The oldest operating roller coaster is Leap-The-Dips at Lakemont Park in Pennsylvania, a side friction roller coaster built in 1902.

The world's oldest operating roller coaster is the Great Scenic Railway at Luna Park in Melbourne, Australia, which opened in 1912. As of 2026, it is 114 years old. This wooden coaster is unique because it is a "side-friction" design, meaning it requires a "brakeman" to stand in the middle of the train and manually operate the lever to control the speed around corners. It has survived world wars, economic depressions, and various park renovations, maintaining its original charm and thrilling riders with a scenic view of Port Phillip Bay. Until very recently, the "Scenic Railway" at Dreamland Margate in the UK (opened in 1920) was the second oldest, but in January 2026, the park announced that the ride would be retired from operational service, leaving the Melbourne icon as the undisputed "grandparent" of the global amusement industry.

The oldest continuously operating roller coaster in the world is Leap-The-Dips at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA.

Key facts about Leap-The-Dips:

• Opened: 1902
• Design: It’s a “side friction” roller coaster, meaning the cars are guided by wheels on the sides of the track rather than underneath it. There are no lap bars or seat belts—riders simply hold on.
• Status: It was meticulously restored and reopened in 1999 after being closed for many years. It has been in continuous operation since its reopening, maintaining its historic designation.
• Significance: It is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Important Distinction: “Oldest” vs. “Oldest Working”

The title requires the coaster to be both old and still working. There are older coaster structures (like the Scenic Railway at Melbourne’s Luna Park, opened 1912, but rebuilt after fires), but they are not the original continuous operation.

A strong runner-up is the Scenic Railway at Dreamland Margate in England, which opened in 1920 and has operated continuously since then (except during WWII).

In summary: If by “oldest working” you mean the original coaster that has been in the longest continuous operation (post-restoration), Leap-The-Dips (1902) holds the title. If you mean the oldest coaster operating continuously without a major multi-year closure, the Scenic Railway at Margate (1920) is a strong contender.