A circuit roller coaster is a typical roller coaster, in which a train of cars makes a looping journey from a starting point back to the same point, traveling in one direction (generally clockwise or counterclockwise, although it may cross itself).

Circuit roller coasters generally cover a broad area; if they wind back and forth within a tight area, they should be classified as twister roller coasters. If the roller coaster does not achieve a track variation of at least 10 meters, it is classified, regardless of its plan, as a junior roller coaster.

The train continues around the route in one direction and returns to its departure point. A shuttle roller coaster instead reverses along a line before returning.