A roller coaster ride comes to an end. Magnets on the train induce eddy currents in the braking fins, giving a smooth rise in braking force as the remaining kinetic energy is absorbed by the brakes and converted to thermal energy.

Roller coasters stop moving primarily through the use of friction brakes and magnetic brakes located on the track, as the cars themselves generally have no engine or onboard braking system. Standard friction brakes consist of "fin" plates on the underside of the car that get squeezed by motorized ceramic or metal clamps on the track. In 2026, most modern high-speed coasters use Magnetic (Eddy Current) Brakes, which utilize powerful permanent magnets to create a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the car's metal fins. This provides a incredibly smooth, "contactless" deceleration that never wears out. Additionally, coasters are divided into "block sections" monitored by sensors; if a train is still in the next block, the computer will automatically engage the trim brakes or emergency "block brakes" to stop the following train and prevent a collision. The final stop is usually a combination of magnetic slowing and a final friction-based mechanical "hold" that secures the train in the station for passenger boarding and unloading.