Quick Verdict
The Big Apple Coaster is the better choice if you want the stronger thrill ride. It is a true roller coaster with bigger drops, turns, speed, and a more traditional amusement-park feel built into the New York-New York resort.
Fly LINQ Zipline is the better pick if you want a shorter, easier, more central-Strip novelty ride. It is less intense than a roller coaster, but it gives you the fun of flying over The LINQ Promenade toward the High Roller with less commitment.
Both are quick thrill attractions, but they are not the same kind of experience.
Best true thrill ride: The Big Apple Coaster
Best quick central-Strip novelty ride: Fly LINQ Zipline
Best for roller coaster fans: The Big Apple Coaster
Best for groups who want to ride side by side: Fly LINQ Zipline
Best south Strip option: The Big Apple Coaster
Best center-Strip option: Fly LINQ Zipline
Best for stronger ride intensity: The Big Apple Coaster
Best for a lighter adrenaline moment: Fly LINQ Zipline
Best if you are staying near New York-New York, MGM Grand, Park MGM, ARIA, Excalibur, or Luxor: The Big Apple Coaster
Best if you are staying near The LINQ, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Venetian, or Horseshoe: Fly LINQ Zipline
The Short Answer
If you are choosing between The Big Apple Coaster and Fly LINQ Zipline, book The Big Apple Coaster if you want the more intense ride.
The Big Apple Coaster is a real roller coaster at New York-New York with a 54-inch height requirement and outdoor ride conditions that can be affected by weather. It is the stronger pick if your group wants drops, speed, turns, and a more complete thrill-ride experience.
Book Fly LINQ Zipline if you want something shorter, easier, and more centrally located. Fly LINQ launches from a 12-story tower, travels 1,121 feet above The LINQ Promenade, and reaches speeds up to 35 mph. It is still a thrill attraction, but it is more about the quick “I did a zipline on the Strip” moment than a full roller coaster experience.
Bottom line: The Big Apple Coaster is the stronger thrill ride. Fly LINQ Zipline is the easier central-Strip zipline experience.
The Big Apple Coaster vs Fly LINQ Zipline Comparison
| Category | The Big Apple Coaster | Fly LINQ Zipline |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Roller coaster fans, stronger thrills, south Strip visitors | Quick thrills, groups, center-Strip visitors |
| Overall recommendation | Better true thrill ride | Better quick novelty ride |
| Location | New York-New York | The LINQ Promenade |
| Style | Outdoor roller coaster | Zipline over promenade |
| Intensity | Higher | Moderate |
| Experience length | Very short ride, but bigger thrill | Very short ride, lighter thrill |
| Better for groups | Good | Usually stronger because of side-by-side lines |
| Better for teens | Usually yes | Good |
| Better for cautious riders | Usually no | Usually better |
| Better for photos / novelty | Good | Usually stronger |
| Better south Strip option | Yes | No |
| Better center Strip option | No | Yes |
| Weather sensitivity | Can be affected by weather | Can also be affected by conditions |
Choose The Big Apple Coaster If…
Choose The Big Apple Coaster if your group wants a real roller coaster rather than a short novelty ride.
The Big Apple Coaster is located at New York-New York Hotel & Casino and is built into the resort’s skyline and exterior theming. It has a 54-inch minimum height requirement, and MGM notes that hours can be affected by weather and other conditions.
Book The Big Apple Coaster if you want:
- A true roller coaster experience
- Bigger drops and stronger ride intensity
- A south Strip / New York-New York location
- A fast attraction that still feels like a real ride
- A better pick for roller coaster fans
- A thrill stop near MGM Grand, Park MGM, ARIA, Excalibur, or Luxor
- A more intense option than Fly LINQ
The Big Apple Coaster is especially strong if your group wants a recognizable Vegas thrill ride and is already spending time around New York-New York, MGM Grand, Park MGM, or the south Strip.
