A helicopter flight over New York is an experience you will remember for a long time. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center and all the other skyscrapers from a completely different perspective, with all of Manhattan in the palm of your hand. There are several companies offering sightseeing flights in New York City, and they vary in price and route. In this article, you’ll find a selection of the best flights and I’ve added tips to help you make the most of the experience.
Table of Contents
- New York Helicopter Tours Above Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island…
- What You Need to Know Before Booking a New York Helicopter Tour
- A Cheap Manhattan Helicopter Tour For $278
- 18-20 Minute Helicopter Flight Over Manhattan For $332
- 30-Minute Flight Over New York City For $425
- Night Helicopter Tour Over New York City For $285
- Helicopter Tour Over Manhattan for 6 People For $1,246
- Photos From a New York Helicopter Tour
New York Helicopter Tours Above Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island…
The price of sightseeing flights over New York City starts at about $269 per person for the shortest 12-minute flight. On a per-minute flight basis, the experience may seem expensive to some, but anyone who has seen hundreds of skyscrapers from the deck of a helicopter has the experience of a lifetime. Of course, you can take photos and videos during the flight, and there are seats next to the pilot.
The experience is offered by a number of companies, differing from each other by departure location, flight route, price or the helicopter used. You will almost always see Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, with longer flights having more room to fly over Times Square or Central Park. Think carefully about which attractions you want to see before choosing a particular flight.
All prices in this article have been updated as of April 2024 and include all fees.
What You Need to Know Before Booking a New York Helicopter Tour
📅 Where to Book a NYC Helicopter Tour
Sightseeing flights in New York are operated by several companies, and helicopters are a common form of transport in the city, for example to the airport. I recommend booking your flight well in advance, either through a broker or directly with the operator.
Especially during the summer season, the most popular dates tend to sell out, so your wish may not be fulfilled 100%.
🕒 When Is the Best Time for a New York Helicopter Tour
Flights during sunset are the most desirable, with some companies charging extra at these times. The best helicopter photos are taken between 13:00 and 15:00, when the sun is highest in the sky and doesn’t interfere with your lens.
💵 Price of a New York Helicopter Tour
Always check the price of the flight carefully to make sure it is final. There is a $40–$45 per person charge for using Manhattan’s heliports. Some sightseeing vendors include the fee in the final price, others charge it separately.
For the links in the article, I have tried to make everything as clear as possible. You may also encounter a security fee or voucher issuance fee.
📜 Important Flight Information
I recommend arriving at the departure point with a reserve. If you arrive late, you may not receive compensation or a replacement flight. Take your passport or other proof of identity with you to the heliport.
You will receive a briefing before departure, go through a screening frame and have your luggage checked. Rules may vary from company to company, so please read the instructions sent to you carefully. Photography and filming are allowed.
🚁 Where Is the Best View From the Helicopter?
The capacity of the helicopters used is usually 4-6 people, the operators try to fill them 100%. Thus, in a helicopter for 6 people, one group of two and one group of four can travel together.
The best view is from the first row next to the pilot, which usually accommodates two people. Seating arrangements are usually determined by the pilot to balance the weight and ensure the safety of the flight. You will not be able to choose a specific seat, but you can try to request one.
Each airline has a weight limit per passenger, usually around 250 pounds (113 kg).
⌛ How Much Time Is Needed for a Helicopter Tour?
It depends on the length of your flight, but allow about an hour and a half. You need to be at most heliports 30-45 minutes in advance, plus the journey there and the flight itself. Don’t leave your arrival at the heliport to the last minute, at best you’ll pay an extra fee, at worst you won’t take off.
🤔 Is a NYC Helicopter Tour Worth It?
A few hundred dollars for a quarter hour flight is a lot of money, don’t let that put you off. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter, you’ll remember a scenic flight over New York City for years afterwards. At least I do, and I’ve traveled to over 60 countries.
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A Cheap Manhattan Helicopter Tour For $278
The cheapest sightseeing flight over New York City is $224, plus $45 for the use of the heliport.
