Mine Train

Added to the Boomtown section in 1966, the Runaway Mine Train is Six Flags over Texas’ oldest operating roller coaster (technically another ride was SFoT’s first coaster). The first mine train roller coaster in the world, the ride cost an estimated $1 million — about $9.4 million when adjusted for inflation to 2023. Track winds through a heavily wooded area complete with mining theming for a true out-of-control mine cart experience.

Although the ride was originally named the “Runaway Mine Train,” the park mostly stopped using the “Runaway” part of its name in 1996 when Runaway Mountain was added to avoid confusion. The park has since resumed referencing the ride as the Runaway Mine Train.

The Mine Train is known for its three separate lift hills that sends riders through tunnels, around trees, and alongside Johnson Creek. The third lift hill takes riders into the “Ace Hotel and Saloon” before it dives down below the Caddo Lake and back into the station. The coaster’s long track and three lift hills theoretically allowed for up to four trains to operate simultaneously, although this was rarely done.

For the ride’s 40th anniversary season in 2006, the American Coaster Enthusiasts named the Runaway Mine Train a roller coaster landmark for its historical significance.

Mine Train was closed throughout 2022 and 2023 for a complete renovation of the ride’s control systems. It reopened mid-2023 with a relocated operator panel.

Mine Train Trivia

Burning Bridges
The park originally planned for the Mine Train to have more theming including sending the train across a butane-powered burning bridge.
Re-Profiled

The section after the second lift hill had to be re-profiled after the ride opened and was deemed too wild for most riders. Originally there were more turns and a section of speed bumps that caused many guests to lose their belongings.

A Temporary Waterfall
Six Flags added a tunnel with waterfalls that trains passed through when the track between the second and third lift hills was renovated. The waterfall was removed after partially collapsing due to heavy rains in 1988.
The First Tubular Steel Roller Coaster?

The Mine Train was historically billed by Six Flags as being the “world’s first tubular steel roller coaster.” However, that honor actually belongs to Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds which opened in 1959.

The Mine Train is however the first tubular steel coaster with traditional coaster trains (versus the toboggans that Matterhorn uses).

Mine Train Stats

Ride Type:Steel mine train coaster
Height:35 ft
Top Speed:26 mph
Length:2484 ft
Year Introduced:1966
Inversions:0
Manufacturer:Arrow Development
Duration:3 min
Height Requirement:42 in
Status:Operating
Flash Pass Enabled:No
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Where to Sit?

Sit in the back for the most intense ride experience, especially on the ride’s final drop.

Historical Mine Train Photos

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