Ready to see the city that never sleeps like you’ve never seen it before? If so then this post on all of the very best NYC helicopter tours of all time is for you.
I mean, not only am I a 30+ year local but I hardcore splurge on the top New York City helicopter tours every chance I can get,
And it’s worth it since it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers you a truly unique perspective of the city.
But. not all helicopter tours in NYC are created equal.
So, to help you pick out the very best helicopter tour for you, I’m gonna share my insider reviews of the best NYC helicopter tours.
This way you can make a much more informed (i.e. better) decision about the best helicopter tour in NYC for you and your most favorite travel companions.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
What to know about the Best NYC Helicopter Tours
Before diving into this post on the best NYC helicopter tours ever, here are a few handy tips that will help you decide which one is perfect for you.
After all, I’ve done a done of top helicopter tours in NYC and don’t want you to make any of the mistakes that I did. Yeah, I’ve made a ton of mistakes. Especially when enjoying the best dinner cruise NYC has to offer.
1. ALWAYS Double-Check the Departure Location
Sadly, you can’t hail your helicopter from the sidewalk. So, many of the top helicopter tours in New York City depart from outside the city.
So, generally speaking, many of the tours listed below depart from Linden Airport/Kearny Point in New Jersey or Westchester County Airport in White Plains.
Therefore, you’ll need to factor in the cost and time of traveling to and from these locations, many of which are located upwards of an hour outside the city.
And even though these airports are reachable by train, you’ll still need an Uber or Lyft to get to the airport – and then back to the train station after your ride is over.
However, some of the best NYC helicopter tours do include transfers – or at least the option to add it on.
Plus, this guide does include some more central options. Yeah, ain’t nobody got time to haul ass to Westchester and pay for train fare on top of it,
Oh, and when you’re traveling outside of the city, always, always, allow additional time in case your train is late or your service is changed in some way.
2. Travel Light
Each tour provider offering up the best NYC helicopter tours around specifically stipulates what is and is not allowed in the helicopter.
Therefore, your booking usually includes access to a secure locker where you can store your bag since it’s not usually allowed with you on the helicopter.
And sometimes, this storage service is complimentary – or a surcharge may apply.
Generally, though, cell phones are usually permitted (expect to remove the protective case first) but cameras are often banned.
Also, certain handsets (ie, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7) aren’t allowed on helicopters.
3. Dress Warmly and Practically
Once airborne, it can get a little chilly. So, remember to dress in comfy, lightweight clothing that’ll keep you warm and won’t flap around.
Also, in general, hats and scarves aren’t allowed. And, you’ll need to secure long hair with a hair tie.
4. Assigned Seating
Pilots assign seating based on weight, in order to balance the aircraft. Sometimes, this means you aren’t able to sit directly next to your partner.
Also, this means you can’t call shotgun on the co-pilot seat. At the discretion of the pilot, you might be assigned to the rear seats of the craft which have a limited view.
Thankfully though, I was lucky enough to ride shotgun during my flight and it was freaking awesome. I also may or may not have pretended that I was co-piloting the plane.
And while kids under 2 are generally welcome (although, exceptions do apply), they must sit on the lap of a parent or guardian.
Additionally, do be aware that weight limits apply on certain aircraft.
It’s also worth noting that all of the best NYC helicopter tours listed here are wheelchair accessible unless specified otherwise.
5. Read the small print
Always read over the terms and conditions with a fine-tooth comb. But, pay particular attention to:
- Cancellation/rescheduling policies in case of inclement weather, traffic delays, unforeseen circumstances, etc
- Departure time and meeting time for the pre-flight safety briefing
- Restrictions on age, weight, and height
- Pregnant women are generally permitted in helicopters but companies advise seeking medical approval beforehand
Pro Tip: Remember that heli tours follow the waterways and aren’t permitted to fly over landmarks. Know this and your expectations will be met while enjoying the best New York City helicopter tours of them all.
Best NYC Helicopter Tours of All Time
Cameras at the ready cool kids because these are my personal picks for the best NYC helicopter tours. And trust me, I’ve done a ton of New York City helicopter tours in my day.
PSST...Book the New York City: Manhattan island Helicopter Tour now since that is my personal fave. 😀 The price is great, the views are stunning, the flight departs from Manhattan, there are no hidden fees, and the flight is seriously long. 🚁
1. New York City: Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour
Rated 4.7/5.0 😍
Price: from $229 per person
Flight Duration: 12-15, 17-20, or 25-30 minutes
Seats: Max. 6 people per booking; min. 1 person to book
Private/Shared: Shared
Operator: Helicopter Flight Services (HeliNY)
Starting off strong, this Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour is one of the overall best NYC helicopter tours of them all.
