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

The Big Apple Coaster is one of Las Vegas’s loudest surprises: a full-size thrill ride wrapped around a fake Manhattan skyline, high above the Strip. You climb, drop, twist upside down, and race through turns at almost 70 miles per hour.

I like the nighttime views and the ride’s unusual 180-degree twist. I also like the one-day flexibility, since you can choose your riding time instead of being tied to a fixed departure.

The catch is simple: the ride is short, and $25 is a serious price for a single run. You should also expect a forceful ride that can throw your head and body around, plus a possible locker charge for your phone and loose items.

Key points before you ride

• The ride reaches nearly 70 mph, with drops, loops, and sharp turns.
• A 180-degree twist gives the coaster one of its signature moments.
• Night rides offer Strip views, with Las Vegas glowing below you.
• The ticket is valid for one day, but it covers one ride only.
• Loose items are not allowed, so plan for the required storage process.
• The minimum height is 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters.

A Manhattan skyline with a Las Vegas price tag

The Big Apple Coaster sits at New York-New York Hotel and Casino, where a red track winds around replicas of Manhattan buildings. You do not need a bus, taxi, or separate excursion to reach it. If you are already walking the Strip, the ride is easy to add to a hotel visit or an evening out.

This is not a gentle sightseeing ride with a few soft bends. The first climb builds suspense, then the coaster drops you into a fast sequence of turns, loops, and changes in direction. The 180-degree twist is the memorable feature, especially if you like rides that turn your sense of direction inside out.

I would think of it as a compact hit of adrenaline rather than a full amusement-park day. You get the machinery, the height, the speed, and the Strip setting, but the actual ride is over quickly. That short length is the main reason some people find $25 hard to justify.

What happens from the queue to the first drop

Your experience begins at the Big Apple Coaster entrance inside the New York-New York complex. The ticket is for a single ride and is valid for one day, so you can choose a convenient time during the attraction’s operating hours.

The ticket includes skip-the-ticket-line access, but that does not always mean you walk straight onto the train. You still need to enter the attraction, pass its safety procedures, and wait for the ride itself. At busy times, the queue can be long. One practical advantage of arriving earlier in the day is that you may avoid the heaviest evening demand, though the exact wait depends on the day and conditions.

Before boarding, empty your pockets. Phones, wallets, keys, and other loose items are not permitted on the coaster. Bring your booking pass on your phone because a printed confirmation may not be accepted at the entrance. Then be ready to store the phone and other belongings in a locker. Plan for a small storage charge, reported as about $1, rather than treating the locker as an unexpected surprise.

Once secured, you board the train and begin the climb. This is the calmest part of the ride, giving you a moment to look out over the Strip and reconsider your decision. Then comes the first drop, followed by the fast turns and inversions that define the coaster.

The red track, fast turns, and 180-degree twist

The ride’s appeal comes from variety. You are not simply sent down one hill and back. The track snakes around the hotel’s Manhattan theme, carrying you through drops, loops, and quick changes in direction.

The almost 70 mph top speed sounds impressive, but speed is only part of the feeling. The ride also pushes you sideways and downward, which can make the turns feel rougher than expected. Several riders describe it as a forceful coaster that throws you around. If your neck, back, knees, or other joints are sensitive, take that seriously.

The 180-degree twist is the signature feature. The coaster was the first to include this type of twist, and it gives the ride a sharp change in orientation that you will feel more than calmly observe. Large earrings and other loose accessories are poor choices here. Secure anything that could fall, poke you, or become uncomfortable during the turns.

I would not call this an easy introduction for someone who is nervous about roller coasters. The minimum height is 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters, but meeting the height rule does not mean the ride will feel mild. Children who already enjoy strong coasters may have a great time. A first-timer who dislikes sudden drops or being turned upside down may want to watch the train first.

Why the Strip views matter most at night

The Big Apple Coaster is also a viewing platform with a launch sequence. From high on the track, you get a different angle on Las Vegas Boulevard, with the bright hotel signs and traffic below. Daytime rides give you a clearer look at the surrounding buildings. At night, the lights become part of the attraction.

Several riders have singled out nighttime as the best time to go. I understand why. The coaster’s red track, the hotel’s New York theme, and the Strip’s signs create a more dramatic setting after dark. You may not have time to study the view during the fastest sections, but the climb and higher points offer brief pauses before the next rush.

There is a tradeoff. Evening is also a popular time for a Strip attraction, so the queue may be longer. If you want the view but not the longest wait, consider riding near the start of the operating day. If you care most about atmosphere, choose a night ride and accept that the line could take more time.

Is $25 good value for one ride?

The listed price is $25 per person for a single ride. That is not cheap when you compare it with a full day at a large amusement park, where one admission can include many attractions. Here, you are paying for one short, high-speed experience in a prime Las Vegas location.

The price makes more sense if you are already at New York-New York and want a focused thrill without committing half a day to an excursion. You also avoid transport costs and can fit the ride between meals, shopping, shows, or other Strip stops.

The value drops if you expect a long coaster run. The ride is over quickly, and several riders wish it lasted longer or made a second circuit. You should buy it because you want this particular coaster and setting, not because you expect a long session.

