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

Hold on tight above the Strip. The Big Apple Coaster packs near-70-mph speed and sharp turns into a short ride through New York-New York’s bright Manhattan-style skyline. I like the strong sense of place, since you race around red track wrapped around mock skyscrapers, and I like the night views when Las Vegas is glowing below. The main drawback is value: at $25 for one ride, the experience can feel over quickly.

This is a proper thrill ride, not a gentle sightseeing loop. You climb toward the first drop, then whip through twists, loops, and the coaster’s famous 180-degree twist. If you have a sensitive back, neck, or knees, think carefully before buying. The ride can throw you around, and the ticket is non-refundable.

Key points to know before you ride

• The ride reaches almost 70 miles per hour, making it a serious coaster rather than a small casino attraction.
• The 180-degree twist is the signature feature, with inversions and fast turns that keep the action coming.
• The ride is short, so $25 buys a concentrated burst of excitement rather than a long park-style coaster session.
• Night rides offer the best view, with the Las Vegas Strip lit up around and below the track.
• You must be at least 4 feet 3 inches tall, or 130 centimeters, to ride.
• Your pockets must be empty, and a paid storage locker may be needed for your phone, wallet, keys, and other loose items.

Finding the coaster inside New York-New York

The Big Apple Coaster is at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, at approximately 36.1014995, -115.1740094. You are not heading to a remote amusement park. The ride is built into the resort’s New York-themed exterior, where the red track curls around the hotel’s mock Manhattan buildings.

That setting is part of the fun. You are surrounded by Las Vegas spectacle before the train even leaves the station. The coaster feels tied to the hotel rather than dropped into a plain parking lot, and the red track gives you a clear look at what is waiting overhead.

A single-ride ticket is valid for one ride during the selected day. The activity is sold as a skip-the-ticket-line option, but that does not mean you should arrive at closing time. The attraction requires you to be in line at least 30 minutes before closing, and the operating hours can change because of weather or other conditions.

The published hours are 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and 11:00 AM to midnight Friday through Sunday. If the coaster is a firm part of your evening plans, check the current schedule before setting out. Las Vegas weather can be hot, windy, or unsettled, and outdoor rides can pause.

The climb before the first drop

The ride begins with the slowest part: the climb. That is good news if you like a moment to gather your courage, though it may feel long when you are sitting beneath a track that is about to send you over the Strip.

From the top, the ride shifts quickly from anticipation to speed. The first drop starts the main sequence, and you do not get much time to settle after it. The track then moves through fast turns, loops, and changes in direction.

The Big Apple Coaster’s appeal is its combination of height and location. You are not simply watching Las Vegas from a tower. You are moving through the view at speed, with the hotel’s New York theme and the Strip’s lights competing for your attention.

That also means you should not expect a calm panoramic ride. If your main goal is sightseeing, the coaster may be too fast for careful viewing. You get flashes of the Strip between the turns, not a leisurely look at the city.

The 180-degree twist and fast turns

The 180-degree twist is the feature that gives this coaster its identity. The track turns your body through a sudden change in orientation, adding to the feeling that the ride is constantly changing direction.

The advertised top speed is almost 70 miles per hour. That speed is enough to make the ride feel forceful, especially when paired with the loops and dips. Some riders describe the motion as rough, with certain turns and drops placing extra pressure on the body.

I would not call this the best choice for someone easing back into coasters after years away, unless you already know you handle quick inversions and hard turns well. One rider who had not been on a roller coaster for years loved the experience, while other accounts point out that the movement can feel rough. That contrast is useful: the coaster can be thrilling and memorable, but comfort varies from person to person.

Remove large earrings before boarding. One rider specifically noted that the movement can make jewelry uncomfortable. Keep pockets completely empty as well. Even items in zippered trouser pockets may not be allowed, since loose objects can fall out during the ride.

Why a night ride is worth considering

The daytime ride gives you a better sense of the track and the hotel’s red Manhattan-style structure. At night, the setting becomes more dramatic. The Strip lights up, and the coaster turns that famous Las Vegas glow into part of the ride.

Several riders especially enjoyed the nighttime view. I can see why. The high points give you quick looks over the bright casinos, while the red track and hotel lights frame the city in every direction. You will not have time to study landmarks, but the flashes of light add something the daytime ride cannot match.

If you are choosing one ride and have flexible timing, evening is the more memorable choice. The tradeoff is that night can be a popular period, particularly on busy weekends. The posted closing time runs later Friday through Sunday, when the attraction operates until midnight.

A short ride with a $25 price tag

The central value question is simple: how much do you pay for a brief hit of speed?

The price is $25 per person for a single ride. Many riders consider the coaster fun and worth doing, but several also call it expensive or overpriced because the ride ends quickly. That criticism is fair. You are paying for the machinery, the location, the Strip setting, and the famous Las Vegas name, not for a long day at a full amusement park.

