Las Vegas: New York-New York Hotel Big Apple Coaster Ride

The Big Apple Coaster is Las Vegas entertainment in one loud, red-track package: you climb above the Strip, plunge through the New York-New York skyline, and whip through twists at nearly 70 miles per hour. Its standout feature is a 180-degree twist, followed by loops and tight turns that keep the ride moving.

I like the nighttime Strip views, which add a special Las Vegas touch, and the fact that you can skip the ticket line with a prepaid single-ride ticket. The catch is simple: at $25, the ride is short, and you may pay extra for a locker to store your phone, wallet, and keys.

Key points to know before you ride

• The ride reaches nearly 70 mph, with fast turns, loops, and a 180-degree twist.
• You get a single ride, not an all-day pass, with admission valid for one day.
• Night rides offer the best views, with the Strip glowing below and around you.
• Loose items must be removed, and riders may need to pay for storage.
• The ride can be rough, so neck, back, and knee problems are important concerns.
• The minimum height is 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters.

A roller coaster above the Las Vegas Strip

At New York-New York Hotel, the Big Apple Coaster runs around a mock Manhattan skyline on a bright red track. You are not simply watching the Strip from a high platform. You are carried through it at speed, with the hotel’s New York theme forming the backdrop.

The ride begins with a climb that gives you a moment to wonder why you agreed to this. Then the first drop settles the question. The coaster accelerates through loops, tight turns, and a 180-degree twist. The whole experience is over quickly, but it packs a lot into that short run.

I would describe this as a pure thrill ride rather than a scenic attraction with a coaster attached. The views matter, especially after dark, but your main memory will be the sudden changes in direction and the force of the turns.

The attraction is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday. From Friday through Sunday, it runs until midnight. Service can stop because of weather or other conditions, so do not build your entire evening around one exact ride time.

What the ride itself feels like

The first climb is the calmest part. You rise above the hotel’s New York-themed buildings, with Las Vegas spread around you. This is the best moment to look outward, since the ride soon becomes a blur of track, lights, and motion.

After the first drop, the coaster moves through a series of quick elements. You can expect speed, loops, turning sections, and a pronounced 180-degree twist. The reported top speed is almost 70 miles per hour, which gives the ride real force even though it is not especially long.

The motion is not gentle. I would not recommend it if you are sensitive to rough turns or have neck, back, or knee problems. Several riders found that the coaster threw them around more than expected. Smaller riders may also feel the movement more sharply.

Large earrings are a bad idea, and anything loose in a pocket can become a problem. Remove jewelry that could poke you, and do not assume a zipped pocket will be accepted as secure storage.

The attraction has a minimum height of 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters. That rule matters for families planning a ride with children. Several children around ages 11 and 12 enjoyed it, but the coaster is still a serious thrill ride, not a mild family attraction.

Why a night ride is worth considering

The coaster offers a useful Las Vegas choice: ride in daylight to see the hotel and surrounding city clearly, or ride after dark for a more dramatic view. At night, the Strip lights add another layer to the experience, and the red track becomes part of the glow.

I would choose nighttime if the wait is reasonable. The ride is fast, so you will not have long to study the view. Still, the lights give the short trip a stronger sense of place than a similar coaster in a dark amusement park.

Daytime may suit you better if you want to see the height and structure of the ride before boarding. It can also help if you are nervous, since the track and setting are easier to read in daylight.

There is no need to treat one time as universally best. The important point is that the setting changes the mood. In daylight, it is a high-speed ride above a hotel. At night, it becomes a quick rush through Las Vegas lights.

The line, ticket, and arrival plan

The ticket costs $25 per person and covers one ride. It is valid for one day, and the skip-the-ticket-line feature can save you from buying admission at the attraction. You still need to follow the operating schedule and be in line at least 30 minutes before closing.

That last rule is easy to miss. If the coaster closes at 11:00 PM from Monday through Thursday, arrive early enough to join the line by 10:30 PM. On Friday through Sunday, the closing time is midnight, so the cutoff for joining the line is 11:30 PM.

Wait times are not fixed. One account described a short line, while another reported a long wait. Crowds can also affect how many times you manage to ride. If you are visiting with children or planning a tight evening schedule, allow extra time instead of assuming you will walk straight onto the train.

You should have your booking pass ready on your phone, but the phone cannot go on the coaster. That creates a small practical nuisance: you may need to pay for a locker, reported by riders as $1, before boarding. Wallets, keys, phones, and other loose objects must be removed.

The ride’s photo purchase is another optional cost. One family reported a $38 photo price. You do not need to buy one, but it is worth knowing that the base ticket is not necessarily the final spending point.

Is $25 fair for a short ride?

