The need for speed is a thrill that all who ride a roller coaster seek to experience, especially on the world’s ten fastest roller coasters. In this list, the record-breakers come in a variety of designs. They also use an assortment of launch systems to catapult their rides to the top of the list. In an aim to boost overall park attendance, amusement parks often compete to build the tallest, fastest, and longest rides. Ranked based on height, speed, length, and even the G-force they exert, roller coasters often become a crucial element in the competition. This list takes a look at the top ten fastest roller coasters in the world, to see who is ahead of the park.
1. The Formula Rossa- 240km/h
The fastest roller coaster in the world is the Formula Rossa, reaching an astounding max speed of 240km/h (149.1mph) in 4.9 seconds. The Formula Rossa climbs to a height of 171 feet (52m) and generates 1.7Gs during its 92 seconds. Based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the Formula Rossa is the third tallest roller coaster track in the Middle East. It is a steel roller coaster attraction at a height and drop of 171 feet (52m). Furthermore, it is located at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi. It also holds the record for the longest roller coaster in the Middle East at 2,000 meters. It was constructed by the construction company Intamin. The Formula Rossa has the second longest ride duration in the Middle East at one minute, 32 seconds.
2. The Kingda Ka Roller Coaster- 206km/h
Following in second place, representing the United States States of America in the fastest roller coasters in the world list is the Kingda Ka. Reaching a maximum speed of 206km/h, the Kingda Ka is the fastest roller coaster in the United States. It was the fastest roller coaster in the world for a few years until the Formula Rossa surpassed it. At a height of 456 feet (139m), the Kingda Ka is still the tallest roller coaster in the world. The roller coaster has a drop height of 127 meters. The Kingda Ka uses a hydraulic launch system to reach its speed in mere seconds. It has a total ride time of 28 seconds. The Kingda Ka is located at the Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.
3. Top Thrill Dragster- 190km/h
Ranking as the third fastest roller coaster in the world, the Top Thrill Dragster reaches speeds of up to 190 km/h (120mph) at its max. Located in Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, United States, the Top Thrill Dragster is the second tallest roller coaster in the world at a height of 130 meters and a drop of 120 meters. Intamin-built Top Thrill Dragster spans a length of 850 meters with a maximum vertical angle of 90 degrees. The ride has a total ride time of 30 seconds.
4. The Red Force Roller Coaster- 180km/h
Ranking fourth in the top ten fastest roller coasters in the world is the Red Force at a maximum speed of 180km/h. Located at Ferrari Land in Salou, Catalonia, Spain, Red Force is a 112-meter tall steel roller coaster attraction. The roller coaster was opened in 2017 in Ferrari Land as part of the PortAventura resort. The Red Force relies on the use of magnetic motors to reach its astounding speeds of 180 km/h (112mph). It is the fastest and tallest roller coaster in Europe with a ride duration time of 22 seconds. Constructed by Intamin, the Red Force stretches to a length of 880 meters and has a maximum vertical angle of 90 degrees.
5. Dodonpa Roller Coaster- 172km/h
Reaching speeds of 0 to 172km/h in just two seconds, the Dodonpa ranks as the fifth-fastest roller coaster in the world. The Dodonpa utilizes on the use of a compressed air launch to reach its fast speeds. Dodonpa is a steel roller coaster attraction at Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan. The roller coaster track is 49 meters tall and has a drop of 49 meters. It is the fastest roller coaster in Asia with a maximum speed of 172km/h. Constructed by Sansei Technologies, it stretches 1,244 meters in length.
6. Superman: Escape from Krypton- 161km/h
Ranking in sixth place in the top 10 list of the fastest roller coasters in the world is the Superman: Escape from Krypton coaster. It is located at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, United States. At a height of 415 feet (127m), this roller coaster is the third tallest roller coaster in the world. It is also the third fastest roller coaster in North America at its speed of 161km/h. It has a G-force of 5g with its time ride duration being 28 seconds. The 376-meter-long Superman: Escape from Krypton with a maximum vertical angle of 90 degrees is built by Intamin.
7. Fury 325 Roller Coaster- 153km/h
Ranking in seventh place, the Fury 325 reaches speeds of up to 153km/h (95mph). A steel roller coaster attraction, the Fury 325 is located at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The construction of the roller coaster is attributed to Bolliger and Mabillard. At a height of 325 feet (99m) and a drop of 324 feet (98m), the Fury 325 relies on a traditional lift hill to reach its speeds. The Fury 325 is the second longest roller coaster track in North America at 2,012 meters and a maximum vertical angle of 81 degrees.
8. The Steel Dragon 2000- 153km/h
Ranking eight in our top ten fastest roller coasters in the world is the Steel Dragon 2000 in Nagashima Spa Land in Mie Prefecture, Japan. The roller coaster is at a height of 324 feet (97m) making it the tallest roller coaster in Japan. It is also the longest roller coaster in the world at 2,479 meters with its construction attributed to D.H Morgan Manufacturing. It has a maximum vertical angle of 68 degrees. The Steel Dragon 2000 also has the second longest ride duration in Asia with a time of 4 minutes.
9. Millennium Force Roller Coaster- 150km/h
Located in Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, United States, the Millennium Force is the ninth fastest roller coaster in the world. Reaching a maximum speed of 150km/h, the roller coaster has a height of 94 meters and a drop height of 91 meters. It is the third-longest roller coaster in the world with a length of 2.010 meters.
10. Leviathan Coaster- 148km/h
The Leviathan is ranked tenth in the world of the fastest roller coasters. Located in Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario in Canada, it is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada. Leviathan is the first Giga-Coaster from Bolliger and Mabillard. It is also considered to have a smoother riding experience than most roller coasters ranked. It has a height of 93 meters and a drop height of 93 meters. It has a length of 1,672 meters, making it one of the longest roller coasters in the world.
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