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

The Big Apple Coaster is Las Vegas at its most direct: a bright red track, a Manhattan skyline made of hotel towers, and a fast blast above the Strip. The first major drop sets the tone, then the ride hits its signature 180-degree twist, loops, and sharp turns at speeds approaching 70 miles per hour.

I like the nighttime views and the easy location inside New York-New York. I also like that the attraction gets straight to the point, with no long pre-show or elaborate setup. The catch is simple: one ride costs $25, and the circuit is short. You may feel the price more than the coaster lasts.

Big Apple Coaster highlights

• A 180-degree twist: The coaster’s signature move turns the train upside down and adds a sudden change in direction.
• Near-70-mph speed: The ride builds quickly after its opening climb and keeps the action coming.
• Strip views at night: Las Vegas lights frame the track, making an evening ride especially memorable.
• A short, intense circuit: You get speed, drops, loops, and turns without a long commitment.
• Loose-item rules: Phones, wallets, keys, and other belongings must come off before riding.
• A 130-centimeter height minimum: Anyone under 4 feet 3 inches cannot ride.

What the Big Apple Coaster feels like

This is not a gentle sightseeing ride with a few mild hills. The Big Apple Coaster is a proper thrill ride built above the New York-New York Hotel, with its red track threading around a large mock-up of Manhattan.

You begin with the climb toward the first drop. That short wait is part of the experience. The track rises above the hotel, Las Vegas opens out around you, and the train pauses long enough to make you think about the decision you just made.

Then the ride lets go. The first drop leads into a quick sequence of turns and loops. The signature 180-degree twist gives the coaster its unusual character, and the speed reaches almost 70 miles per hour.

The ride is short, but it is not empty. You get a concentrated burst of motion rather than a long, gradual circuit. That suits people who want a clear thrill without giving up half a day at a theme park. It may disappoint you if ride length matters more than intensity.

The movement can also feel rough. Several riders found that the turns and dips threw them around more than expected. If you have neck, back, or knee problems, this is a sensible attraction to skip. Even healthy riders should remove large earrings and secure anything loose.

Why the night ride is worth considering

The Big Apple Coaster works during the day, but the setting comes into its own after dark. From the elevated track, you see the glow of the Las Vegas Strip while the coaster moves through the hotel’s Manhattan-style towers.

The view is not a calm panorama. You will not have time to study individual buildings or take photographs. Still, the lights add a strong sense of place. You are not riding an anonymous coaster in a field. You are racing over one of the world’s most recognizable streets, surrounded by neon and hotel signs.

A night ride also changes the mood of the attraction. The track and towers become part of the visual effect, while the Strip lights give you something to notice between the major movements. One family chose a nighttime ride and found the view especially memorable.

If you have a choice, I would choose evening for atmosphere. During the day, you may get clearer views. At night, you get the more distinctly Las Vegas version of the experience.

From New York-New York entrance to the first drop

The attraction is at New York-New York Hotel, at approximately 36.1014995, -115.1740094. That makes it convenient if you are already walking along the Strip or visiting the hotel’s Manhattan-themed interior.

There is no transport segment or guided tour. You make your way to the coaster, present your booking pass, and join the attraction process. The ticket is for a single ride, and the activity is valid for one day.

The advertised hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Friday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to midnight. You must be in line at least 30 minutes before closing. Hours can change because of weather or other operating conditions, so do not plan the coaster as the final minute of a tightly timed evening.

The attraction can be busy. One booking made during a crowded period allowed only two rides, despite the rider having a longer-use ticket. For this single-ride product, the main point is even simpler: check the line before committing your evening schedule.

At the loading area, expect strict rules about belongings. Phones, wallets, keys, and other loose objects cannot remain in your pockets. Some riders were asked to remove items even from zipped trouser pockets. You may need to pay for a storage locker, and one person reported paying $1 to store a phone.

This small extra cost is easy to overlook because you need your phone to show the pass, but you cannot take it on the coaster. Bring the booking details in a practical form, then allow a little extra money and time for storage.

The ride itself: speed, loops, and a rough edge

The coaster’s strongest quality is its pace. Once you leave the climb, the train moves quickly through drops, loops, and turns. The speed is close to 70 miles per hour, and the layout keeps changing direction.

The 180-degree twist is the signature feature. It gives the ride a sudden upside-down moment and helps explain why the coaster feels more forceful than its short duration might suggest. You are not simply going up and down. The track rolls, changes direction, and sends you through a series of fast transitions.

That intensity is exactly why the attraction receives such strong praise from people who love roller coasters. Riders who have tried major amusement park coasters have described this as one of their favorites. Families with older children also found it exciting, with boys aged 11 and 12 eager to ride again.

The same features can work against the ride. The turns and dips may throw you sideways or press hard against the restraints. One rider found certain sections painful, and another warned people with back problems to avoid it. A short ride can be a good thing when every second has energy, but it also means discomfort arrives quickly and ends quickly.

