Are you an adrenaline junkie with an insatiable craving for velocity? Do you yearn to test your courage against the most formidable, speed-demon roller coasters on the planet? Then prepare for a whirlwind tour of the thirteen fastest steel roller coasters in the world – behemoths of engineering prowess designed to push the limits of thrill. While wooden roller coasters offer their own unique charm and thrills, this list focuses exclusively on the cutting-edge steel coasters that currently dominate the speed charts. These record-breaking rides showcase a diverse array of designs and employ ingenious launch systems to catapult riders to breathtaking speeds.
Hold on tight! Six of these speed demons shatter the 100 mph barrier, delivering an experience that will leave you breathless and craving more. This list will take you around the globe, highlighting these engineering marvels. Buckle up as we delve into the heart-pounding world of the fastest roller coasters. The The 13 Fastest Roller Coasters in the World will offer a glimpse into the world of speed and engineering.
1. Falcon’s Flight: Projected 155+ mph
A monumental addition to the world of roller coasters is on the horizon. Falcon’s Flight, slated to open in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia, in early 2025, promises to redefine the limits of thrill ride engineering. While its official ranking remains pending until its launch, its projected specifications are nothing short of astounding.
Falcon’s Flight is not only expected to reach a blistering top speed exceeding 155 mph (250+ km/h) – making it the undisputed champion of speed – but also boasts a staggering 525-foot drop, claiming the title of the world’s biggest. Adding to its grandeur, the ride will stretch an incredible 4 kilometers (approximately 2.5 miles), providing an epic three-minute journey that shatters the record for the world’s longest roller coaster.
This ambitious project, nestled within the expansive Qiddiya entertainment city, aims to deliver an unparalleled thrill ride experience. Falcon’s Flight promises to be more than just a roller coaster; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and a gateway to an unforgettable adventure. It is poised to become a legend in the world of amusement parks, drawing thrill-seekers from every corner of the globe to experience its record-breaking speed and scale. It is a significant addition to The 13 Fastest Roller Coasters in the World.
2. Formula Rossa: 149.1 mph
Prepare for the ultimate adrenaline rush at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, home to Formula Rossa, the current king of speed. This record-breaking coaster launches riders from 0 to 149.1 mph (240 km/h) in a mind-blowing 4.9 seconds. This intense acceleration is achieved using a hydraulic launch system, mimicking the raw power of a Formula One race car.
The ride begins indoors, accelerating through the park’s iconic dome before bursting outside. It then navigates a series of thrilling twists, turns, and a 171-foot (52m) climb, all while subjecting riders to forces of up to 1.7 Gs. The entire experience lasts a mere 92 seconds, but those seconds are packed with pure, unadulterated speed.
Reflecting its Ferrari theme, the coaster trains are designed to resemble sleek, red Formula One cars. Due to the extreme speeds and the presence of desert sand, riders are provided with protective goggles to ensure their safety and comfort. Formula Rossa is an exhilarating experience that embodies the spirit of speed and innovation, and a clear highlight when discussing The 13 Fastest Roller Coasters in the World.
3. Kingda Ka: 128 mph
Located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey, Kingda Ka is a testament to American engineering and a force to be reckoned with. While Formula Rossa may have stolen its title as the world’s fastest, Kingda Ka remains the fastest roller coaster in the United States and holds the crown as the world’s tallest, standing at an impressive 456 feet.
This behemoth launches riders from 0 to 128 mph in a staggering 3.5 seconds using a powerful hydraulic launch system. The train then ascends the colossal tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views before plummeting down in a near-vertical drop. The experience is a symphony of speed, height, and adrenaline, leaving riders breathless and exhilarated.
Kingda Ka’s layout is a testament to pure speed and intensity. The ride focuses on the launch, the towering ascent, and the heart-stopping drop, providing an unparalleled thrill for those who dare to brave its heights. For those seeking pure, unadulterated velocity, Kingda Ka delivers an experience that is both unforgettable and awe-inspiring.
4. Top Thrill Dragster: 120 mph
Nestled within the thrill-seeker’s paradise of Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, Top Thrill Dragster embodies the essence of speed and racing. Reaching a blistering 120 mph, this aptly named coaster mimics the acceleration and intensity of a drag race.
Like Kingda Ka, Top Thrill Dragster utilizes a hydraulic launch system to propel riders from 0 to 120 mph in a matter of seconds. The train then rockets up a towering 420-foot "top hat" structure before plummeting back down at a near-vertical angle. The entire ride lasts only about 17 seconds, but those seconds are filled with an unparalleled rush of adrenaline.
While slightly slower and shorter than Kingda Ka, Top Thrill Dragster is generally considered a smoother ride. Its racing car theme, coupled with its intense acceleration and towering height, creates an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers.
