Fastest roller coasters in the U.S. 2024

As of January 2024, the roller coaster with the highest top speed in the United States was the Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure Park in Jackson, New Jersey, with a maximum speed of 128 miles per hour (around 206 km/h). Kingda Ka uses a hydraulic launch to shoot riders out at 128 mph in 3.5 seconds to a height of 456 feet at a 90-degree angle, and back down in a 270-degree spiral, followed by a 129-foot camel hump hill. 

 The need for speed 

It would seem that the U.S. has a ‘need for speed’ given that seven out of the 10 fastest roller coasters worldwide are located in the country. Kingda Ka was the fastest roller coaster in the world for a few years until the Formula Rossa surpassed it in 2010. Situated at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, a theme park based on the Ferrari motor brand, the ride can achieve a maximum speed of around 149 miles per hour (around 240 km/h). 

 What is the tallest roller coaster in the U.S.? 

Roller coasters are often known for their speed and height. Not only are seven of the speediest roller coasters worldwide located in the U.S., seven of the ten highest roller coasters in the world are on U.S. soil. In addition to ranking as the fastest roller coaster in the U.S. in 2020, Kingda Ka also ranked top in terms of height in its native country.