For starters, the views. In fact, you’ll fly past the skyscrapers of Manhattan while admiring the vast greenery of Central Park and the might of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Plus, all flight paths include aerial views of the Statue of Liberty, the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, and the One World Trade Center.
Plus, if you upgrade to one of the longer routes, you’ll be able to admire northern Manhattan, Staten Island, the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge, and Yankee Stadium too.
So, if you opt for the 25-30 minute tour, you’ll pay $369. Which, is a steal, especially for a plus like NYC.
And since this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of you out there, it’s totally worth the splurge.
Plus, this tour includes an in-flight audio narration. You’ll also be able to stream this without interference via some swanky Bose headsets – included in the price, of course.
But, safety first because your pre-flight briefing is available in English, French, German, and Spanish.
And while kids as young as 2 can join in on the fun, their flight will cost just as much as the one for adults.
Also, with no minimum number of participants to book, solo travelers in NYC will be in heaven. But, if there are 6 of you, this will be, by default, a private tour.
As if this tour wasn’t already winning, the departure location is in Lower Manhattan at Pier 6, South Street Seaport.
And, on top of that, there are no additional fees to pay, making this one of the best-value NYC helicopter tours on this list.
Yeah, the only additional fees you’ll incur are if you want to add on photos or tip the pilot. However, both are absolutely at your discretion.
| Pros | Cons |
| Booking includes all fees | No availability to fly after dusk |
| Central Manhattan departure point (no parking at the heliport) | ours rescheduled within 24 hours of departure are subject to a $50 fee per person |
| Three flight options to accommodate all budgets |
2. New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour
Rated: 4.7/5.0 😍
Price: Starts at $209 per person (reduced to $188 at the time of writing)
Flight Duration: 12-15 or 18-20 minutes
Seats: Min. 1 person to book
Private/Shared: Shared
Operator: Zip Aviation
This Manhattan Helicopter Tour swoops by Battery Park before bringing you face-to-face with Lady Liberty herself.
Then, after a loop around Governor’s Island, it’s onward to Ellis Island before following the Hudson up past the piers of Chelsea to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum.
Once making a turn, you’ll get a look at the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and Central Park before heading back south to Ground Zero.
It’s also one of the best NYC helicopter tours for anyone on a budget since tours start at $209 for a 12-15 minute flight.
Plus, you can upgrade to a 19-20 minute tour for just $289 per person.
Overall, the flight path is the same. But, you’ll also fly over Harlem, the Bronx, and past the Palisades and Spuyten Duyvil Bridge.
All the while, you’ll hear a pre-recorded narration spilling the deets on the sights below. So, it’s as educational as it is thrilling.
To further sweeten the deal, the helipad is located at Pier 6 in Lower Manhattan’s Seaport District.
Yup, no pesky train ride out of Manhattan needed – saving you tons of time and money too.
And for an additional fee, you can even purchase professional photos to commemorate the experience.
Please note that the weight limit on this tour is 300 lbs.
Incidentally, the same company operates this 25-30 minute Helicopter Tour with Narration. However, for this tour you’ll need a minimum of 4 people, thereby making the experience fully private.
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the cheapest tours that offers high value | Locked rentals require an additional fee |
| Central Manhattan departure point | A boarding fee of $40 per person applies at the time of the event |
3. From New Jersey: NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour at Night
Rated: 5.0/5.0 😍 (please note there are only 9 reviews)
Price: Starts at $359
Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes
Seats: Min. 1 person to book
Private/Shared: Shared
Operator: Charm Aviation
Now, this top-rated Empire Helicopter Tour of New York is a premium offering from a downtown Manhattan company that is easily one of the best NYC helicopter tours of them all./
So, after taking off from Pier 6, you’ll pass by all the mega epic jewels that the Big Apple has to offer – like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the skyscrapers of Midtown.
Plus, this extended tour includes views of Coney Island, Columbia University, Verrazzano Narrows Bridge, and Yankee Stadium.
Then, while you fly, you’ll be treated to a detailed audio commentary on the landmarks and the juicy history behind them.
Also, no nasty surprises here since all fees are included in the booking. And, you even have the option to purchase professional photos too.
However, cameras and smartphones are permitted in the helicopter if you just want to take your own photos while aboard.
Just remember that you need to arrive for check-in 30 minutes prior to departure and the tour doesn’t include transfers.