Best fit: roller coaster fans, teens, groups who want stronger thrills, south Strip guests, and visitors who want a true ride rather than a quick glide over a promenade.
Choose Fly LINQ Zipline If…
Choose Fly LINQ Zipline if you want a quicker, lighter thrill in the middle of the Strip.
Fly LINQ launches from a 12-story tower and sends riders 1,121 feet down The LINQ Promenade, finishing near the High Roller. Caesars lists speeds up to 35 mph.
Book Fly LINQ if you want:
- A short central-Strip thrill
- A zipline rather than a roller coaster
- A lighter adrenaline moment
- A better option for groups riding together
- Easy access from The LINQ Promenade
- A fun add-on before or after food, drinks, High Roller, or other center-Strip plans
- A less intense option than The Big Apple Coaster
Fly LINQ is especially strong if you are staying near The LINQ, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Venetian, Palazzo, Horseshoe, or Paris and want something easy to add to the day without repositioning to New York-New York.
Best fit: groups of friends, cautious thrill-seekers, center-Strip guests, visitors already at The LINQ Promenade, and travelers who want a quick “Vegas zipline” moment rather than a full coaster.
Which Is More Intense?
The Big Apple Coaster is more intense.
This is the simplest difference. The Big Apple Coaster is a true roller coaster with drops, turns, speed, and a ride profile that feels closer to an amusement-park coaster.
Fly LINQ has height and speed, but it is more of a short glide than a true ride sequence. It is still exciting, especially if you are nervous about heights, but it does not have the same physical intensity as a coaster.
Intensity pick: The Big Apple Coaster
Which Is Better for Groups?
Fly LINQ Zipline is usually better for groups.
Fly LINQ is designed with side-by-side lines, which makes it easier for groups to ride at the same time and react together. The LINQ Promenade setting also makes it easy to pair with food, drinks, High Roller, and other casual group plans.
The Big Apple Coaster can still work for groups, but it feels more like a traditional ride: wait, board, ride, exit. Fly LINQ has more group novelty.
Group pick: Fly LINQ Zipline
Which Is Better for Teens?
The Big Apple Coaster is usually better for teens who want stronger thrills.
Teens who like rides will likely get more out of the coaster than the zipline because it feels more intense and complete. Fly LINQ is still fun for teens, especially in a group, but it is shorter and lighter.
Teen pick: The Big Apple Coaster for thrill-seeking teens; Fly LINQ for group novelty.
Which Is Better for Cautious Riders?
Fly LINQ Zipline is usually better for cautious riders who still want a thrill.
The Big Apple Coaster is more intense and less forgiving if someone is nervous about roller coasters. Fly LINQ still involves height and motion, but it is smoother and more straightforward once the ride begins.
That said, anyone uncomfortable with heights may want to skip both.
Cautious-rider pick: Fly LINQ Zipline
Which Is Better for Photos and Novelty?
Fly LINQ Zipline is usually better for novelty.
Flying above The LINQ Promenade is the kind of quick, easy-to-explain Vegas moment that works well for groups, social sharing, and casual trip memories.
The Big Apple Coaster is also visually iconic from the outside, but once you are on the ride, the experience is more about speed and intensity than photos.
Novelty pick: Fly LINQ Zipline
Which Has the Better Location?
It depends where you are staying.
The Big Apple Coaster is at New York-New York, making it convenient for New York-New York, MGM Grand, Park MGM, ARIA, Excalibur, Luxor, and south Strip guests.
Fly LINQ Zipline is at The LINQ Promenade, making it convenient for The LINQ, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Venetian, Palazzo, Horseshoe, Paris, and center-Strip guests.
Location pick: The Big Apple Coaster for south Strip; Fly LINQ for center Strip.
Ticket Buying Advice
Do not choose only by the cheapest ticket.
For The Big Apple Coaster, the value comes from wanting a real coaster. If your group likes roller coasters, it is the better thrill value because the ride itself is more intense.
