There are an estimated 6,600 roller coasters in the world.
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Nothing quite matches the adrenaline rush that comes with riding one of the world’s greatest roller coasters. Whether it’s a traditional wooden coaster that creeks and sways with every turn, or a steel fabricated coaster that offers a smooth ride and complex design, roller coaster enthusiasts by the millions flock to amusement parks each year. About 385 million people ride roller coasters each year at fixed-site amusement parks in North America alone, with over 1.7 billion rides taken. That’s a lot of “ups” and “downs.”
What is considered the first successful commercial roller coaster made its debut in 1884 at New York’s famous Coney Island. Today, there are an estimated 6,600 roller coasters in the world. There isn’t a universal preference for wooden or steel roller coasters, as it often comes down to personal preference and the specific ride experience each offers. Some prefer the classic, potentially more intense feel of wooden coasters, while others enjoy the smooth, versatile and often more thrilling rides offered by steel coasters. Wooden coasters are known for their characteristic swaying and bumpiness along with strong “airtime” moments, while steel coasters generally offer a smoother ride than wooden coasters, and can reach higher speeds and steeper drops.
No matter your preference, there’s no denying that roller coasters can being out the little kid in everyone. Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA – the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions – offers his expertise on various categories of coasters:
The Great White roller coaster offers riders a thrill a minute.
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Must-Visit Roller Coasters Around The World In 2025
1. Hyperia At Thorpe Park
United Kingdom – Speed 80 mph, Height 236 feet.
The UK’s tallest and fastest coaster, featuring inversions and airtime moments in rapid succession.
2. Rutschebanen At Tivoli
Denmark – Speed 37 mph, Height 39 feet.
One of the last remaining coasters where a brakeman sits on the train to control speed and G-Forces.
3. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida – Speed 50 mph, Height 65 feet.
Thrilling family coaster with unique elements and fantastic theming.
4. Great White At Wildwood
New Jersey – Speed 50 mph, Height 110 feet.
This classic wooden coaster sits on a pier above the ocean and just received a major rehab including new trains.
Cedar Point features 16 roller coasters, each uniquely different.
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Top Roller Coasters For Thrill And Experience
Based on industry awards, enthusiast rankings, and guest reviews, these coasters consistently stand out:
5. TTD2 – Cedar Point, US
World’s tallest coaster which now has exciting forwards- and backwards launch up a spike.
6. Zadra – Energylandia, Poland
A towering, smooth ride delivering speed and airtime, built in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Construction and Vekoma.
7. Formula Rossa – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, UAE
Ranked among the fan favorites for its speed.
8. Expedition GeForce – Plopsaland Deutschland, Germany
Opened in 2001, this coaster is still known around Europe as one of the favorites as it relates to airtime hills and smooth layouts.
9. Steel Dragon 2000 – Nagashima Spaland
Still the longest and among the tallest coasters in the world.
Voltron Nevera features launches, inversions and airtime moments.
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New Or Recently Opened Roller Coasters
10. Cedar Point’s New Siren’s Curse
A Roller coaster in Ohio in June 2025. This new tilt coaster moves you from vertical to horizontal position, enhancing the drop experience for riders.
11. Voltron Nevera
The latest high-intensity creation located in Europa-Park in Germany debuted in April 2024 but still feels as a new coaster. Incredible pace of launches, inversions and airtime moments.
12. AlpenFury At Canada’s Wonderland
Known as the longest, tallest, fastest launch coaster in Canada, Alpen Fury recently debuted in July 2025.
13. Stardust Racers A Epic Universe
A spectacular dueling launched coaster racing next, below, and above each other. Pro tip: place yourself with your friends in the same row of the other train (preferably the back) and have the race of your lifetime.
14. Falcon’s Flight At Six Flags Qiddiya
Still under construction. This roller coaster in Saudi Arabia is expected to break all speed, height and length records when it opens.
15. Wrath of Rakshasa, Six Flags Great America, Lake County, Illinois
A dive coaster with the world’s steepest drop and most inversions for that type of coaster.
Spring and fall seasons are the optimum time to visit.
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Best Times To Visit the World’s Top Roller Coasters
The best time to visit any top roller coaster may vary based on desire. Generally speaking, the spring and fall seasons offer the best balance of mild weather and manageable crowds. Several parks also host special events that offer exclusive ride days for annual passholders where lines are shorter and experiences are enhanced.
Furthermore, if your goal is to be among the first-time riders, visit within weeks of a new coaster’s debut, but be prepared for larger crowds. Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to have shorter wait times compared to weekends.
Guests can use park apps for virtual queues.
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How Travelers Can Plan Their Visits
Purchase tickets in advance, and purchase any sort of fast pass or express pass if you can to beat the long wait times. Use park apps for virtual queues, arrive at opening and start with the coaster that’s on the top of your list, and try to visit midweek to avoid large crowds.