And as is standard with this helipad, parking is not available at the hangar.
| Pros | Cons |
| Booking includes all fees | A slight surcharge applied to flights on Fridays and Saturdays |
| Central Manhattan take-off | Passengers exceeding 275 lbs need to purchase an additional seat (100% of the applicable retail price) |
| Complimentary lockers provided to store possessions | |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance |
4. From New Jersey: NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour at Night
Rated: 4.8/5.0 😍
Price: From $274 per person
Flight Duration: 25 minutes
Seats: Min. 1 person to book, max. 6 people per booking
Private/Shared: Shared (option to upgrade to private)
Operator: Helicopter Flight Services (HeliNY)
Want to fly at twilight and see the Big Apple aglow with neon-hued beauty? If so then this is one of the best NYC helicopter tours at night for you.
In fact, few providers offer shared chopper rides in the dark. So, this tour stands out.
So, after soaring past Newark Airport, the NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour at Night glides toward Manhattan and past both the Statue of Liberty and the Financial District.
Pay attention and you might hear the pop of fizzy wine or the tinkle of plates as you soar alongside the nightlife hotspots of Chelsea, the West Village, and SOHO.
Continuing north, you’ll glimpse an eerily dark Central Park, with pockets of illuminations.
Actually, seeing this giant green space from the sky only adds to the awe and enormity of this iconic landmark.
Then, this 25-minute ride continues with a lap around Yankee Stadium in da Bronx too.
Now, tours are scheduled starting at 6:30 pm in the winter and are then staggered with new flights departing on the hour.
However, during summer, there’s one option per week, taking off at 7:30 pm. But, you’ll need to arrive 30 minutes prior to take-off for a safety briefing and to put your belongings in a locker.
FYI, this tour departs from Linden Airport. And if you book the shared option, transport isn’t provided.
However, this company gives you the possibility to upgrade to a private booking with return transfers if that’s something that you’re interested in.
| Pros | Cons |
| NYC, from the sky, at night – what more could you want out of life? | Tours are limited to Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights in winter, or Fridays during summer |
| Booking is fully inclusive of fees, taxes, and locker use | Departs from Linden Airport, which is a bit of a schlep from NYC |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance | Flights cannot be rescheduled within 24 hours of take-off |
5. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island
Rated: 4.8/5.0 😍
Price: From $369 per person
Flight Duration: 25-30 minutes
Seats: Min. 1 person to book
Private/Shared: Shared
Operator: Helicopter Flight Services (HeliNY)
Now, here is one of the best NYC helicopter tours if you want a longer flight but at a budget-friendly price.
Of course, the New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island hovers past the classic sights of the city.
Plus, you’ll journey north to the General Grant National Memorial in Harlem, Columbia University, and marvel at the natural beauty of the Palisades too.
Yeah, these vertical cliff faces and forests serve as a huge contrast to the urban landmarks of Midtown.
Then, once your pilot does a fun turn, you’ll cruise south, going as far as the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge.
Linking Staten Island with Brooklyn, this is the longest suspension bridge in the Americas.
Naturally, you get the best perspective from the sky! And, your pilot will be able to fill you in on the history and secrets behind what you see along the way.
Another unicorn, this tour departs from Pier 6 in Lower Manhattan. Therefore, you’re spared a lengthy train ride and the fear of a possible delay along the way.
This lack of commute also explains why you get to see a fair bit more of the boroughs outside of Manhattan. Oh, and souvenir photos are available to purchase for an added fee.
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the few tours that fly as far as the Verrazano Narrows Bridge | A weight limit of 275 lbs applies |
| Downtown Manhattan take-off saves you valuable time and money | A small surcharge applies to weekend bookings |
| Complimentary lockers | |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance |
Best NYC Helicopter Tours for Adrenaline Junkies
6. New York City: Helicopter Tour with NYC: Helicopter Tour with Optional Doors-Off Experience
Rated: 4.4/5.0 😍
Price: From $326 per person
Flight Duration: 16 minutes
Seats: 5, no minimum required to book
Private/Shared: Shared
Operator: Helipass NYC
With the option to fly in a doorless chopper, here’s one of the best NYC helicopter tours for the courageous.
Because this Helicopter Tour with NYC: Helicopter Tour with Optional Doors-Off Experience soars past Manhattan’s forest of skyscrapers.
And other landmarks you’ll admire from the sky include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Governer’s Island, and Battery Park.
Plus. standard flights come in at a mid-range/upper price due to the doors-on experience.
Although, if you do want to sample the doors-off experience, you’ll need to cough up an extra $127. Which, for a lifetime of memories, sounds totally reasonable.
