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If you play Ticket to Ride, you know that building the longest train isn't just about bragging rights—it’s a sneaky way to rack up serious points. The longest continuous route, when you claim it, lands you a sweet bonus. But how much is it really worth, and why does it matter for fans of luxury train journeys?
Here’s the straight answer: In the classic Ticket to Ride board game, finishing the longest train lands you a solid 10-point bonus. That’s often the difference between victory and missing out, especially if everyone else is locked in by their ticket goals. Don't roll your eyes at those ten points—they can tip the scales in a close game.
So, what actually qualifies as the longest train in Ticket to Ride? It’s not just about the total number of trains you play on the board, but how many you can line up in an unbroken chain. The game checks for your longest continuous path, meaning your pieces connect together from one city to another without any splits or gaps. If you branch off in two directions, only the single longest stretch counts, not both added together.
Here’s what matters: you need a chain that goes from point A to point B—with every space in between connected by your trains. It doesn’t matter if it loops, if it zigzags, or if it cuts across the map. What matters is it’s your color and it never breaks off.
Players often forget these details and miss easy points. For reference, here’s how long the average longest train usually is, based on actual games:
| Number of Players | Average Longest Train (Spaces) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 20 |
| 3 | 18 |
| 4 | 15 |
| 5 | 13 |
If you want to chase the longest train bonus, start planning for a chain early on. Try tracing your routes so that they overlap or share cities whenever possible. Breaking up your trains too much usually means saying goodbye to that 10-point bonus.
The longest train bonus is one of the best scoring boosts in Ticket to Ride. If your train forms the longest continuous path of cars on the board, you pocket a hefty 10 extra points at the end of the game. That might not sound huge at first, but it’s more than some tickets are even worth, and in a tight game, it can easily make you the winner.
This bonus isn’t just about the basic game, either. Several Ticket to Ride editions keep the same rule—10 points for the longest train. Others, like Ticket to Ride: Europe, sometimes swap this out for a different bonus, so always check your rulebook first if you’re playing with a new set.
To give you a sense of scale, here’s a quick look at the main scoring features in Ticket to Ride:
| Scoring Feature | Points |
|---|---|
| Standard Route (1-6 cars) | 1 to 15 |
| Completed Ticket | Varies (4-22+) |
| Uncompleted Ticket | Negative (depends on ticket) |
| Longest Train Bonus | 10 |
Let’s not forget: Because the longest train uses more of your cars, it often means you’ve played a very efficient game, getting the absolute most out of every move. If you’re eyeing that bonus, you’ll want to lay track early and keep those routes as connected as possible.
Some pro players will even base their whole game around this bonus. Sure, you risk missing some tickets if you go all-in, but pulling it off can swing the game in your favor. For the average player, though, it’s usually the cherry on top—grab your regular routes, and connect where you can for a shot at those ten extra points before anyone else cuts you off.
Going after the longest train bonus in Ticket to Ride takes more than luck. Letting others know you’re gunning for it too early just makes it easier for them to block you. Some players jump into long, open routes like Seattle to New York or Vancouver to Montreal, but the real move? Keeping your plans under wraps while grabbing key connectors whenever you can.
Plan with a flexible route in mind. You don’t have to decide at the start, but keep your options open by claiming middle segments—basically, routes that let you shift directions if someone cuts you off. Always check the board for what’s still open before committing to one path.
If you see a tie coming, don’t sweat. In Ticket to Ride, the longest train bonus goes to whoever first hits the maximum length. If there’s still a tie, all tied players get the 10-point bonus, as confirmed in the official rules as of 2024—so sometimes sharing is winning.
Check out the numbers for how this shakes out in real games:
| Number of Players | Average Longest Train (Trains) | Percentage of Wins Due to Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 18 | 17% |
| 3 | 20 | 21% |
| 4 | 23 | 26% |
| 5 | 25 | 33% |
Blocking is a real threat, though. If someone seems focused on a long, horizontal track, don't be afraid to cut through it. Use your extra trains to grab single-space routes that connect and lengthen your line, even if they don't seem glamorous.
