The best board games with the train
The best board games with the train
Sheldon Cooper isn’t the only one who’s crazy about trains. And we understand. From the first steam engine to the high-speed trains we see today, the transport of locomotives has made some impressive advances.
Not surprisingly, there are a huge number of train games out there that beginners and veterans can enjoy, and everyone in between. Here is our list of the best coach board games!
🏆 Our best selections for the best train games
Are you in a hurry? Take a quick peek before you go.
The best jobs
- German (language of publication)
The best beginner
Best overall
- For 2-6 players
- 120+ minute playing time
- It boasts multiple maps and gameplay variations
# 1. Railways of the world
Players: 2 - 6
Playing time: 120 min
Take a step back in time to the beginning of the Age of Steam and become a traffic tycoon as you create very extensive rail networks.
In this game, you will create and expand railroads to connect cities. Growing cities means more goods, more money. However, not all paths are created the same. Upgrade your locomotives to deliver goods over long distances and drive yourself a bigger profit. Outwit your opponents to become the richest baron of all!
Let yourself be charmingly designed board and miniature pieces of train and water tower; this is a strategy game and you will need more than luck to win. You can choose from a variety of maps to make the game fresh and exciting.
- For 2-6 players
- 120+ minute playing time
- It boasts multiple maps and gameplay variations
# 2. Ticket to ride
Players: 2 - 5
Play time: 30-60 min
The Ride ticket is a simple classic ! Whether you are a complete beginner or evening games are a weekly ingredient in your household, everyone will love jumping in this game!
Players earn points when they complete their target cards and claim routes between cities. The longer the route - the more points you will earn. One lucky player will collect a bonus at the end of the game to complete the longest route. Watch the geography of the game board light up with colorful plastic trains as players gain tracks.
This is a prized game played by locomotive enthusiasts of all ages, from which you can choose from many different destinations. It’s easy to teach, but competitive enough to fascinate even veterans.
# 3. Imperial Steam
Players: 2 - 4
Play time: 120 min
With the roar of the industrial revolution, goods are being produced and transported like never before. Your task is to ensure the smooth operation of the supply chain. This game is a bit more complicated than other train games, as you will have to think about other aspects than just creating railroad tracks.
Imperial Steam is a great game for all strategists, economists and of course training enthusiasts! You will be responsible for planning and expanding optimal train paths, drafting contracts and finding workers for your trains, factories and delivery services. You will need to make key decisions as you strive to keep your business competitive while maximizing your profits.
This game is very well made, with colorful game pieces, money and cards . The artwork of the mountain board is delicately detailed. A fun, entrepreneurial twist in the train game, in which you will feel like a real business man after the game. This is a must for any railroad lover.
- Plan, build and expand your rail network
- Hire and train workers, build factories, produce and deliver goods
- Upgrade your locomotives to carry more goods and passengers
# 4. 1830: Railways and robber barons
Players: 2-6
Play time: 180-360 min
In 1830, the first railroad opened in the United States, which caused quite a bit of enthusiasm. The railroad made a profit. In this relentless market, you will play the role of a railway manager with deep pockets.
Everyone will act in their own interests in the race to fill their own pockets. You will expand your business by building railroads and train stations and trading stocks. Because of the fierce competition in the stock market, you will be wondering about the ethics of those you play with. Evil tactics will be used to help you progress when you deliberately sabotage the competition. The game is won when the player declares bankruptcy or the bank is depleted.
In this evil game, all bets are off and you will need a group of forgiving friends to play. If this sounds like your crowd, enjoy a few hours of bitter fun.
- 3rd edition of this classic game of railway development and ...
- Players build a railway line, buy and operate trains, compete for ...
- This version is mostly a reprint of Mayfair's (2nd) edition, ie.
# 5. Trans-Siberian Railway
Players: 3 -5
Play time: 45-90 min
The Trans-Siberian Railway is an extensive railway network built in the 19th th to connect the east and west of Russia. In this game, you and your opponents will compete to build the farthest eastern line in the country.
Compete with your competing railroad entrepreneurs. Sounds easy, right? Well, you will have to avoid succumbing to nationalism, while at the same time increasing your income and trying to create the most remote Eastern Railway. Players will take turns investing in stocks and expanding connections. At the end of the game, the player with the most money and supplies wins.
This game brings drama! And all actions will have costs. Who will be able to cheer the emperor with his innovative railway network and who will get off track?
- For 3-5 players. 60 minutes of play. Age 14+
- Players in the game compete to start railroads, build ...
- Players need to make sure the government is happy or ...
# 6. Trains
Players: 2- 4
Playing time: 45 min
Rail technology spread rapidly around the world in the 19th th century it was only a matter of time before profitable private rail systems came to Japan. Make up for your competition by building the best railroad in Japan.
