The Pursuit Of Ultimate Thrills
Roller coasters are pure adrenaline in motion. Some rides are built for loops, others for drops, but a select few push speed to astonishing limits. These machines don’t just carry passengers; they test courage and redefine thrill itself. Around the globe, many towering tracks and record-breaking launches invite riders to challenge gravity in daring ways, and this list brings together those that reach the utmost heights of velocity. Let's dive into the world's 20 fastest roller coasters.
1. Red Force, Ferrari Land, Spain: 112 mph
Europe’s fastest roller coaster is Red Force, shooting riders to 112 mph in only five seconds. Towering 367 feet, it dominates Ferrari Land’s skyline, visible from miles away. Its bright red trains mimic Ferrari sports cars.
2. Steel Dragon 2000, Nagashima Spa Land, Japan: 95 mph
With a track stretching over 8,133 feet, Steel Dragon 2000 is the longest coaster on the planet. At 95 mph, it combines speed with staggering airtime across its endless hills. This ride was built with reinforced steel for earthquake safety.
3. Fury 325, Carowinds, USA: 95 mph
Fury 325 takes the crown as North America’s fastest giga coaster, topping 95 mph. Its first drop plunges 320 feet, the tallest traditional lift hill on the continent. The ride swoops above the park entrance and flexes a snail-like design.
4. Millennium Force, Cedar Point, USA: 93 mph
History was made when Millennium Force became the world’s first coaster to break 300 feet. Hitting 93 mph along 6,595 feet of track, its neon-lit track at night creates spectacular views. It has enjoyed years of fan-voted dominance.
5. Leviathan, Canada’s Wonderland, Canada: 92 mph
Canada’s tallest and fastest coaster is Leviathan, reaching 306 feet and speeds of 92 mph. As the first Bolliger & Mabillard coaster over 91.5 meters, it marked a milestone. Themed after a sea monster, fans consider Leviathan the undisputed jewel of Canada’s Wonderland.
6. Orion, Kings Island, USA: 91 mph
Only seven giga coasters on Earth, and Orion is one of them. Dropping 300 feet while reaching 91 mph, it is the tallest and fastest ride ever built at Kings Island. Riders soar through airtime hills, sharp turns, and high-speed dives here.
7. Pantherian, Kings Dominion, USA: 92 mph
Originally named after NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Pantherian rockets down a 300-foot drop and hits 92 mph. With a steep descent among the fastest in the world, riders often gray out on the first turn.
8. Hyperion, Energylandia, Poland: 88 mph
Poland’s tallest and fastest coaster, Hyperion, is among Europe’s largest mega coasters. Designed for massive airtime, it dives 252 feet and reaches 88 mph. The futuristic trains carry riders through twisted layouts, and the ride helped Energylandia become one of Europe’s fastest-growing theme parks.
Hyperion Review | Energylandia's World Class Intamin Hyper Coaster by Coaster Studios
9. Goliath, Six Flags Magic Mountain, USA: 85 mph
At Six Flags Magic Mountain, Goliath lives up to its name with a 255-foot first drop and sends riders racing to 85 mph. A dive through an underground tunnel adds intensity, while its sweeping layout keeps the ride smooth yet forceful.
10. Titan, Six Flags Over Texas, USA: 85 mph
Titan reaches 85 mph and flexes a 255-foot plunge. Here, a colossal 540-degree spiral leaves riders lightheaded. Nearly identical to Goliath in California but with unique features, its bright orange track can be seen from the highway long before entering the park.
11. Phantom’s Revenge, Kennywood, USA: 85 mph
Speed defines Phantom’s Revenge, which surges to 85 mph and plunges into a natural ravine. Its second drop, an incredible 228 feet, is taller than the first. Originally built as Steel Phantom, the redesigned ride now focuses on airtime and speed.
Roller Coaster Philosophy on Wikimedia
12. Coaster Through The Clouds, Nanchang Sunac Land, China: 84.5 mph
Thrill seekers in China know Coaster Through the Clouds as one of Asia’s fastest coasters, hitting 84.5 mph. Rising 242.8 feet, it towers above the park’s skyline. The name reflects both its speed and its sky-high profile.
13. Shambhala, PortAventura, Spain: 83 mph
Few rides capture attention like Shambhala, which rockets to 83 mph and drops 256 feet. Ranked as Europe’s second-fastest coaster, it’s themed around Himalayan expeditions and lost kingdoms. Its silhouette pairs with Dragon Khan for an iconic view.
14. Fujiyama, Fuji-Q Highland, Japan: 81 mph
Back in 1996, Fujiyama set a height record of 259 feet. It reaches 81 mph, is nicknamed “King of Coasters,” and once held the title of fastest in the world. Riders take in views of Mount Fuji before plunging down.
Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia
15. Thunder Dolphin, Tokyo Dome City, Japan: 81 mph
Thunder Dolphin slices through downtown Tokyo at 81 mph, ranking among Japan’s fastest coasters. Its 217-foot drop cements its reputation as one of the tallest urban rides in the world. Besides diving through a Ferris wheel, riders also get unforgettable skyline views.
16. Silver Star, Europa-Park, Germany: 79 mph
Elegance meets speed on Silver Star. This one races to 79 mph while climbing 240 feet into the sky. At its debut, it was Europe’s tallest coaster. Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, the ride flaunts a sleek design and long airtime hills.
17. Expedition GeForce, Holiday Park, Germany: 74 mph
Often ranked among the best coasters, Expedition GeForce reaches 74 mph and has a 168-foot plunge. The twisting first drop suddenly dives sideways, which surprises riders. A cult favorite in Europe, fans travel far and wide for it.
EXPEDITION GeForce POV - On Ride Front Row, Holiday Park by AmusementInsider
18. Ride Of Steel, Six Flags Darien Lake, USA: 73 mph
At Six Flags Darien Lake, Ride of Steel tops out at 73 mph with a 205-foot drop. This hyper coaster’s bright red track stands out, while its long stretches deliver extended airtime. Nearly identical versions operate at other Six Flags parks.
Ride of Steel Roller Coaster POV Darien Lake NY Superman Intamin Hyper by Theme Park Review
19. Lightning Rod, Dollywood, USA: 73 mph
Lightning Rod is the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster—riders get to 73 mph. As the first wooden coaster to use a launch system, it skips the lift hill. Styled after 1950s hot rods, its trains speed across the Smoky Mountains, delivering massive airtime.
Lightning Rod Roller Coaster at Dollywood Full Ride POV by Adventure Is Out There
20. Wildfire, Kolmården Wildlife Park, Sweden: 71 mph
Built within a wildlife park, Wildfire hits 71 mph to claim the title of Europe’s fastest wooden coaster. Its 160-foot cliffside drop and forested setting add breathtaking drama. Rare inversions for a wooden coaster combine with Baltic Sea views here.