This is the hardest part of the decision. At $25, the Big Apple Coaster is not cheap for a ride that ends quickly. Several people felt it should be longer or make another circuit. If you measure value by minutes in motion, the price will feel high.

The case for the ticket is the setting. You are not paying only for a standard coaster. You are riding high above the Las Vegas Strip, inside a large hotel attraction, with a distinctive 180-degree twist and strong city views. For a dedicated coaster fan, that combination may justify the cost.

The attraction can be better value if you know you want a thrill ride and do not need a long amusement-park day. It is also convenient if you are already staying at, or visiting, New York-New York Hotel. You do not need transportation to a separate park or a full day away from the Strip.

Some riders have bought an additional ride after completing the first one, with a reported $10 repeat-ride price. Treat that as a possible on-site offer, not something included in the $25 ticket. The supplied ticket is for one ride only.

I would budget $25 for admission, plus possible locker storage. Skip the photo unless you genuinely want the souvenir. That keeps the cost closer to the advertised price.

Who will enjoy the Big Apple Coaster?

This is a good match for you if you like speed, inversions, and strong changes in direction. It also works well for a mixed-age family group when everyone meets the height requirement and understands that the ride is forceful.

The ride earned particularly high praise for its excitement. People who have ridden many coasters found it surprisingly good, and several families wanted another turn. That makes it a useful pick for an adrenaline-focused afternoon or evening on the Strip.

First-time coaster riders should think carefully. The ride is short, but short does not mean mild. You will face a fast start, loops, a twist, and forceful turns before you have much time to settle in. If you are unsure, watch the track and decide based on the intensity rather than the ride length.

You should skip it if you have a bad back, neck trouble, knee problems, or a strong dislike of being thrown through turns. The attraction is built for thrills, not comfort.

A simple plan for families and groups

If you are visiting with children, check the 130-centimeter height rule before buying tickets. It is frustrating to discover a restriction after making plans, especially with a group that has paid in advance.

Set aside a few minutes before boarding to handle the locker. Empty your pockets early. Remove large earrings and anything that could fall or poke you. This is not the time to test whether a phone will stay safe in a zipped pocket.

Agree on a meeting spot inside New York-New York Hotel before the ride. The supplied meeting point is at approximately 36.1014995, -115.1740094, but a large hotel can still make it hard to reconnect after a ride. If one person does not want to ride, decide where they will wait before the group enters the line.

For the best shared experience, consider riding after dark, but arrive well before closing. You will have a better chance of getting on before weather, crowds, or a service interruption changes the plan.

Practical details that affect your decision

The experience is sold as a one-day activity, but that does not mean the ride lasts all day. Your ticket gives you access to one ride during the attraction’s operating hours. Expect the coaster itself to be brief.

The attraction is operated at New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hours are 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 11:00 AM to midnight Friday through Sunday. Weather and other conditions can suspend service.

The ticket is non-refundable. I would buy it only after checking your schedule, the weather, and your group’s willingness to ride. The booking provider is GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH.

There is no guide or walking tour component. The staff handles boarding and attraction operations, while your experience comes from the coaster, the hotel setting, and the Strip views.

Should you book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want a fast, forceful coaster without leaving the Las Vegas Strip. The speed, 180-degree twist, night views, and New York-themed setting make it more memorable than a generic fairground ride.

Skip it if $25 feels too high for a short experience, or if you need a smooth ride. Add possible locker and photo costs to your budget, and arrive early enough to handle the line.

My practical call: coaster fans and thrill-seeking families should consider it, especially after dark. Casual visitors should book only if the idea of a high-speed ride above the Strip sounds more appealing than spending the same money on a longer attraction.

FAQ

Where is the Big Apple Coaster located?

It is located at New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The listed coordinates are 36.1014995, -115.1740094.

How much does one ride cost?

The single-ride ticket costs $25 per person.

How long is the activity valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. It provides one ride on the Big Apple Coaster.

How long does the coaster ride last?

The supplied activity details do not give an exact ride duration. The ride is described by riders as short and over quickly.

What are the operating hours?

The coaster operates from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and from 11:00 AM to midnight Friday through Sunday.

How early should I arrive before closing?

You must be in line at least 30 minutes before closing.

Is the ticket refundable?

No. This activity is non-refundable.

What is the minimum height?

Riders must be at least 4 feet 3 inches tall, or 130 centimeters.

Can I take my phone and wallet on the coaster?

Loose items must be removed before riding. Phone, wallet, keys, and similar items may need to be placed in a locker. Riders have reported paying $1 for storage.

Does the ticket include more than one ride?

No. The ticket is for a single ride. An additional ride may sometimes be available on site for a separate fee, but it is not included.