Start the game with a limited set of cards that you can strengthen in future turns by purchasing additional cards from the supply. In turn, decide to buy an extra card , play cards to earn money or perform an action, or lay a rail. Collect points by building train stations and laying railroads all over Japan. Purchase and use the card to effectively strive to build the most impressive railway in the country. The game is over when all the cards are gone, all the stations are set, or when the player runs out of stock.
If you like the Dominion deck building game , you’ll enjoy trains that are a little more strategic in terms of making the most of your deck. With faster gameplay than some other 18xx games , Trains is more affordable than other train-themed games. Think of it as a great medium between the Ride Ticket and the Trans-Siberian Railway.
- Nominated for Meeples Choice 2012
- Play for 2 to 4 players with 45 minutes of playing time
- Great game with a 2-sided board
# 7. Colt Express
Players: 2-6
Play time: 40 min
Welcome to the Wild West without the law - where it all goes! This city is not big enough for more bandits and you will fight to earn the place of the richest outlaw in the West.
Your journey begins on the Union Pacific train, where you - along with other ruthless bandits - will quietly wait to catch and rob unexpected passengers on the train below. The game consists of 5 rounds with 2 phases in which players will use their action cards. Use your cards to move around the train, shoot at other bandits, capture passengers or move towards the Marshall, which protects passengers.
At the end of the game, the player who shoots the most gun wins $ 1,000 and gets the title of "gunner." The player with the most loot gains the right to brag about being the richest bandit in the Wild West.
What is particularly noteworthy about this game board is that the train itself is 3D and players have miniature wooden robbers who move them from one wagon to another. This game is fast, action-packed and will keep you on your feet.
- German (language of publication)
# 8. First class: everyone aboard the Orient Express
Players: 2-4
Play time: 40-80 min
The name probably rings. Whether it comes from James Bond, Agatha Christie or the infamous world-famous line itself, this train has certainly made a name for itself.
At a time when rail travel was a popular mode of transportation, the most esteemed people traveled luxuriously in first class. In this lavish twist in the railroad building game, you’ll market to a wealthy crowd and create an elegant line resembling the infamous Orient Express.
Depending on which interchangeable set of cards you use, each game will generate very different results. Decide to extend the train and track or upgrade your cars to better meet the standards of your high-class passengers. You never know what awaits you! Will your train be shocked by the mystery of the murder ? Or will your goal be to attract celebrities on board?
This game adds a glamorous twist to traditional railroad games. It’s great because you only use two of the five kits, so no two games are the same. If you like Russian Railways, try Orient Express to mix things up!
- An exciting game of building railways for two to four ...
- The modules add their own unique theme to each game, from ...
- It captures the mystique and mystery of the age of luxury trains ...
# 9. Russian railways
Players: 2-4
Play time: 90-120 min
Take a step back in the past, in the late 1800s, and place yourself in Imperial Russia. Construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway has begun and you will need to help recruit workers to stimulate industrialization.
Unlike many other games on this list, this game focuses on worker placement . Install workers, buy new trains, improve tracks, and build factories to modernize the country. There are many ways to win, so decide which strategy to defeat your opponents and watch their moves. Deciding to use engineers can help you win. Or will focusing on the lucrative Moscow-Vladivostok line work in your favor?
Because Russian Railways is a Euro board game , it is different from other train-themed games. The focus on staffing gives it a unique twist that training enthusiasts and fans of European board games will surely appreciate.
- German (language of publication)
# 10. Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition
Players: 1 -6
Play time: 20-30 min
When you mix a puzzle , dice , and trains, you get Railroad Ink! Grab your game boards and tags and charge to full steam!
In this roll and write route competition game, the roll of the dice will determine which routes you can build. Use the route configurations shown on the dice to draw as many exits as possible and make use of the dice better than your opponents.
Will you be careful and start a new path? Or will you push your luck and thumb towards the exit? Keep in mind that more routes will bring you points, and unfinished routes will end up costing you.
This game is quick and easy to learn. In addition, the mix of rolling the dice and creating puzzles adds a bit of creative and strategic pizza compared to other train-themed games.
- for 1-6 players. 30-45 minutes of play. age 8+
- both editions can be combined, allowing up to 12 players!
- Number of players: 1 to 6
# 11. Steam: Rails to Riches
Players: 3-5
Play time: 90 min
Steam is a challenging tile-laying game in which players will compete to build the most efficient rail network.
These tracks will be constantly changing as players build tracks, deliver goods, upgrade their locomotives and improve cities. Everyone will strive for the most profitable deliveries, so find places whose demand matches the goods you carry. The competition is fierce as players strive to make everyone earn the most money and win points.
This game has a high replay value due to the double-sided board, the myriad strategies used by the players, and the number of extensions available. With this game you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of a locomotive. The perfect last stop on our list of the best train games.
- For 3-6 players
- 90 minute playing time
- A popular train theme
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best train games! Have you tried any of the games on this list yet? Did we miss any of your favorite train-themed games? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think! We would love to hear from you.
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