10 of the Fastest Rollercoasters in the U.S. You Need to Ride  

Get ready and fasten your seat belts if you love thrill-seeking adventure because you’re in for a ride.

This guide will uncover some of the speediest coasters with record-breaking credentials, and with that in mind, let’s unpack ten of the fastest rollercoasters in the US you don’t want to miss out on! 

Why not also check out our guide to the world’s fastest rollercoasters for more inspiration?

1. Kingda Ka

First on the list is the Kingda Ka, which is the fastest and tallest rollercoaster in the United States. It was designed by Werner Stengel and made its roaring debut in 2005. The robust steel rollercoaster is located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.

If you crave speed, this rollercoaster is a must as the Kingda Ka accelerates an impressive 128 miles per hour in just over three seconds. Should that not be enough, get ready to rise 456 feet with a 518-foot drop. During your ride, you will climb up four terrifying yet exhilarating stories high! 

The jungle theme is an excellent addition to the park, and the overall ride is intended to resemble a Bengal tiger. In addition, you’ll see plenty of bamboo and have the chance to listen to some atmospheric “jungle” music as you wait in line. You may even be fortunate enough to hear “Eye of the Tiger” by the band Survivor. All in all, it’s fun, festive, and may calm your nerves.

Bear in mind that there are height requirements, so you’re good to go as long as you’re at least 54 inches tall! 

2. Top Thrill Dragster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBgNx8nts70

Second on the list is the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio. Shoot up 429 feet in the air and stop, then jump down at 120 miles per hour in just four seconds. The ride from start to finish is only 17 seconds long.  

It was the 16th rollercoaster to be built at Cedar Point and was only the second ride to be hydraulically launched. Along with the aforementioned Kingda Ka, the Top Thrill Dragster is one of only two strata rollercoasters operational.

Although it’s a fan favorite with record-breaking numbers since 2003, the Top Thrill Dragster does come with some restrictions.

First and foremost, a height requirement of 52 inches is the minimum. However, the restraint on this particular ride may not suit larger sizes. Top Thrill Dragster includes a lap bar for each seat, and the seatbelt secures across the thigh area. 

The good news is before you wait in line for take-off, there’s a test seat to try if you’re questioning safety measures and if you will fit.

Overall, the Top Thrill Dragster is an experience to remember with impressive statistics. Experience quick and robust movements while feeling light and weightless. It’s the best of both worlds for any thrill-seeker!

3. Millennium Force

Sticking to the famous Cedar Point amusement park brings us the next rollercoaster, the Millenium Force. It was the first Giga coaster to be built, meaning it has at least a 300-foot height or drops. 

The Millennium contains three trains and nine cars to complete 36 passengers for each train. For safety measures, it consists of T-bar restraints.

At 93 miles per hour and a staggering 310 feet, the rollercoaster drops to 83 degrees. The stainless steel ride lasts two minutes while using an elevator cable lift in a blink of an eye. 

Since its debut in 2000, it has brought rollercoasters to a whole new level and continues to make its mark in the United States. This ride spreads across an impressive 13 acres along the scenic Lake Erie coastline, giving everyone spectacular and unforgettable views!

So, as long as you are 48 inches or taller, this life-changing experience is a must on your bucket list.

4. Superman: Escape From Krypton

The Superman: Escape From Krypton coaster sits at the Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. It is the third-fastest in the United States, at an impressive 104 miles per hour speed. This ride acquired its present color scheme, theme, and lower profile in 2011. The track stretches for 1,235 feet 

You won’t miss the iconic “S” upon entrance or the two parallel tracks. Certainly, this rollercoaster will make you feel like you’re the Man of Steel himself as you’ll fly high in the sky at 415 feet while going at an angle of 99 degrees. 

The Superman rollercoaster drops 328 feet for a heart-stopping experience—that makes it the third-highest drop in the world! So, if you love heart-stopping experiences, this is for you! In addition, you will zoom 100 miles per hour in a short seven seconds in reverse, at jaw-dropping speeds. The superior acceleration is due to electromagnetic motor technology. 

5. Goliath

Also located at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California is the mighty Goliath, introduced in 2000. At 85 miles per hour, Goliath is one of the fastest rollercoasters in the US and drops to an impressive 255 feet into a tunnel underground. However, there’s more adventure as the second drop surprises at 185 feet. 

Goliath was designed by the eminent engineer Werner Stengel and has a theme dedicated to the ancient Maya civilization. With that in mind, expect to see plenty of tropical sights and mythical beasts as you scream your way through the thrilling ride. 

Feel weightless during the three-minute hypercoaster experience. With twists and turns before the helix, you can’t miss this spectacular steel coaster. 

As long as you are 48 inches or taller, you’ll have the chance to take advantage of this maximum thriller ride. 

The Goliath is a stellar coaster with great speed and height as you climb high at 281 feet! Don’t forget to look down as you reach the top if you’re feeling brave! 

6. Xcelerator 

Located in Knott’s Berry Farm, California, the Xcelerator rollercoaster is a warp back to the 1950s! Since its opening in 2002, the rollercoaster has achieved fame beyond its thrilling experience as it has made numerous television appearances. 