Now, with this tour, you’ll be buckled into a harness making it safe AF to get those iconic, foot-dangling photos.
For comfort though, please remember to tie back your hair and prepare for a windier (ergo, chillier) experience in comparison to doors-on chopper rides that make the other best helicopter tours in New York City.
Seating a maximum of five, you can join a tour as a solo traveler or grab four pals to turn this shared flight into a private reservation.
But, regardless of whether you go with or without doors, you’re expected to arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes ahead of take-off for your safety briefing.
And you’ll be departing from Kearny Point, NJ so you’ll need to make your own transport arrangements.
Note, this tour isn’t suitable for kids under 5, pregnant women, or anyone over 309 lbs.
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the few doors-off helicopter tours in NYC, with a license to thrill! | Registration fee of around $52 on the day required |
| Unobstructed views are awesome for photography | Transport from NYC isn’t provided |
| While not downtown Manhattan, Kearny Point is closer than Linden and Westchester | No option to fly for longer than 16 minutes |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance | Not suitable for pregnant women |
7. New York City: Helicopter Piloting Experience
Rated: 5.0/5.0 😍 (only five total reviews though)
Price: Starts at $540 per booking
Flight Duration: 30 or 60 minutes
Seats: Max.2 people per booking
Private/Shared: Private
Operator: Wings Air Aviation
Hands down, this Helicopter Piloting Experience is one of the most unique NYC helicopter tours around.
Because, yes, you really do get to sit in the cockpit and try your hand at flying a chopper.
Now, your lesson begins with 30 minutes of ground instruction that covers flight controls, flying techniques, and safety procedures.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll then join a professional and patient flight instructor as you put your newfound skills to the test.
Airborne, you’ll have either 30 or 60 minutes to drive the Robinson R44 helicopter south toward NYC.
Note, you’ll not actually fly as far as Manhattan with this experience. But, you’ll spot the concrete and glass jungle rising in the distance.
To be honest, you’ll be so enraptured with the thrill of steering a chopper that you’ll barely notice the scenery anyway.
Plus, each booking includes 2 passengers – the student and a guest. Therefore, it’s actually an epic price point you can’t really beat.
Because for a 60-minute lesson, the cost is $955, or $1,405 with transfers.
However, this is one of the best NYC helicopter tours that departs from Westchester Airport in White Plains. So, you’ll need to arrange transportation to get there.
Alternatively, you can book round trip transfers with the service provider.
| Pros | Cons |
| Booking includes 2 passengers | Airport fee and fuel surcharge of $35 per person is payable before departure |
| It’s the ultimate travel experience gift for yourself or a loved one | No option for the second rider to take control: strictly, one student only |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance | Weight limited applied to those over 250 lbs |
Best NYC helicopter Tours for a Luxury Experience
8. New York City: Private Helicopter Tour for Couples
Rated: 4.9/5.0 😍
Price: From $756 per group of 2
Flight Duration: 30 or 45 minutes
Seats: Max. 2 people per booking
Private/Shared: Private
Operator: Wings Air Aviation
Now, if you’re searching for the best NYC helicopter tours for couples, look no further than this tour right here.
See, this Private Helicopter Tour for Couples flies out of White Plains and heads south to Manhattan.
As a result, all flights give you the chance to ogle the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, as well as Central Park, and Madison Square Garden. Plus, outside of game times, you’ll circle Yankee Stadium.
Plus, the benefit of this 45-minute tour is that you’ll get a look at Lady Liberty, Ellis island, the Financial District, and the Brooklyn Bridge too.
You’ll also love that there are tons of departure times available, from morning through to evening. Heck, you can even choose a coveted sunset slot if you want.
And while the standard option includes a 30-minute flight, you can always upgrade to 45 minutes and add transfers too.
Actually, considering that this tour departs from Westchester Airport, you should give this option a thought.
Because, otherwise you’d need to take a train to White Plains and then hail an Uber from there. Otherwise, this one is one of the best NYC helicopter tours if you’re traveling upstate.
And since you’ll be flying in a sleek AF Robinson R44 helicopter, there’s a weight limit of 250 lbs and a height limit of 6 ft and 3 in.
| Pros | Cons |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance | Easy but time-consuming commute to White Plains |
| Can choose between a daytime, sunset, or evening flight | Airport and fuel fees of $35 per person apply at the time of departure |
| Although the approach is quite long, it’s a cool experience to see NYC gradually arise on the horizon |
Check Out Dates and Prices Now! ✅
9. New York City: Helicopter Sightseeing Charter with Champagne
Rated: 4.7/5.0 😍
Price: From $2,075 per couple or $4,200 for a group of up to five
Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Seats: Max. 5 people per booking
Private/Shared: Private
Operator: Wings Air Aviation
Well, how about one of the best NYC helicopter tours for a special occasion?
