The Big Apple Coaster

Reviewed by the Vegas Guide editorial team · Updated September 2026

The Big Apple Coaster wraps around New York-New York's replica skyline in taxicab trains - a 203-foot peak, a 144-foot drop and 67 mph over the Strip corner, with single rides from $26.

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Is the Big Apple Coaster Worth It? Review, Prices & Tips

The Big Apple Coaster loops around the fake Manhattan skyline of New York-New York, its taxicab-styled trains threading between the replica towers before diving out over the Strip corner. The numbers are legitimate: nearly 5,000 feet of track, a 203-foot peak, a 144-foot drop, 67 mph, and the heartline twist-and-dive - a barrel-roll move this ride introduced to coasters when it opened in 1997 - all packed into about three minutes.

Be honest with yourself about what 1997 means: this is an old steel coaster and it rides like one, with a rattle that regulars know well. Keep your head back against the rest. A single ride starts at $26 including taxes and fees, and a second lap bought together with the first adds $7, which is the cheapest way to ride twice; Nevada residents get a discount at the booth with ID. No loose articles on board, and night laps, with the skyline lit, are when this ride earns its keep.

Insider tipRide after dark - the skyline lap reads twice as fast with the Strip lit. And if you suspect you'll want a second go, buy it with the first: the repeat lap costs $7 instead of another full ticket.

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Venue

New York - New York

★★★★

New York-New York recreates the Big Apple on the south Strip, complete with a faux-Manhattan skyline, a Brooklyn Bridge replica and the Big Apple Coaster that loops the building. Playful, mid-priced and walkable to the T-Mobile Arena, from $27/night.

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3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Big Apple Coaster rough?

It has that reputation, and it's earned: the ride opened in 1997 and the rattle is part of the package, especially through the transitions. Keep your head back against the restraint and it's a fun kind of rough rather than a painful one.

What's the cheapest way to ride?

Depends how many laps you want. One ride is $26 including taxes and fees. Two is where the math changes: a repeat lap bought with the first costs $7 instead of full price, so a double comes to $33. Nevada residents get a discount at the booth with ID.

Is there a height or age limit?

Height only: 54 inches without shoes. Kids tall enough ride regardless of age, which makes it one of the few real thrill rides on the Strip a family can do together.

How long does it take?

The ride itself is about three minutes, and the coaster runs 11 AM to midnight every day. Queues move in waves - mid-afternoon and just after dark are the busiest; late evening on a weeknight often walks straight on.

Is it better at night?

Yes - the whole point of this coaster is where it is, and the view of the lit Strip mid-drop is the payoff. Summer afternoons also mean hot seats and harsh light, so evening wins twice.

Rating

4.2

PriceFrom $26

WhereNew York-New York

Address3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Height requirement54 inches (137 cm) minimum, measured without shoes. No age limit beyond that.

TicketsA single ride starts at $26 including taxes and fees. A second lap bought at the same time as the first adds $7, and Nevada residents get a discount at the booth with ID.

Ride statsNearly 5,000 feet of track, 203-foot peak, 144-foot drop, up to 67 mph, about three minutes end to end.

Good to knowNo loose articles on the ride - stow phones and glasses before boarding. Not recommended during pregnancy.

Opening hours Daily: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Be in line about 30 minutes before closing

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