For Fly LINQ Zipline, the value comes from convenience and novelty. It is a better choice if you want a quick, easy attraction near restaurants, bars, and the High Roller.
Simple ticket rule:
If you want the stronger ride, book The Big Apple Coaster.
If you want the easier central-Strip thrill, book Fly LINQ.
If you are staying south Strip, lean Big Apple Coaster.
If you are staying center Strip, lean Fly LINQ.
Honest Downsides
Reasons to Skip The Big Apple Coaster
Skip The Big Apple Coaster if you dislike roller coasters, drops, speed, or rougher ride motion.
It is the more intense attraction, which is the point, but that also makes it the less flexible choice for mixed groups. It also has a 54-inch height requirement, so it may not work for all children.
You may also want to skip it if you are staying center Strip and do not want to reposition around New York-New York.
Reasons to Skip Fly LINQ Zipline
Skip Fly LINQ Zipline if you want a true thrill ride.
It is fun, quick, and easy to add to a center-Strip itinerary, but it is not a roller coaster. If your group wants stronger intensity, bigger physical movement, and a more complete ride sequence, The Big Apple Coaster is the better fit.
You may also want to skip it if you dislike heights or if your plans are already centered on the south Strip.
Final Recommendation
Most visitors choosing between The Big Apple Coaster and Fly LINQ Zipline should book The Big Apple Coaster if they want the stronger thrill.
It is the better fit for roller coaster fans, teens, and visitors who want a true ride rather than a quick novelty experience.
Book Fly LINQ Zipline instead if you want a shorter, easier, more central-Strip attraction. It is the better choice for groups, casual thrill-seekers, and visitors already planning time at The LINQ Promenade.
Our pick: The Big Apple Coaster for stronger ride intensity. Fly LINQ Zipline for a quick, social center-Strip thrill.
Still comparing your options? See our guide to the best Las Vegas attractions for more top picks by traveler style, location, and overall value.
FAQs
Is The Big Apple Coaster better than Fly LINQ Zipline?
The Big Apple Coaster is better if you want a true roller coaster with stronger ride intensity. Fly LINQ Zipline is better if you want a shorter, easier central-Strip zipline experience above The LINQ Promenade.
Which should I do first, The Big Apple Coaster or Fly LINQ Zipline?
Do The Big Apple Coaster first if you want the stronger thrill ride. Do Fly LINQ first if you want a quick, lighter central-Strip zipline experience.
Is The Big Apple Coaster worth it?
Yes, The Big Apple Coaster is worth it if you like roller coasters and want a quick thrill ride at New York-New York. It is less ideal if you dislike drops, speed, or coaster-style motion.
Is Fly LINQ Zipline worth it?
Yes, Fly LINQ Zipline is worth it if you want a short, fun zipline experience above The LINQ Promenade, especially if you are already spending time near The LINQ or High Roller.
Which is more intense?
The Big Apple Coaster is more intense because it is a true roller coaster. Fly LINQ is still a thrill attraction, but it is shorter and smoother.
Which is better for groups?
Fly LINQ Zipline is usually better for groups because it has side-by-side lines and fits naturally into a LINQ Promenade outing.
Which is better for teens?
The Big Apple Coaster is usually better for thrill-seeking teens. Fly LINQ is better for teens who want a quick group-friendly novelty ride.
Which is better for cautious riders?
Fly LINQ Zipline is usually better for cautious riders because it is smoother and less physically intense than a roller coaster. Riders who dislike heights may want to skip both.
Which has the better location?
The Big Apple Coaster is better for south Strip guests near New York-New York, MGM Grand, Park MGM, ARIA, Excalibur, or Luxor. Fly LINQ is better for center-Strip guests near The LINQ, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Venetian, Horseshoe, or Paris.
Should I book The Big Apple Coaster or Fly LINQ Zipline if I only have time for one?
Book The Big Apple Coaster if you want the stronger thrill ride. Book Fly LINQ Zipline if you want a shorter, easier, more social center-Strip attraction.