The ticket makes more sense if you already plan to visit New York-New York. You can add the coaster to a hotel and Strip outing without spending time traveling to another attraction. It is also a good choice when one person in your group wants a major thrill while others prefer to watch.

The value improves if you can buy a repeat ride. Some riders report being offered a second ride for $10 after the first one. That offer is not stated as part of the supplied ticket inclusion, so treat it as something to ask about on the day rather than a guaranteed feature.

One important distinction: the supplied experience is a single-ride ticket, not an all-day pass. Some older ticket arrangements allowed repeated rides, but you should not assume that applies to this booking. Confirm exactly what you have purchased before arriving.

Tickets, phones, lockers, and loose items

The ticket process is mostly simple, but the storage rules can catch you off guard. You need your phone to display the pass, according to one account, but you cannot take that phone onto the coaster. A small storage charge of $1 was reported for the phone.

Other accounts describe mandatory removal of wallets, keys, and phones from pockets, with a locker charge at the attraction. The exact locker price is not provided, so bring a little extra money and expect storage to be a possible added cost.

Do not rely on a printed confirmation alone. One rider arrived with printed tickets and was told they were not acceptable. The safest plan is to have the digital pass ready on your phone, then follow the attraction’s storage instructions before boarding.

This is a small practical point, but it matters. A $25 ride can become more expensive if you add storage, photos, and repeat rides. Photo packages were reported at $38 each, which some riders found steep. You can enjoy the ride without buying a photo, but you should know that the souvenir costs may exceed the locker fee.

How long to allow for the experience

The ride itself is short. That is one of its strengths and one of its weaknesses.

You get a quick, high-impact attraction that fits neatly into a Strip evening. If you have a dinner reservation or a show, the coaster can work as a compact thrill between plans. But queues can change the total time. One person reported a very long wait, while another found the line short, so conditions vary.

Visit earlier if you want the best chance of avoiding a heavy queue, or allow extra time during busy periods. Friday through Sunday hours extend to midnight, but later opening hours do not guarantee a short wait.

If you are traveling with children, remember that the minimum height is 4 feet 3 inches, or 130 centimeters. Several families enjoyed the ride with older children, including children around 11 and 12. Height, not age, is the rule given for entry, so measure carefully if your child is close to the limit.

Who will enjoy this coaster most

I would recommend the Big Apple Coaster to:

• People who want a serious thrill without leaving the Las Vegas Strip
• Families with children tall enough and confident enough for forceful coaster motion
• Visitors who enjoy loops, inversions, speed, and sudden turns
• Couples looking for a lively nighttime activity
• Repeat coaster fans who value setting and atmosphere as much as ride length

I would be more cautious if you dislike rough motion or have neck, back, or knee problems. Several accounts warn that the ride can throw you around, and one person described the experience as traumatic despite recognizing that thrill seekers would enjoy it.

You should also skip it if you want a long coaster for your money. The ride is over quickly, and the $25 price can feel high once you add storage or a photo.

My practical plan for riding

I would check the operating hours on the day of the ride, then arrive with the digital ticket open on my phone. I would remove large earrings, leave valuables in a secure place, and expect to use the required storage system for anything I cannot take aboard.

If I wanted Strip views, I would aim for after dark, while allowing extra time for a possible queue. I would not arrive within the final 30 minutes before closing, since you must already be in line by then.

For a family visit, I would make sure everyone meets the 4-foot-3-inch height requirement before paying. Since the ticket is non-refundable, this matters. I would also explain to children that the ride is short but fast, with strong turns and upside-down sections.

Finally, I would budget more than the ticket price if I wanted a locker, another ride, or a photo. The extra costs are not ruinous by Las Vegas standards, but they can change how you judge the deal.

Should you book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want a compact, high-speed thrill in a memorable Strip setting. The ride earns strong marks for speed, twists, nighttime views, and sheer excitement. It is particularly appealing if you already plan to spend time at New York-New York and want an activity that feels unmistakably Las Vegas.

Skip it if you need a long ride to justify $25, dislike rough movement, or have neck, back, or knee concerns. The ride ends quickly, the storage rules can add a small annoyance, and the ticket cannot be refunded.

For the right rider, this is a fast and entertaining piece of Las Vegas theater. Just arrive prepared, keep your pockets empty, and do not mistake the short duration for a gentle experience.

FAQ

How much does a Big Apple Coaster ticket cost?

The listed price is $25 per person for a single ride.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. It is described as a single-ride ticket, so you should not assume unlimited rides.

What are the operating hours?

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

How early should I arrive before closing?

You must be in line at least 30 minutes before the attraction closes.

Is the ride available in bad weather?

Operating hours and service can be affected by weather and other circumstances. Check availability and current operating conditions before you go.

Is there a height requirement?

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

Can I take my phone and wallet onto the coaster?

The ride requires loose items to be removed from your pockets. Accounts describe storing phones, wallets, keys, and similar items in a locker, with a possible storage charge.