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 $29/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 generally ride (a few listings cite a 14+ rule, so confirm on the day), 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 most days (some listings show an 11 PM close Monday to Thursday). 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 published age minimum beyond the height rule, though a few listings cite 14+, so check at the entrance if you're bringing a tall younger child.

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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