5. Red Force: 112 mph
Located at Ferrari Land within the PortAventura resort in Salou, Spain, Red Force brings the thrill of Formula One racing to Europe. Opened in 2017, this coaster uses magnetic motors to launch its trains at 112 mph towards a towering "top hat" structure, similar in design to Top Thrill Dragster and Kingda Ka.
As the fastest and tallest roller coaster in Europe, Red Force offers a unique blend of speed and innovation. Its smooth magnetic launch provides a powerful yet controlled acceleration, propelling riders towards the sky in a matter of seconds. The descent is equally exhilarating, offering a thrilling freefall sensation.
Red Force is a testament to modern coaster engineering and a must-ride for any thrill-seeker visiting PortAventura. Its sleek design, intense speed, and towering height make it a standout attraction in the European amusement park landscape.
6. Superman: Escape from Krypton: 100 mph
Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, holds a significant place in coaster history. Boasting an incredible 415-foot tower, it was the first coaster to break the 100 mph barrier when it debuted in 1997 (as Superman: The Escape).
While it faced initial challenges with reliability and often fell short of its theoretical top speed, a significant overhaul in 2011 revitalized the ride. With new cars and improved mechanics, Superman: Escape from Krypton now runs more reliably and consistently reaches its impressive 100 mph top speed.
The ride’s unique design involves launching riders backward up the towering structure, providing a thrilling and disorienting experience. The freefall descent is equally exhilarating, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Superman: Escape from Krypton remains a classic coaster, a testament to innovation and a reminder of the relentless pursuit of speed in the world of amusement parks.
7. Steel Dragon 2000: 95 mph (Tie)
Located at Nagashima Spa Land in Kuwana, Japan, Steel Dragon 2000 stands apart from the other coasters on this list. Unlike the launch coasters, Steel Dragon 2000 utilizes a traditional lift hill to reach its impressive height of 318 feet.
The ascent up the colossal lift hill is a slow and deliberate process, building anticipation for the exhilarating descent that follows. Once at the top, the train plunges down at a face-melting speed of 95 mph, offering a prolonged and intense ride experience.
Steel Dragon 2000 is known for its sheer size and length, providing a ride that is both thrilling and enduring. Its classic design and impressive speed make it a standout attraction in the Japanese amusement park landscape.
8. Fury 325: 95 mph (Tie)
Fury 325, located at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a "Giga-Coaster" that combines immense height with blistering speed. Upon its debut in 2015, it claimed the title of the world’s tallest Giga-Coaster, standing at an impressive 325 feet.
Like Steel Dragon 2000, Fury 325 utilizes a traditional lift hill to ascend its towering structure. The ascent is a slow and steady climb, building anticipation for the exhilarating descent that awaits. Once at the summit, the train plunges down at a breathtaking speed of 95 mph, offering an intense and unforgettable experience.
Fury 325 is renowned for its smooth ride and its combination of height, speed, and airtime. Its impressive stats and thrilling layout make it a must-ride for any coaster enthusiast.
9. Millennium Force: 93 mph
Cedar Point strikes again! Millennium Force, another gem in Cedar Point’s crown, reaches a dizzying 93 mph. The ride is so intense that some passengers may experience panic-stricken "grayout" moments while onboard. Oddly, after its terrifying first drop and crazy speeds, Millennium Force does not deliver any out-of-your-seat airtime that one would expect on such a potent coaster.
10. Leviathan: 92 mph
Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario, is home to Leviathan, the fastest and tallest coaster in Canada. Leviathan is the first Giga-Coaster from Bolliger and Mabillard, makers of super-smooth and sleek coasters. Given B&M’s "track" record, it’s no surprise that Leviathan is quite smooth, despite its wild speed.
11. Orion: 91 mph
Opened in 2020, Orion at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, was also manufactured by Bolliger and Mabillard and offers a ride that is as captivating as the one that Leviathan delivers (even if the Ohio coaster is a tad slower).
12. Intimidator 305: 90 mph
Another "Giga-Coaster," Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, is all about wild height, intense G-forces, and, of course, crazy speed. Forget inversions or gimmicky features. Think insanely fast.
13. Honorable Mention
While not quite making the top 12, many other coasters around the world reach impressive speeds and deserve recognition. These rides offer thrilling experiences and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of roller coaster engineering.
The quest for speed in the world of roller coasters is a relentless pursuit. Engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries of physics and technology to create rides that are faster, taller, and more thrilling than ever before. As new coasters are built and existing ones are upgraded, the list of the The 13 Fastest Roller Coasters in the World will undoubtedly continue to evolve, promising even more exhilarating experiences for thrill-seekers around the globe.
