As of early 2026, the fastest ride on the planet is Formula Rossa, located at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This roller coaster reaches a staggering top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph) in just 4.9 seconds. The acceleration is so intense that riders are required to wear safety goggles to protect their eyes from the desert sand and impact at such high velocities. The ride uses a hydraulic launch system similar to those found on aircraft carriers. However, for 2026 thrill-seekers, a new challenger is on the horizon: Six Flags Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia is currently testing Falcon's Flight, which is projected to break all records with a top speed of over 250 km/h (155 mph) and a drop of over 600 feet. Until Falcon's Flight officially opens to the public later this year, Formula Rossa remains the reigning champion of speed, offering a G-force experience (4.8G) that closely mimics the sensation of a Formula 1 race car.