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

The Big Apple Coaster is Las Vegas entertainment in its purest form: a giant red track wrapped around a fake Manhattan skyline, with a sudden first drop and speeds near 70 miles per hour. I like the mix of views and force, especially at night when the Strip lights turn the ride into a fast-moving postcard.

I also like that you can skip the ticket line and ride from the center of the Strip, with no separate excursion or transport to arrange. The main drawback is value: $25 for one fairly short ride feels steep, and storage fees or photo purchases can push the cost higher.

Key points

• A full-throttle Strip landmark: The coaster circles the New York-New York Hotel’s Manhattan-style buildings.
• A distinctive 180-degree twist: The track includes loops, tight turns, and an upside-down section.
• Fast but brief: The ride reaches almost 70 miles per hour, yet several people find it over quickly.
• Best after dark: Night rides add bright Strip views and can make the experience feel more special.
• Plan for loose-item storage: Phones, wallets, keys, and other items may need to go into a paid locker.
• Height rule: Riders must be at least 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters, tall.

Racing Above the New York-New York Hotel

The ride begins high above the casino floor and the hotel’s New York-themed exterior. From there, the red track snakes around mock skyscrapers, giving you a strong view of the Strip before the real work begins.

You climb toward the first drop with enough time to wonder why you agreed to this. Then the coaster picks up speed quickly, sending you through turns, loops, and the signature 180-degree twist.

The ride is built for impact rather than sightseeing. You do get views, especially at night, but you will spend much of the trip bracing for the next change in direction. This is not a gentle observation ride with a few exciting moments. It is a compact thrill ride with a view attached.

The advertised top speed is almost 70 miles per hour. That is quick enough to make the ride feel serious, even if you have ridden major coasters elsewhere. Several riders describe the experience as fast, forceful, and a little rough, so you should expect to be thrown around more than on a smooth family coaster.

What the 180-Degree Twist Feels Like

The 180-degree twist is one of the coaster’s defining features. It changes the direction of the train in a sharp, disorienting movement that adds to the ride’s sense of chaos.

You will also encounter loops and steep turns. The track layout keeps changing, so the ride does not settle into a simple up-and-down pattern. That constant movement is the reason many people rate it as one of the most exciting things they do in Las Vegas.

There is a tradeoff. The same force that thrills one rider can bother another. People with neck, knee, back, or other physical problems should think carefully before booking. Several riders found some turns and dips painful, and one practical piece of advice comes up often: remove large earrings and anything else that could poke you.

The ride is not necessarily the smoothest choice for a first coaster. It can still suit a first-time rider who wants a major thrill, but you should not mistake the 180-degree twist and loops for a mild introduction.

How Long the Ride Really Feels

The listed duration is one day because the ticket is valid for that operating day, not because you will spend a full day on the coaster. The actual ride is short. That is the most common criticism of the experience, and it matters when you compare the $25 price with other Las Vegas attractions.

The sequence packs a lot into a brief run. You get the climb, the first drop, several rapid changes of direction, and the final return to the station. But once the train pulls back in, you may feel that the excitement ended just as you got comfortable with it.

This works best if you value intensity over length. I would not book it expecting a long theme-park coaster session. I would book it as one sharp burst of adrenaline that fits easily between other Strip plans.

Some bookings have been described as all-day passes, allowing multiple rides. The activity information here specifies a single-ride ticket, so check the exact ticket type before you count on riding again. A repeat ride has reportedly been available for $10 after the first ride in some cases, but that should not be treated as guaranteed.

Daylight Views or a Night Ride

A daytime ride gives you a clearer look at the red track, the New York-New York buildings, and the Strip below. You can better see the layout and the scale of the coaster, which helps if you enjoy the engineering and visual side of a ride.

Night is the more atmospheric choice. The Strip lights up below, and the contrast between the dark sky and bright casino signs gives the ride extra character. One family specifically found the night view a highlight, and another rider called the night ride the most enjoyable of several rides.

The downside is that everyone else may have the same idea. Busy periods can mean a longer wait, and a full queue makes a short ride feel less satisfying. If you have flexibility, an earlier visit may be easier for fitting the coaster into your schedule, while a later ride may offer the better view.

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, and weather or other operating conditions can suspend service.

Getting Ready at the Station

The ticket covers one ride and allows you to skip the ticket line. You still need to follow the ride’s own boarding procedures, so do not assume that skipping the ticket line means walking straight onto the train.

Secure your belongings before you reach the platform. Phones, wallets, keys, and loose items cannot simply stay in your pockets. Riders have reported being required to remove everything, even from zipped pants pockets.

A storage locker has reportedly cost $1. That is not a major expense beside a Las Vegas hotel bill, but it is an easy surprise if you arrive expecting the ticket to cover every part of the visit. You may also need your phone to display your booking pass before surrendering it for storage, so plan to show the pass first.

Large earrings deserve special attention. The movement can make jewelry uncomfortable, and the train’s speed and turns are not a good match for dangling accessories. Keep your pockets light and your clothing secure.

