Top 10 Fastest Roller Coasters in the World
Humans feel a thrill when facing danger, and overcoming it brings relief along with a sense of accomplishment. Activities like diving, bungee jumping, or riding roller coasters heighten excitement, helping relieve stress, improve circulation, and more. That’s why so many people seek out thrilling adventures around the world.
Among these, roller coasters are accessible, relatively safe, and boast incredible speeds, making them perfect for thrills. So, what’s the fastest roller coaster in the world? Height and track length are factors too, but this list ranks purely by speed.
10th – USA, Intimidator 305 [Speed 90 mph]
The 10th fastest roller coaster in the world is Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion theme park in the US. Opened in 2010, it’s known as the fastest and tallest on the East Coast. It reaches 300 feet high and drops vertically at 85 degrees. The track is 5,100 feet long, and at 90 mph, it takes just over 3 minutes to complete. Despite that, it’s praised for its stability with minimal shocks or risks.
9th – USA, Orion [Speed 91 mph]
Opened fairly recently in 2020, Orion takes 9th place. Located at Kings Island theme park in Ohio, USA. It hits 91 mph with a total track length of 5,321 feet, completing in 3 minutes. It’s one of the fastest trains in the world, yet relatively low at 287 feet, making it one of the shorter giga coasters.
8th – Canada, Leviathan [Speed 92 mph]
First revealed to the public in 2012, Canada’s Leviathan ranks 8th. Speeding at 92 mph, with a track length of 5,486 feet, it takes 3 minutes and 28 seconds to finish. The maximum drop angle is 80 degrees, and it’s 306 feet tall. It’s the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada.
7th – USA, Millennium Force [Speed 93 mph]
Opened in 2000, Millennium Force at Cedar Point in Ohio, USA, is 7th. It reaches 93 mph, with a track length of 6,595 feet, completing in about 2 minutes and 20 seconds. At 310 feet tall with an 80-degree drop, it was the world’s tallest and fastest when it opened, holding the record for two years.
6th – USA, Fury 325 [Speed 95 mph]
Fury 325, opened in 2015 at Carowinds in North Carolina, USA, ranks 6th. It hits 95 mph, with a track length of 6,602 feet, taking about 3 minutes and 25 seconds. At 325 feet tall with an 81-degree drop, it’s the tallest giga coaster using a traditional lift hill.
5th – Japan, Steel Dragon 2000 [Speed 95 mph]
Steel Dragon 2000 at Nagashima Spa Land in Japan ties for 5th. Opened in 2000, it reaches 95 mph, with the world’s longest track at 8,133 feet, taking 4 minutes to complete. At 318 feet tall with a 68-degree drop, it’s built to withstand earthquakes.
4th – USA, Superman [Speed 100 mph]
Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, USA, is 4th. Opened in 1997, it hits 100 mph. A launch coaster with a short track of 900 feet, it takes about 2 minutes total, including wait time. It launches to 415 feet and drops at 90 degrees, originally called Superman: The Escape.
3rd – Spain, Red Force [Speed 112 mph]
Red Force at Ferrari Land in Spain ranks 3rd. Opened in 2017, it reaches 112 mph in 5 seconds. Track length is 2,887 feet, completing in about 1 minute. At 367 feet tall, it’s Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.
2nd – USA, Kingda Ka [Speed 128 mph]
The fastest in the US is Kingda Ka. Opened in May 2005, it boasts 128 mph. A launch coaster with a short 3,118-foot track, it finishes in under 30 seconds. It climbs to 456 feet and drops 418 feet. The drop is so fast and resistance high that protective goggles are required.
1st – UAE, Formula Rossa [Speed 149 mph]
With a commanding lead, the world’s fastest roller coaster is Formula Rossa. Located at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, UAE, it opened to the public in November 2010. Speeding at 149 mph, with a 6,561-foot track, it completes in 1 minute and 32 seconds. It reaches top speed in under 5 seconds.
As a kid, roller coasters were thrilling, but now as an adult, the speed and height make me turn pale. Writing this was fun, but I have no desire to ride them. Even the Millennium Force at Cedar Point makes me scream, so these roller coasters? I’d pass even if paid. What about you? Tempted to try? If so, plan a trip to the US right away. With so many in the rankings from the US, you can hit most great ones just there!
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