Fastest Roller Coasters for 2024

Formula Rossa is the fastest roller coaster in the world, reaching a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h) in just under 5 seconds. Inspired by the speed and performance of a Formula 1 race car, this steel coaster launches riders from 0 to its maximum speed using a hydraulic launch system, similar to those found on aircraft carriers. 

Kingda Ka is the tallest and one of the fastest roller coasters in the world. Standing at a staggering 456 feet, it launches riders from 0 to 128 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds using a hydraulic launch system. The ride features a vertical ascent, cresting the towering top hat before a stomach-dropping 418-foot spiral descent. Lasting only about 50 seconds, Kingda Ka delivers an intense, adrenaline-pumping experience, making it a must-ride for thrill-seekers.

Top Thrill Dragster is known for its exhilarating speed and height, it was the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster when it debuted in 2003, reaching a height of 420 feet and accelerating from 0 to 120 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The ride features a vertical ascent and a 270-degree twist during the drop, offering a thrilling experience that lasts under 20 seconds.

Superman: Escape from Krypton is a high-speed, reverse freefall roller coaster that features a vertical launch that catapults riders backwards at speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h), reaching heights of 415 feet (126 meters). After a thrilling pause at the top, riders experience a heart-pounding plunge back down to the launch area. The ride, themed after Superman's home planet of Krypton, provides an exhilarating blend of extreme speed, height, and weightlessness, making it a must-try for thrill-seekers.

Fury 325 stands at 325 feet tall and reaching speeds of up to 95 mph, it is one of the tallest and fastest giga coasters in the world. Fury 325 features a smooth steel track and provides an exhilarating experience with its intense drops, banked turns, and high-speed curves. Since its debut in 2015, the coaster has garnered widespread acclaim for its thrilling ride experience and engineering excellence.

Millennium Force was for a long time the world’s first giga coaster, standing at a towering 310 feet and reaching speeds of up to 93 mph. Known for its smooth ride and intense airtime, Millennium Force offers breathtaking views of Lake Erie as it plunges riders into thrilling drops and high-speed overbanked turns. Its innovative design and cutting-edge technology have made it a fan favorite and a staple on lists of the best roller coasters in the world.

Intimidator 305 stands at 305 feet tall and features an 85-degree first drop and reaches speeds of up to 90 mph, offering an intense ride experience with sharp twists, high-speed turns, and airtime hills. The coaster provides thrill-seekers with a smooth yet adrenaline-pumping journey, complete with forces strong enough to cause brief "blackout" moments for some riders. Its reputation as one of the most extreme coasters in the world makes it a must-ride for enthusiasts.

Goliath is known for its high speeds, intense drops, and thrilling layout. Opened in 2000, it features a 255-foot climb followed by a stomach-churning 255-foot drop at a steep angle, propelling riders at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour. The ride offers a mix of high-speed turns, sweeping curves, and powerful airtime hills, including a dark tunnel that adds to the excitement. 

Titan stands out for its towering height of 245 feet and a top speed of 85 miles per hour, making it one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world. Riders experience a series of intense drops, sharp turns, and airtime hills, delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience. With its sheer size and ferocity,

Xcelerator is known for its intense acceleration, launching riders from 0 to 82 miles per hour in just 2.3 seconds using a hydraulic launch system. After the exhilarating launch, the coaster ascends a 205-foot tall top hat tower, giving riders a moment of weightlessness before plunging down at a 90-degree angle. The ride features overbanked turns and swift twists, providing a brief but adrenaline-packed experience lasting about one minute.

Phantom's Revenge is known for its intense second drop, which plunges 228 feet into a ravine, making it one of the largest drops in the world. With speeds reaching up to 85 mph, Phantom's Revenge offers a thrilling experience filled with airtime, twists, and breathtaking views of the park and surrounding landscape.

Diamondback is a steel hypercoaster located at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. It was built by Bolliger & Mabillard and opened in 2009. Standing at 230 feet tall, it features a 215-foot drop at a 74-degree angle, reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. 

Nitro features a towering 230-foot drop and a top speed of 80 mph. Nitro offers a smooth, airtime-filled ride experience, with thrilling elements including large camelback hills, a hammerhead turn, and a helix that subjects riders to intense G-forces. Its layout spans over 5,394 feet of track, delivering a fast-paced journey through hills and sharp twists that keeps adrenaline seekers coming back for more.

Bizarro was re-themed to Bizarro in 2009, inspired by the DC Comics supervillain. The ride features a floorless design, allowing riders' feet to dangle as they experience seven intense inversions, including loops, corkscrews, and zero-gravity rolls. With speeds reaching 61 mph and a track length of 3,985 feet, Bizarro offers an exhilarating experience enhanced by audio and special effects that immerse riders into the chaotic world of Superman's nemesis.

Candymonium is a masterpiece designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), a world-renowned roller coaster manufacturer known for creating some of the smoothest and most enjoyable coasters in the industry. 

Steel Curtain at Kennywood is a record-breaking steel roller coaster themed around Pittsburgh's rich football heritage. Standing at 220 feet tall, it holds the title for the tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania

The Intimidator at Carowinds is one of the premier roller coasters in the Southeast, offering riders a thrilling experience inspired by the legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt.

Skyrush is known for its intense speed, height, and airtime. The ride features a 200-foot lift hill and a 75 mph top speed, delivering a thrilling experience with its steep 85-degree first drop. Riders experience up to 5 Gs and an abundance of airtime due to its minimalistic lap-bar restraints, making it one of the most exhilarating coasters in the park. Its winged seating, with two seats on either side of the track, enhances the feeling of flying through its rapid turns and hills.

Steel Force is known for its impressive height of 200 feet, making it one of the tallest coasters on the East Coast at the time. The ride features a 205-foot first drop, reaching speeds of up to 75 mph and offering a smooth experience with airtime hills and sweeping turns. With a total track length of 5,600 feet, Steel Force provides a thrilling, extended ride that has become a classic for coaster enthusiasts.

Mamba at 205 feet tall, it was one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world when it opened in 1998. Known for its impressive first drop and thrilling "out and back" layout, Mamba reaches speeds of up to 75 mph and features a series of camelback hills and intense helix turns, offering riders a mix of weightlessness and high-speed excitement. Its smooth, adrenaline-packed ride has made it a favorite among coaster enthusiasts.

Wild Thing stands at 207 feet tall with a track length of 5,460 feet. The ride features a 196-foot initial drop, reaching speeds of up to 74 mph, providing thrill-seekers with an experience filled with airtime hills, high-speed turns, and smooth drops. Its bright green and purple track can be seen from miles away, adding to its reputation as a must-ride attraction for coaster enthusiasts.