The attraction is at the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The supplied location coordinates are 36.1014995, -115.1740094. No transport or guide service is included, so you make your own way to the hotel and the coaster entrance.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

The Big Apple Coaster suits you if you want a major thrill without leaving the Strip. It is easy to add to a day of sightseeing, shopping, dining, or casino stops because the ride is located at a well-known hotel rather than in a separate amusement park.

Families with older children can find it a good choice, provided everyone meets the height requirement and is comfortable with a forceful coaster. Children aged 11 and 12 have enjoyed it, and an 18-year-old rider especially liked the loops, turns, and upside-down sections.

It also works for couples who want to make a quick challenge out of the afternoon. One rider persuaded a spouse to try it as part of a Las Vegas bargain, and the spouse ended up enjoying the experience. That is a useful reminder that the ride looks more intimidating from below than it feels to some first-time riders.

I would be cautious if you have back, neck, or knee concerns, or if you dislike being pushed from side to side. The ride has enough force that a bad fit can turn a fun stop into an uncomfortable one. If you are unsure, watch the trains from outside first and decide after seeing how sharply they move.

Price, Photos, and the Real Cost

At $25 per person, the coaster is not cheap for a single short ride. Las Vegas attractions often charge a premium for location, and this ride benefits from being directly on the Strip. You are paying partly for convenience and partly for the novelty of racing around the New York-New York skyline.

The value improves if you are a committed coaster fan. For someone who loves speed, loops, and unusual track layouts, one ride may be enough to justify the price. For a casual rider, the short duration can make the cost feel high.

Budget for possible extras. Storage has reportedly cost $1, and one family paid $38 for a photo. Those add-ons are optional, but the photo price is high enough to affect your decision. If you want a souvenir, decide in advance how much the picture is worth to you.

A second ride for $10 has also been available in some cases. If that offer applies to your ticket, the value improves considerably. Still, confirm the current terms at the attraction, since the activity described here includes a single ride rather than unlimited access.

Lines, Timing, and Weather

The coaster’s hours give you plenty of room to fit it into a Las Vegas day. It opens at 11:00 AM every day listed, closes at 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and remains open until midnight Friday through Sunday.

Do not cut it too close. The stated rule is that you must be in line 30 minutes before closing. Weather and other circumstances can also stop the service, so a late-night plan carries more risk than an earlier visit if the ride is essential to your day.

Queue length can vary. Some riders have found the line short, while others have faced a long wait. Busy dates can also reduce the number of rides you manage, particularly if you have children with you or are trying to ride more than once.

I would place the coaster earlier in your schedule if you would be genuinely disappointed to miss it. You can still choose a night ride for the view, but leave enough time for a queue and possible operating interruption.

A Practical Ride Plan

Start by checking the operating status and your ticket details before heading over. Make sure you know if you have a single-ride ticket or a ticket with additional access, since the two have been described differently by people using the attraction.

Arrive with minimal belongings. Remove large earrings, leave loose items behind when possible, and be ready to pay for storage if the ride requires it. Keep your booking pass available on your phone before placing the phone in a locker.

Next, decide if you want daylight or night views. Daylight is better for seeing the track and buildings. Night is better for the Strip’s glowing signs and the added drama of racing through the dark.

Once aboard, hold on and expect the ride to be over quickly. The brief length is easier to accept if you view the coaster as a concentrated thrill rather than a long amusement-park session.

Afterward, check for a repeat-ride offer if you want more. Do not assume the $10 price or all-day access applies to every ticket, but it is worth asking before you leave the boarding area.

Should You Book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you enjoy fast coasters, want a memorable Strip activity, and accept that the ride is short and physical. The speed, 180-degree twist, loops, and night views give it more personality than a basic fairground ride.

Think twice if price matters more than intensity, or if you have neck, back, or knee problems. The $25 ticket is easier to justify for a serious coaster fan than for someone hoping for a long sightseeing attraction.

My practical choice would be a night ride for the best visual setting, with a daytime visit as the safer option for timing. Bring little, expect a sharp burst of motion, and confirm whether your ticket is single-ride or offers repeat access. If that sounds like your kind of Las Vegas stop, the Big Apple Coaster is a solid choice.

FAQ

How much does the Big Apple Coaster cost?

The listed price is $25 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The activity is valid for one day. The included ticket is described as a single-ride ticket, so check your exact booking if you are expecting repeat rides.

What are the coaster’s operating hours?

It 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 early should I join the line?

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

Can weather stop the ride?

Yes. Operating hours and service can change because of weather and other circumstances.

What is the minimum height?

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

Are lockers included in the ticket?

The ticket information does not state that lockers are included. A $1 storage charge has been reported at the attraction for personal items.

Can I take my phone and wallet on the coaster?

You should be prepared to remove phones, wallets, keys, and other loose items from your pockets before riding.

Where is the Big Apple Coaster?

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