Birthday, anniversary, engagement, first date with all the stops, or just an adventurous Monday evening?
Either way, this Helicopter Sightseeing Charter with Champagne is an experience you’ll not soon forget -especially if you’re staying in one of the best hotels in Times Square since this tour departs from Manhattan.
Here, you can book a 2-person excursion in a Robinson R44 or book for a party of up to 5 in an Airbus AS350 turbine copter.
Regardless of the size of your party, all charters are 30-minutes and fly over both the Hudson and East Rivers.
So, from this unique vantage point, you’ll spot Central Park, Columbus Circle, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, Harlem, and Liberty Island.
Therefore, you’ll get an eyeful of the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. Heck, you’ll even spot Yankee Stadium outside of game times.
This tour also includes live narration from the pilot as you sip on a chilled glass of Champagne.
And if you happen to look younger than 21, you’ll need to flash your ID before you can swig on your glass of bubbles.
Another huge perk of this tour is that take-off is usually from the East 34th Street Heliport in Midtown Manhattan.
Although, on weekends, this is subject to change.
Also, if you book a 2-person flight, you’ll travel in a Robinson R44 chopper with the same weight and height restrictions as previously mentioned.
| Pros | Cons |
| Inclusive of all fees, taxes, and fuel | On the flip side, weekend flights may take off further afield – you’ll only know at the time of booking Works out as the priciest option |
| Many tours depart from a Midtown heliport | |
| Lots of time slots to choose from | |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance |
Check Out Dates and Times Now! ✅
10. Private VIP New York City Helicopter Tour and Luxury SUV
Rated: 4.8/5.0 😍
Price: from $1,762 per group
Flight Duration: 12-15, 17-20, or 25-30 minutes
Seats: 5
Private/Shared: Private
Operator: Helicopter Flight Services (HeliNY)
For the full, A-list experience, how about being driven to your helicopter in a luxury SUV?
Well, this Private VIP New York City Helicopter Tour and Luxury SUV does exactly that.
So, this operator offers pick up from any Manhattan address below 96th Street.
And highlights from this tour include the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Chelsea Piers, the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, and the Seaport District.
However, the exact itinerary will depend on the duration of your flight, with the cost of your tour rising to $2,600 for a 25-30 minute tour.
Which, at $520 per head, comes out at an extremely reasonable amount for a private charter of this type.
In fact, the charter flies out of Lower Manhattan at Pier 6. Therefore, you won’t have to wait too long in the back of the limo.
After dropping your bags in the lockers, you’ll then hop aboard the helicopter and enjoy a live commentary while the pilot steers you around Manhattan.
| Pros | Cons |
| Booking includes all fees, taxes, and fuel costs | Expensive if you’re not able to fill all 5 seats |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance | |
| Complimentary lockers |
11. New York City: Private Helicopter Flight for up to 6 People
Rated: 5.0/5.0 😍
Price: From $1,500 per group
Flight Duration: 30 or 45 minutes
Seats: Min. 1 person to book
Private/Shared: Private
Operator: Helicopter Flight Services (HeliNY)
Take off in style with this top-rated Manhattan heli ride. After all, it’s easily one of the best NYC helicopter tours for families and large groups.
Now, once onboard your personal Airbus helicopter H125, this Private Helicopter Flight for up to 6 People gives you a bird’s eye view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and da Bronx.
So, with a standard 30-minute trip, you’ll tick off icons in a flash: Empire State Building, check. Chrysler Building, check. Central Park, check.
Plus, the extended flight will take you beyond Midtown Manhattan and provide views of the One World Trade Center, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
And because this is a private chopper tour, you can select a take-off time that is optimal for your group.
See, the tour is priced per booking – which works out to $250 per person for a 30-minute lap.
Or, $350 for a 45-minute ride.
However, because the hangar is based in Westchester, you’ll need to travel to White Plains on your own. But, the provider offers you the chance to upgrade to round-trip transfers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing value per head if you fill all 6 seats | Long commute out to White Plains from NYC |
| Full control over departure, with availability during the day, afternoon, or evening | Airport fee/fuel surcharge of $35 per person applies |
| Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance |
Check Out Dates and Times Now! ✅
Additional NYC Resources You’ll Love
There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best NYC helicopter tours of them all!
Tell me, did your picks for the best New York City helicopter tours make the cut? If not then let me know in the comments below.
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