I would rate this as a better choice for experienced thrill seekers than for someone who wants a smooth first coaster. That said, one person who had not ridden a roller coaster in years still found the experience memorable. Your comfort with speed matters more than your age, as long as you meet the height rule and can handle forceful motion.

Is $25 a fair price?

The ticket costs $25 per person for one ride. That is not a cheap add-on, especially when the actual circuit is over in a flash. Several people liked the coaster but still felt it was expensive for the amount of time on the track.

Las Vegas makes this kind of pricing common, but that does not automatically make it good value. I would think of the fee as payment for a high-impact Strip attraction, not an all-day amusement park experience.

The value improves if you care about the setting. You are not paying only for speed. You are paying for the chance to ride above Las Vegas, with the hotel’s New York theme around you and the Strip below. A nighttime ride adds another layer to that setting.

The value also depends on your group. If you have one dedicated coaster fan in your party, $25 may be an easy decision. If four people ride, the total reaches $100 before lockers, photos, or any repeat ride. That deserves a little thought.

Photos can add a major cost. One family reported paying $38 per photo package, which they considered the main downside beyond the ticket. You can enjoy the ride without buying a picture, so decide beforehand how much the souvenir matters.

Some products or ticket arrangements may offer additional rides for a fee, but the activity described here is a single-ride ticket. Do not assume one booking includes unlimited access.

Who should ride, and who should sit this one out?

This is a good fit for you if you like fast roller coasters, want a compact Strip activity, and do not mind paying extra for a short burst of excitement. It also works well for families with children tall enough to meet the 4-foot-3-inch minimum.

The attraction suits a mixed Las Vegas day. You can visit the hotel, walk the Strip, and fit in the ride without dedicating a full day to a theme park. Its central location is useful when your group wants different kinds of entertainment in the same area.

I would skip it if you have significant neck, back, or knee concerns. The ride is forceful enough that several riders specifically warned about being thrown around. If you dislike being upside down, the twist and loops are not minor details. They are central to the experience.

Large earrings and loose possessions are also poor companions here. Remove them before boarding, and expect to use storage for phones, keys, wallets, and anything else that could fall out.

The ride has a minimum height, but no maximum age is provided. Your own health and comfort should guide the decision. If you are uncertain, the ride’s fast pace and strong turns are reasons to choose caution.

Timing your visit around Las Vegas hours

The coaster opens at 11:00 AM every day listed. It closes at 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday and at midnight Friday through Sunday. You must join the line 30 minutes before closing, not arrive at the attraction at closing time.

Weather and other operating conditions can suspend service. Las Vegas is known for dry weather, but that does not guarantee the coaster will operate every minute of the advertised schedule. If the ride is important to your evening, avoid leaving it until the last possible slot.

The busiest periods may produce longer waits. One rider described a very long queue, while another found the line short. That difference likely depends on the day and time, so look at the line when you pass the hotel rather than assuming the wait.

If you want the lights, plan after dark but allow time for the queue and storage process. If you are mainly interested in the ride itself, an earlier visit may give you more flexibility if the line is manageable.

My practical tips before you board

• Wear secure clothing: Loose items and phones cannot go on the coaster.
• Remove large earrings: The ride can be rough, and jewelry may poke or catch.
• Budget for storage: A locker fee may apply when you put away your phone and other belongings.
• Arrive before the cut-off: Join the line at least 30 minutes before closing.
• Check the operating status: Weather and other conditions can stop service.
• Expect one short ride: The ticket supplied here covers one circuit, not a full day of repeated rides.
• Choose night for atmosphere: The Strip lights make the elevated track more distinctive.
• Think about your body: Neck, back, and knee problems are good reasons not to ride.

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 listed price is $25 per person. The activity includes a single-ride ticket.

How long does the experience last?

The ticket is valid for one day, but the coaster ride itself is short. The circuit includes a climb, a first drop, loops, turns, and a 180-degree twist.

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. You must be in line 30 minutes before closing.

Can the coaster close unexpectedly?

Yes. Operating hours are subject to weather conditions and other circumstances that may suspend service.

Is there a height requirement?

Yes. People under 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters, are not permitted to ride.

Can I take my phone and wallet on the coaster?

No. Phones, wallets, keys, and other loose items must be removed before riding. Storage may require an additional fee.

Should you book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want a fast, memorable hit of Las Vegas energy and you enjoy forceful roller coasters. The elevated Strip setting, nighttime lights, near-70-mph speed, and unusual 180-degree twist give the ride a clear identity.

Skip it if $25 feels high for a short circuit, or if you prefer smooth rides with gentle turns. The extra locker and photo costs can push the total higher, and the ride may throw you around more than expected.

My call: this is worth booking for a dedicated thrill seeker, especially at night. For everyone else, watch the line, check your comfort with loops and sharp turns, and decide if one intense ride fits your Las Vegas budget.