The Big Apple Coaster

Reviewed by the Las Vegas Guide editorial team · Updated July 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 all-day passes 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. Booked through Expedia, the all-day pass starts at $26 and pays for itself on the second lap; at the ride's own booth, single rides run $15 on weekdays and $17 on weekends, and Nevada ID knocks a single down to $12. 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. If you'll ride twice the $26 day pass beats two singles, and a Nevada ID gets locals a $12 single at the booth.

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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: pay the booth — $15 on a weekday, $12 with a Nevada ID. Two or more: the all-day pass from $26 wins, and it's the version sold online.

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. 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.

At the boothSingle rides $15 weekdays / $17 weekends; a second lap is discounted, and Nevada residents with ID ride for $12.

All-day passFrom $26 online — the better math if you're riding more than once.

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 Sun–Thu: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Fri–Sat: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM

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