Top 10 roller coasters in the world
To celebrate the 85th birthday of New York’s iconic Coney Island Cyclone, Skyscanner goes full throttle to bring you the most stupendous, stomach-churning rollercoasters on the planet. Fasten your seat belts…
1. Formula Rossa - Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Currently the fastest roller coaster in the world, you’ll be flung over the track at speeds of up to 240km/h in replica Ferrari Formula One cars. Be warned, the car goes airborne at one point and travels 52m into the air. Stylish safety goggles are to be worn at all times.
2. Oblivion - Alton Towers, UK
Opened in 1998, Oblivion was the first vertical ‘dive’ roller coaster in the world, plummeting at over 109km/h from a height of 54m. Oblivion is in fact a huge pit into which the cars disappear, and according to the intense videos played in the queue, a place from which some carriages have never returned. Scary stuff.
3. Black Mamba - Phantasialand, Germany
This African-themed thriller cost almost €11million to build back in 2006 and is an inverted roller coaster, meaning that the trains travel beneath the rails. Feel up to 4.5G of acceleration as you fly through ravines and dark tunnels.
4. Superman: Krypton Coaster - Six Flags Fiesta Texas, USA
The Superman of San Antonio is a floorless coaster which throws you through the biggest loop in the world, 360 degrees at over 44m in the air. It’s been thrilling visitors for almost 12 years now and was due to have a makeover, but fans of the coaster classic were so appalled at the idea that it seems that Superman is staying.
5. The Inferno – Terra Mitica, Spain
Benidorm is the home to Inferno – one of only two ‘ballcoasters’ in Europe. The park is split into five different thematic zones and you will find this ride in Ancient Rome. Yet, producing 3G forces, we doubt this is like anything our toga-clad ancestors would have ever seen.
6. Space Mountain: Mission 2 - Disneyland Park, France
The distant cousin of Disneyworld Florida’s original Space Mountain, this Parisian sequel is noteworthy in its own right. The first roller coaster to use on-board audio, it is also the only Space Mountain to include several inversions and remains the park’s most popular attraction after 17 years.
7. Coney Island Cyclone – USA
Not many roller coasters can be considered of great historic significance. Yet the Cyclone, opened in 1927, is a certified New York City landmark. Neglected for a short time, this monument to the ‘Roaring Twenties’ was refurbished and reopened in 1975 and still operates today. It reaches speeds of up to 97km/h and has a drop of 26m. Not bad for an 85 year old.
8. Kingda Ka - Six Flags Great Adventure, USA
If you find yourself 45 storeys up after having been catapulted horizontally at 206km/h, then you’re probably on Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster. If heights aren’t your thing then don’t worry, the whole trip only lasts 59 seconds.
9. Takabisha - Fuji-Q Highland, Japan
This July, Takabisha, the world’s steepest roller coaster, celebrates its first birthday. As if hurtling towards Earth at 100km/h isn’t enough, it involves a 121 degree free-fall, with seven major twists along the way. If you manage to catch your breath, look out for the amazing view of nearby Mount Fuji from the top.
10. Silver Star – Europa Park, Germany
Towering at 73m, this German hypercoaster is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, which is why you’ll find a full scale replica Mercedes-Benz Formula One car in the ride’s entrance. It takes 1,750 people every hour up and over a series of hills at 130km/h. Great if you’re not averse to a particularly bumpy ride.
