim a route between two cities. The planning comes from ticket cards, which score extra points if you link the two cities they show, so an 8-year-old can play the basic turn while an adult plans a network. Asmodee lists an average play time of 60 minutes, which suits a weekend game night more than a quick after-dinner game. It seats one more player than Catan or Pandemic, which matters for a family of five. The downside is direct competition for routes: a blocked path can upset younger players. Families who want everyone on the same side should look at Pandemic or Just One instead.

Who it is for

families with kids aged 8 and up who want one main game night box

Price

$39.99 on the Asmodee US store.

Regular price $39.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 2 to 5 players, minimum age 8 on the Asmodee store listing
• About 60 minutes per game
• Collect train cards in matching colors to claim routes between North American cities
• Ticket cards score bonus points for connecting two named cities
• Points come from routes, completed tickets and the longest route

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Rated 8+, tied with Pandemic for the lowest age among the strategy games here
• Strength: Plays up to 5, one more seat than Catan or Pandemic
• Strength: Costs $39.99, the same as Catan
• Weakness: 60 minute play time is long for a weeknight with young kids
• Weakness: Players compete for the same routes, which can frustrate a child who gets blocked
• Weakness: The 2 to 5 player range leaves out bigger groups that Just One or 7 Wonders can seat

Key facts

• Players: 2 to 5
• Age: 8+
• Play time: 60 minutes
• Publisher: Days of Wonder
• SKU: DOW7201N

Where it ranks

Ticket to Ride Refresh is No. 1 in our Best Family Board Games verdict.