Complete Guide To Las Vegas Roller Coasters (2022)

Take the plunge on Las Vegas roller coasters on your next trip

There are so many things to do in Las Vegas that it will make your head spin. When it comes to activities for thrills, that statement takes on a whole new—and very literal—meaning. For four decades, Vegas has been sending tourists and locals alike on a ride that has left them head over heels.

These roller coasters, while part of hotels and resorts, often involve the purchase of a ride pass, day pass or ticket to the theme park section. Wristbands and vouchers might be required before you let the ride begin. Luckily, most prices are reasonable enough that you won’t be screaming when you open your wallet.

See the Las Vegas Strip Sights at The STRAT

2000 Las Vegas Blvd.

Hours of Ride Operation: Monday to Thursday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m to 12 a.m.

Big Shot

Do you think you’re a Big Shot? If so, you can prove it atop The STRAT Hotel’s Skypod. This massive thrill ride sends the adventurous 160 feet into the air within seconds at speeds of 45 miles per hour. After just a few brief moments of serenity, looking down on the Las Vegas Valley, you’re plunged right back down towards the ground below.

Then, if that’s not enough, it does it again. Yes. Again. Prepare yourself.

This heart-pounding tour of Las Vegas is 4Gs worth of force with your legs freely dangling below. The symbolic ride of excitement brings you up and down in record time, leaving high-rollers breathless by the end. If that doesn’t mimic the life of a true Las Vegas Big Shot, nothing does.

Opened in April 1996 to a massive VIP gala opening, the Big Shot actually predates The STRAT Hotel casino by one day. It was one of the original rides to open at the location and generated the most buzz from those in attendance. It’s a buzz that’s still reverberating to this day, decades later.

Don’t forget to visit the observation deck to recover from the fun of having your feet over the edge of the building.

X-Scream

You may think you’re a big deal, but you might not feel like one after the X-Scream. This coaster goes right for the screaming jugular as it tilts riders from the very edge of the SkyPod, 866 feet in the air, and sends them head-first nearly 30 feet below. That’s when screamers are left dangling above the famous Las Vegas strip, like stunned superheroes, before doing it all over again.

Since 2003, this terrifying ride has been striking fear in the hearts of those brave enough to ride it and left them coming back for more. With four independent locking mechanisms on each seat and titanium restraining bars, this attraction has been through vigorous testing. Still, one thing is for sure. We all scream for X-Scream. You will too.

Thrill Rides and the Adventuredome at Circus Circus

2880 S Las Vegas Blvd

Hours of Ride Operation: Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Canyon Blaster

Why cruise the canyon when you can blast it? The Canyon Blaster at Circus Circus has been around so long that it’s practically an institution. Since 1993, this massive structure, originally designed to emulate the Dutch Python coaster, not only puts you through loops and a double corkscrew—it does it twice.

Featured in films like Baby Geniuses and even used by magician Criss Angel on his show Mindfreak, it’s almost a right of passage for roller coaster thrill-seekers. The double dose of intensity takes riders into the famous Adventuredome theme park at 55 miles per hour and ensures an unforgettable experience.

El Loco

Feeling a little loco? Then you can double dip your toes of adventure at Circus Circus by going from the Canyon Blaster over to its crazy cousin, El Loco. This coaster may be newer than the Blaster with a 2014 launch date, but it has a history built right in as it uses parts from the legendary Rim Runner, which closed the year before its launch.

Known for its “beyond vertical” initial drop, this inversion coaster is famous for its shocking turns and high-energy mix of music. Named one of USA Today’s Ten Most Anticipated Rides of 2014, it lived up to the hype and has taken riders to a whole new level for nearly ten years and counting.

Explore the Concrete Jungle at New York-New York

3790 Las Vegas Blvd

Hours of Ride Operation: Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

The Big Apple Coaster

It’s the casino so nice they named it twice. New York may be the city that never sleeps, but with a three-hour time difference, its Las Vegas namesake is still wide awake when its East Coast neighbor turns off the lights for the night. Those yearning for that Big Apple excitement can find it in the heart of New York-New York with the Big Apple Coaster, a ride that promises to deliver 4D entertainment like nothing else.

A truly interactive experience, this ground-breaking attraction hits over 67 miles per hour complete with a 180-degree heartline twist before dropping over 200 feet. The ride itself clocks in at $15 for a single adult fair, but for $20, you get the virtual reality experience which is virtually breathtaking.

With VR glasses on their faces and seats buckled to their bodies, coaster connoisseurs find themselves tracking an escaped alien through a virtual NYC that feels so real you can practically smell the bagels. It takes an already unbelievable adventure and makes it an unforgettable experience. Fuhgetaboutit.

Be aware, unlike the 48-inch height requirement on many rides of its magnitude, The Big Apple Coaster requires guests to be at least 54 inches.

More Thrill Rides in Las Vegas

The Strip is essentially a giant theme park in and unto itself. There are more exciting things to do in Las Vegas for thrill seekers that extend beyond the traditional coasters, and are a perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping.

Insanity

This giant claw in the sky is also attached to The STRAT. Spin through the air while you look out on the Strip from a height of almost 900 feet in the air.

The LINQ High Roller at The LINQ

Jump onto one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world to gaze out at the beautiful desert landscape surrounding the Las Vegas Strip. Explore The LINQ High Roller at The LINQ hotel for a thrill that is more tranquil than terrifying.

VooDoo Zipline

While not a traditional roller coaster, a zipline offers the same accelerated fun as a top speed thrill ride. The Voodoo Zipline is a rare commodity on the Strip, with the FlyLINQ Zipline as the only other choice for ziplining on and near the famous Boulevard.

NebulaZ

The newest ride on the Strip is located in the heart of theme park fun at Adventuredome. Sit alongside your family and travel in loops without inverting.

Fun Dungeon Arcade

Tired of gambling? Take your cash to one of the arcades on the Strip for some ground level fun.

Some of the other arcades are at New York-New York and Level Up inside the MGM Grand. Read more about the arcades on the Strip for more coin-operated fun.

FlyOver Las Vegas

Get swept away in the splendor of nature at FlyOver, a ride that lets you see the world in a whole new way.

This immersive exhibit is like riding a roller coaster over the planet. Enjoy the feeling of your feet over the edge of your, seat as you plunge over hills and fly through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

FlyOver is located near Hard Rock Cafe and Fashion Show Mall.

Ready to Ride Every Roller Coaster in Las Vegas?

Just like roller coasters go up and down in a split second, so do the rules, requirements and start times for rides and attractions. All the information you see here will help you find the most exhilarating coasters in Las Vegas. Of course, always check to ensure that accessibility and hours of operation haven’t changed.

For those with prohibitive medical conditions, there are other avenues for entertainment besides roller coasters. Could we interest you in some of the best shows on the Strip, perhaps?

Frequently Asked Questions About Every Las Vegas Roller Coaster