New York Coaster Tickets | Prices, Hours, Ride Rules

The Big Apple Coaster ride starts at $25, runs daily 11 AM–midnight, and requires riders to be 54 inches tall.

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A search for New York Coaster Tickets usually points to The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, not a ride in New York City. The right buy is simple for most travelers: get the standard ride ticket if you only want one lap, choose the re-ride only after you know you liked it, and skip the larger arcade bundles unless you are going with kids or a group.

The coaster is a short Strip thrill ride with real ride restrictions, weather pauses, and a line cutoff before closing. The details below cover the current ticket types, hours, height rule, where to enter, and which option fits each kind of visit.

Once you know your date, compare the available ticket options here:

Big Apple Coaster Ticket Prices And Ride Rules

The Big Apple Coaster starts at $25 before tax for a standard ride, while the re-ride is $10 after the first ride. MGM lists daily operating hours as 11 AM to midnight, with riders required to be 54 inches tall without footwear.

The ride is outdoors and runs above the Strip, so service can pause for weather, maintenance, or capacity. MGM also says riders need to be in line 30 minutes before the entry time ends, which matters if you plan to ride after dinner or a show.

What Does A Big Apple Coaster Ticket Include?

A standard Big Apple Coaster ticket includes one ride on the roller coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Arcade credits, food, plush prizes, and repeated riding are separate unless you choose a package that names those extras.

The standard ride is enough for most adults who only want the Strip coaster experience. Packages make more sense when the arcade is part of the plan, because the larger bundles combine coaster access with game credits and redemption points.

Per MGM’s Big Apple Coaster page, the venue currently posts the $25 ride price, the $10 re-ride, the 54-inch height rule, daily hours, and weather or capacity limits.

How The Ride Works Once You Arrive

The Big Apple Coaster entrance is inside New York-New York, near The Big Apple Arcade on the second level. From the Strip, follow signs for the casino and arcade, then look for the coaster entrance near Nathan’s Famous.

The ride itself is short, fast, and rougher than a modern family coaster. MGM describes the coaster as running over 67 mph with a 203-foot drop and a 180-degree heartline twist, so it is not a gentle sightseeing ride.

• Arrive earlier in the evening if you want a better buffer before the 30-minute line cutoff.
• Use the standard ticket first if motion sickness, neck strain, or rough coasters are a concern.
• Choose the Scream Pass only if repeated riding is the goal, not just a one-time Strip photo moment.
• Check the day’s weather if wind, lightning, or desert storms are in the forecast.

Ride gate: Riders must be 54 inches tall without footwear. The attraction is not a fit for pregnant travelers or anyone who should avoid high-speed drops, sharp turns, or heavy jostling.

When To Ride For Shorter Lines

Weekday afternoons and earlier evening slots usually give you the easiest timing, while late nights after shows can bunch up near the cutoff. Weekends, holiday periods, and big event nights on the Strip can make even a short ride feel like a longer outing.

Las Vegas heat matters too. Summer afternoon temperatures can be draining before you even reach the queue, so many travelers prefer an indoor break first and a coaster ride after sunset. The lights on the Strip are better at night, but the trade is a busier window.

For a simple plan, ride before dinner if the coaster is a side activity, or after dark if the Strip view is the reason you are paying. Do not save it for the last few minutes of the night.

Where To Stay Near The Coaster

Staying on the south or center Strip keeps The Big Apple Coaster within an easy walk, especially if you also plan to visit T-Mobile Arena, Park MGM, MGM Grand, or the Bellagio fountains. New York-New York is the most direct base, while Park MGM, Excalibur, and MGM Grand are close enough for a casual walk.

Compare nearby Strip stays on a map before you choose a room, because a hotel that looks close by road can feel slower on foot once casino entrances and pedestrian bridges are involved.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

The biggest mistake is buying an arcade bundle when only one person wants to ride. A $25 ride ticket and a separate snack is cheaper than a package if the arcade credits, plushies, or redemption points would go unused.

Another mistake is treating the re-ride as a first purchase. The $10 re-ride is useful after you have tried the coaster, but it is poor planning if someone in the group decides the first lap was enough.

• Do not assume taxes are included in every displayed price.
• Do not bring a rider who is under 54 inches and expect an exception.
• Do not wait until the final half hour of posted operation to join the line.
• Do not plan around outdoor operation during severe weather.

Which Big Apple Coaster Ticket Should You Buy?

The standard $25 ride ticket is the right choice for most first-time riders. The Scream Pass works for thrill-ride fans who want several laps, while the Central Park, Manhattan, and Big Apple packs only make sense when the arcade is part of the outing.

Use this simple split:

• Solo adult or couple: buy the standard ride ticket and decide on a re-ride afterward.
• Family with arcade time planned: compare the Central Park or Manhattan pack against buying rides and credits separately.
• Group of four: price the Big Apple Pack only if everyone will ride, play, and use the food offers.
• Local, military, or first responder: bring the qualifying ID and use the $18 posted discount.

If the coaster is one stop in a packed Las Vegas night, the single ride ticket keeps the visit clean and flexible. If The Big Apple Coaster is the main event, check the current date options before you head to New York-New York.