There may be a lower-cost way to repeat the experience after your first ride. One rider reported being able to buy another ride for $10 after the initial run. Treat that as something to ask about at the attraction, since prices and policies can change. The ticket supplied here covers one ride, not unlimited riding.

Photos can also increase the final cost. One family reported a $38 photo price. You do not need to buy a photo to enjoy the coaster, so decide in advance how much you want to spend on extras.

Comfort, safety, and who should skip it

The ride’s minimum height is 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters. That is the only stated admission restriction, but comfort is just as important as height.

You should think twice if you have neck, back, or knee problems. The quick turns and drops can be physically rough. The ride is designed for excitement, not for a smooth scenic glide. If you are small in build, the restraints and motion may feel especially forceful.

Remove large earrings and secure anything loose before you enter. Do not rely on zipped trouser pockets. The storage rule is strict enough that you should assume all important items need to go in a locker.

This is a good match for:

• Adults and older children who already like fast coasters
• Couples looking for a short shared challenge
• Families with children above the height limit
• First-time Las Vegas visitors who want a Strip attraction with real speed
• Repeat riders who care more about thrills than ride length

It is a poor match if you dislike inversions, sudden drops, or strong lateral motion. It also may not suit you if the $25 price feels high for an experience that finishes quickly.

Choosing the best time to go

The attraction operates Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. From Friday through Sunday, it runs from 11:00 AM to midnight.

You must be in line at least 30 minutes before closing. Do not arrive at 10:45 PM on a weekday and assume you can still join the queue. On weekends, midnight closing gives you a little more room, but late-night demand can still affect waiting time.

The coaster may stop operating because of weather or other conditions. Las Vegas is dry much of the year, but the attraction is outdoors enough that service can be suspended. Check availability and operating status on the day you plan to ride.

I would choose the time based on your goal:

• For the shortest possible wait: Go near opening, subject to the day’s queue.
• For Strip lights: Ride after dark.
• For a family schedule: Use the one-day validity to fit the coaster around your other plans.
• For a repeat ride: Ask about the additional ride price after completing the first run.

Because the ticket is non-refundable, avoid buying it far ahead if your plans are uncertain. Make sure the height, health, and weather factors work for your group before you commit.

How this compares with a full amusement park ride

The Big Apple Coaster gives you one major attraction in a central Strip setting. You do not get a park full of rides, shaded rest areas, or a full day of entertainment under this ticket. You get a single, concentrated burst of speed.

That focus can be a benefit. You can finish the experience in a short stop and move on to another Las Vegas plan. It also makes the coaster easy to add to an evening at New York-New York.

The ride can feel less valuable if you have already paid for a major amusement park and want many hours of activity. In that case, the Big Apple Coaster’s single-ride price may seem steep. The best comparison is not with a full park admission. Compare it with the cost of other individual Las Vegas attractions and ask how much you value speed, height, and the Strip setting.

My practical take on the experience

I like that the coaster feels tied to its location. The fake Manhattan buildings are not just decoration. They give the track a strong visual frame and make the ride different from a standard coaster in an anonymous park.

I also like the flexibility. You have a whole operating day to use the ticket, rather than one fixed ride time. That matters in Las Vegas, where plans often change around meals, shows, weather, and late starts.

The main weakness is the short duration. You spend time reaching the entrance, handling the locker, waiting, and boarding, then the actual ride passes quickly. The best way to avoid disappointment is to set your expectations correctly: this is a sharp burst of thrills, not a long tour above the Strip.

The force is another issue. Some riders find the motion exhilarating. Others find certain turns and dips painful. I would not book it for someone with a bad back or a strong dislike of being thrown around. For a healthy thrill seeker, though, the speed and inversion sequence can make this one of the more memorable quick stops on the Strip.

Should you book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want a real roller coaster without leaving Las Vegas Boulevard, especially if you like fast turns, inversions, and night views. It works well for families with coaster-loving children above 130 centimeters and for adults who want to add one bold activity to a hotel day.

Skip it if you want long ride time, a gentle view of Las Vegas, or a low-cost attraction. At $25 for one run, plus possible locker and photo charges, the value depends on how much you enjoy intense rides.

My advice is to buy it when the coaster itself is the point of your day. Go early for a better chance at a shorter wait, or go at night if the Strip lights are worth the tradeoff. Keep your pockets empty, your accessories secure, and your expectations set for a short but serious rush.

FAQ

Where is the Big Apple Coaster located?

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

How much does one ride cost?

The supplied price is $25 per person for a single-ride ticket.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. It covers one ride.

What are the operating hours?

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

How late can I join the line?

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

Does the coaster operate in all weather?

No. Operating hours and service may change because of weather or other conditions.

What is the minimum height?

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

Can I bring my phone on the ride?

No. Phones and other loose items must be removed before boarding and stored according to the attraction’s procedures.

Is a printed booking confirmation accepted?

A printed confirmation may not be accepted. Bring the booking pass on your phone, then store the phone before riding.

Is the ticket refundable?

No. This activity is non-refundable.