This flight is suitable for those who want to fly in a helicopter over New York but want to spend as little money as possible. During the 12-15 minute flight from the deck of the Bell 206 helicopter, you will see Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River, Ellis Island and Central Park. You’ll hear the pilot’s commentary in your headphones the entire time.
Flights operate Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The helicopter capacity is 5-7 people, so you’ll be flying with strangers. Departure is from the Downtown Manhattan heliport, return is to the same location.
- 💵 Price: $278 with lowest price guarantee ($229 for flight + $40 for heliport + $8.96 fee)
- 🚁 Departure and arrival: Downtown Manhattan
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18-20 Minute Helicopter Flight Over Manhattan For $332
Those who want a longer experience are offered a roughly 20-minute flight for the final price of $332. It departs from a heliport in downtown Manhattan, which saves time.
Flying in a Bell 407 or Eurocopter EC130 helicopter, you’ll enjoy the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline and other famous sites. During the flight, you can listen to the pilot’s commentary and feel free to ask him if you have any questions.
Sightseeing flights are available every Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 15:30 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00. You will be in the helicopter along with other passengers.
From my point of view, this flight is a good compromise between price and length of experience. If at all possible, try to get to the front seats. The advantage of buying through the link above is the lowest price guarantee.
An alternative to this flight is a 30-35 minute helicopter flight over Manhattan for $285. As a thank you for the lower price, the flight departs from Essex County Airport in New Jersey, which takes approximately two hours to reach from Manhattan. From my point of view, it’s not worth it. It takes four hours to get there and back, and the ticket price erases some of the savings.
- 💵 Price: $332 with lowest price guarantee ($319 per flight + $12.76 fee)
- 🚁 Departure and arrival: Downtown Manhattan
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30-Minute Flight Over New York City For $425
If you’re not satisfied with just a little, I recommend you opt for the half-hour flight, which its seller calls a best seller. From the deck of a Bell or Airbus helicopter, you’ll see all the famous sites in Manhattan and some others that shorter flights don’t have room for.
You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Central Park, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Hudson River and Yankee Stadium. A flight this long already means a thorough tour of the city, departing again from Manhattan.
You can fly anytime from 12:00 to 15:30 Monday to Friday and from 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays. If you’re not on a tight budget, I recommend choosing this sightseeing flight.
- 💵 Price: $425 with lowest price guarantee ($409 per flight + $16.36 fee)
- 🚁 Departure and arrival: Downtown Manhattan
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Night Helicopter Tour Over New York City For $285
A night flight of 25-30 minutes offers a completely different perspective on the experience. Flying after dark between 16:30 and 21:00, dates are always available from Friday to Sunday.
It departs and arrives at Linden Airport in New Jersey, which is at least an hour and a half from downtown Manhattan.
The night route corresponds to the daytime flights, and you can enjoy the illuminated Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park or the Brooklyn Bridge. A detailed flight map is shown on the seller’s website.
- 💵 Price: $285 with lowest price guarantee ($274 per flight + $10.96 fee)
- 🚁 Departure and arrival: Linden Airport, New Jersey
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Helicopter Tour Over Manhattan for 6 People For $1,246
If you’re travelling in a group of up to 6 people, you can pay for an inexpensive 12-15 minute private flight over New York City. For the final price of $1,246 you can take up to 6 people on board, so one person will only pay $208. That’s less than the cheapest flight available, plus you can share the experience with your friends.
You can fly from the downtown Manhattan heliport anytime from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 15:30 or on Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00. A pilot will be available during the flight for you to ask inquisitive questions.
The private flight route includes the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, Ellis Island, Ground Zero and continues to Central Park. A detailed map is available on the vendor’s website.
- 💵 Price: $1,246 with lowest price guarantee ($1,198 per flight + $48 fee)
- 🚁 Departure and arrival: Downtown Manhattan
How to Save Money in New York City
Photos From a New York Helicopter Tour
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