Just keep your eye on your hand size—drawing too many cards tips people off. Sometimes it’s better to build short sections in different places, and then later link them all together for a killer reveal. That’s where the excitement usually happens, and it’s why chasing the longest train bonus never gets old.
Pulling off the longest train in Ticket to Ride isn’t just about getting those 10 bonus points. It gives you a rush because it’s not easy to do. You have to plan ahead, grab the right colors, and protect your path from other players. Holding that line on the board almost feels like nailing a tricky puzzle.
Length matters for more than just points. Building the longest train makes you a target. The best players keep an eye on you, sometimes blocking your routes or making moves just to snap your streak. If you manage to keep your route going, it means you worked around all that resistance. That honestly feels even better than the points sometimes.
There’s also the satisfaction of efficiency. The more segments you connect, the more chances you have to finish tickets—so you’re getting extra value with every card you play, not just chasing a single number at the end.
Want numbers? The base game's longest train is usually around 17-20 cars, though some maps let you stretch even further. Here’s a quick look at how that bonus shapes a typical game:
| Player | Final Score Without Longest Train Bonus | With Longest Train Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Player A | 102 | 112 |
| Player B | 114 | 114 |
| Player C | 109 | 109 |
Notice how that 10-point swing can jump you from third place straight to the top!
On theme, real luxury train journeys like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and South Africa’s Rovos Rail are famous for how far they travel in style. These real-world trains are long not just for looks, but for the full onboard experience—lots of cabins, lounges, and dining cars. It’s just like in the game: the longer the journey, the bigger the brag.
If you thought chasing the longest route in Ticket to Ride was cool, wait till you see what’s out there in the real world. The globe’s most famous luxury trains aren’t just comfy—they’re seriously long, both in length and in miles covered. Here’s what stands out if you love epic rail journeys with all the bells and whistles.
For pure train length, the Maharajas' Express in India stretches up to 23 carriages, making it one of the longest luxury trains on tracks right now. Inside, you’re living the dream, with suites, bars, restaurants, and even a presidential suite that takes over an entire carriage. Then there’s South Africa’s legendary Blue Train, sometimes running at 20 cars, giving travelers a near-rolling hotel experience between Pretoria and Cape Town.
The Orient Express is a classic. While the original service between Paris and Istanbul isn’t around anymore, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express still grabs attention, running up to 17 vintage carriages decked out in Art Deco style. Not to be left out, Australia’s The Ghan covers mind-blowing distances—up to 2,979 kilometers on its north-to-south trip—packing in over 30 carriages when fully loaded.
| Train Name | Country | Carriages | Max Journey Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharajas' Express | India | 23 | 3,000 |
| The Blue Train | South Africa | 20 | 1,600 |
| Venice Simplon-Orient-Express | Europe | 17 | 2,740 |
| The Ghan | Australia | 30+ | 2,979 |
Why do these train lengths matter for those chasing luxury? More carriages mean more room for gourmet dining, spa treatments, private cabins, and bars where you can actually stretch out. The scale turns your trip from a simple ride into a whole rolling adventure.
If you’re fascinated by the longest trains in Ticket to Ride, you’ll feel right at home checking out these giants. Each one brings a unique vibe—from the Maharajas’ palace-on-wheels feel to The Ghan’s wild, dusty Outback marvel. Nothing beats the thrill of boarding a train that looks endless and promises every luxury you can think of.
Want to step up your Ticket to Ride skills and take home that longest train bonus? It’s not just about luck or drawing wild cards, it’s about a solid plan and clever moves. Here are some direct tips to help you out, whether you’re an old pro or still counting plastic trains.
Pulling off the longest train bonus is about a balance between risk and reward. Grab the key routes when you can, but stay flexible—there’s always another game, and the more you practice, the better you get at spotting that chance for board domination.