Be a western rail and real estate baron. Unleash the engines of progress in 19th century America, where the rail ruled the west, creating fortunes and fueling economic growth.

In this game about the westward expansion of the railroads, players steer the development of five major railroads and four short lines so as to enhance the values of the city and boomtown properties they conrtol while also earning bonuses for completion of connections.

In Santa Fe Rails, players build the Union Pacific, Santa Fe, Great Northern, Kansas City and Southern Pacific railroads from their bases in Chicago, New Orleans, Kansas City and Milwaukee. The short lines Texas Pacific, Denver & Rio Grande Western, Western Pacific and Rock Island make their appearance in the middle of the game.

Players play City cards to lay claim to end-game victory points for the number of railroads connected to their cities. They lay track pieces to create the connections of the major railroads to those cities. Special cards allow railroads to establish branch lines. Players may opt to grab special cards that allow the laying of extra tracks on a turn. Boomtowns can be created out of small-value cities. Short line railroads can be used to connect out-of-the-way places. The game ends when all the track pieces for the major railroads have been used. The Cities with the higher values and most railroad connections will score the most.