Xcelerator is another design from the famous engineer Werner Stengel. It was conceived as a replacement for the maligned Windjammer Surf Racers rollercoaster, which lasted only three years before being discontinued in 2000.

At a considerable speed of 82 miles per hour in just 2.3 seconds and at 205 feet, the hydraulic motor Xcelerator is one of the speediest rollercoasters in the United States.

Swoosh down at a 90-degree angle while racing back in time on a flame-sizzling or hot rod vehicle. Immerse yourself with a slice of greaser history while facing jolting, futuristic speeds on the 2,202-foot track.

The Xcelerator steel rollercoaster allows people 52 inches and taller to ride, and the total length of time is just over a minute long. Safety is paramount, and it’s a good idea to read all restrictions listed outside before entering. 

Due to the force, you must have upper body support as you sit upright on the rollercoaster. Additionally, passengers also require one arm and two functioning legs. If you have a prosthetic, you can ride, but only if you ensure a proper, secure fit throughout the ride. 

7. Titan

The hyper-twisted steel Titan rollercoaster speeds to a mighty 85 miles per hour. Located at Six Flags in Arlington, Texas, the orange track coaster has been enduringly popular since its opening in 2001. The ride is the fastest and the tallest rollercoaster in Texas and is one of the top coasters in the entire United States. 

Designed by acclaimed engineer Werner Stengel, the Titan hypercoaster stands 245 feet tall and is an out and back coaster. Prepare to drop 255 feet and go through an upward 540-degree helix and another 540-degree helix downward. This ride lasts more than three minutes, delivering non-stop action and a tunnel section! 

The ride can hold 1,600 passengers per hour, including three trains and five cars. Around 30 people ride the Titan for each train. In addition, the minimum height requirement is 48 inches tall, and the Titan adheres to ADA guidelines. 

8. Phantom’s Revenge

Phantom’s Revenge also races to 85 miles per hour like the Titan rollercoaster. Located over on the East Coast at Kennywood in Pennsylvania, Phantom’s Revenge delivers a unique landscape, an exhilarating ride, and plenty of screams. 

It opened in 1991 but was remodeled in 2001 to enhance its size and speed. Today, the powerful rollercoaster lives up to its name and continues to be one of the top-ranking coasters in the U.S. and the world. 

Indeed, it’s the fastest rollercoaster in the state! So, dare to drop 232 feet at alarming speeds, as the ride is a minute and 45 seconds long. However, the second considerable drop is where the magic happens unexpectedly.

The terrain steel rollercoaster contains two trains of seven cars each. Phantom’s Revenge holds 1,400 people per hour when the ride reaches total capacity. 

Phantom’s Revenge has consistently ranked in Golden Ticket Awards’ top 50 steel rollercoasters, and placed 15th in 2021. It also tied for first in a survey of the best steel rollercoasters in the US organized by the National Amusement Park Historical Association

9. Fury 325: Hornet’s Nest of Rebellion

The Fury 325 Giga coaster has been exciting passengers since it made its debut in 2015 at Carowinds in North Carolina. It takes thrillseekers on a ride that goes 95 miles per hour and is 6,602 feet in length. As one of the fastest rollercoasters in the U.S., it’s also significantly tall! The rollercoaster surpasses the Statue of Liberty. 

Buckle up for a three-minute unforgettable experience, as it’s the tallest, longest, and fastest giga rollercoaster in the U.S, surpassing the Millenium Force. 

With this ride, you’ll hit the very top at 325 feet until you drop 81 degrees! It’s so high up that Carowinds needed to receive approval upon creation due to the proximity to a nearby airport. 

Fury 325 was named the number one steel roller coaster by the Golden Ticket Awards in 2021, beating out 49 other rides.

10. Intimidator 305

Located at Kings Dominion in Virginia lies the Intimidator 305, one of the most exhilarating rollercoasters on the Eastern Coast. 

The Intimidator is a themed rollercoaster named after the one and only Dale Earnhardt It promises high speeds, incredible twists, and turns and stands 305 feet tall. That makes the ride higher than the Eiffel Tower replica, also found at the amusement park! 

This is the second giga coaster to be built in the United States (after the Millenium Force). You will drop 300 feet on this three-minute beast at 85 degrees. Its thrills truly occur once the ride reaches gnarly speeds of 90 miles per hour.

There is a maximum of one guest per seat, and the Intimidator 305 may not suit larger sizes for safety reasons. All seats ensure proper positioning and fastening as you remain in your buckled throughout the ride. It’s important to note that the ride consists of being upright.

Air time consists of lengthy periods of high and negative G forces. Indeed, the Intimidator 305 had to undergo modifications after its initial season to address blackouts and greyouts among riders. So, if you’re not intimidated yet, get ready to start your engine on the Intimidator 305.

Final Takeaways 

From the Kingda Ka to the Millenium Force, your guide to ten of the fastest rollercoasters in the US you need to ride is complete! If you love a good theme, perhaps Kingda Ka, Superman: Escape from Krypton, or the Xcelerator is right up your alley. 

No matter what you decide, all rollercoasters consist of some of the speediest rides across America. However, it’s essential to keep in mind safety regulations, height requirements, and everything you need to know before arrival.

Whether you’re lucky enough to live near one of these staple attractions or have the urge to take a road trip, your need for rapid speed awaits!