Helicopter Tour in New York: Routes, Prices, and Tips

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Helicopter tour in New York

A helicopter tour in New York is a special experience for many travelers during a city trip. From the air, you quickly get a clear sense of how the city is laid out and how closely everything is packed together. Skyscrapers, rivers, bridges, and parks come together as one impressive whole, with Manhattan as the unmistakable center.

Whether it’s your first time in New York or you’ve visited the city before, a helicopter tour shows familiar places from a completely different perspective. During the flight, you’ll pass well-known parts of the city such as Midtown Manhattan, Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty, depending on the route you choose.

On this page, you’ll read what to expect from a helicopter tour in New York. I explain whether it’s worth it, the different types of tours available, what you’ll see along the way, and how to decide which flight best fits your travel plans.

Is a helicopter tour in New York worth it?

Helicopter Tour in New York

A helicopter tour in New York is without a doubt one of the most impressive ways to experience the city, but it’s also one of the more expensive activities. Whether it’s worth it therefore largely depends on what you’re looking for during your trip.

What makes a helicopter tour unique is the perspective. From street level, you experience New York block by block, and from an observation deck you view the city from a single fixed point. During a helicopter flight, you actually move through the skyline. You fly past skyscrapers, follow the Hudson River, see bridges from above, and recognize famous landmarks at a glance. That feeling can’t be compared to any other attraction.

For many travelers, it’s mainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Especially on a first visit to New York, a helicopter tour can feel like the absolute highlight of the trip. At the same time, it’s not an activity that’s essential for everyone. If you prefer visiting museums at a relaxed pace, doing lots of walking, or planning multiple observation decks, you can experience New York perfectly well without taking to the air.

Personally, I see a helicopter tour primarily as an addition to other highlights. It’s not a replacement for attractions like the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, but rather something extra that makes your trip special. Travelers with limited time who still want to see a lot of the city often experience this as a major advantage.

If you want a deeper look at the pros and cons and find out who a helicopter flight is well suited for—or less so—you can read more on my dedicated page about whether a helicopter tour in New York is worth it. There, I also go into pricing, expectations, and alternatives.

Which helicopter tours are there in New York?

Helicopter Tour in New York, Helicopter flight in New York

Helicopter tours in New York are offered in set time blocks. The difference between these flights isn’t just the duration, but mainly how far you fly and which parts of the city you see from the air. In general, you can choose from tours of 15, 20, or 30 minutes.

Which option suits you best depends on your budget, the time you have, and how extensively you want to experience New York from above. Below, I explain what you can expect from each flight. Each option includes a map showing how far the route extends.

15-Minute Helicopter Tour

The 15-minute tour is the shortest option and is often chosen by travelers who are taking a helicopter flight for the first time. This tour mainly focuses on the southern part of Manhattan.

During this helicopter tour, you’ll fly past, among other sights:

  • Lower Manhattan

  • The skyline around Wall Street

  • Statue of Liberty

  • Ellis Island

  • One World Trade Center

You mainly fly over the Hudson River and do not make a full loop around Manhattan. This is a good choice if you mainly want to see the iconic highlights of Lower Manhattan and experience what a helicopter tour feels like.

This flight is especially suitable if you’re taking a helicopter tour for the first time and want to get a first impression of New York from the air.

Helicopter Tour in New York, Helicopter flight in New York

20-Minute Helicopter Tour

If you want to see more than just Lower Manhattan during your flight, the 20-minute tour is a logical next step. With this option, you fly further north and get a better sense of the size of Manhattan.

In addition to the highlights of the shorter flight, you’ll often also see:

  • Midtown Manhattan

  • Empire State Building

  • Central Park (from above)

  • Bridges such as the Brooklyn Bridge

Because you see a larger part of the city, you get a better sense of how the different neighborhoods connect, and it becomes easier to recognize familiar landmarks. For many travelers, this is the best middle ground between price and experience.

20-Minute Helicopter Tour in New York

30-Minute Helicopter Tour

The 30-minute tour is the most extensive option and shows you almost all of Manhattan from the air. This is the choice for travelers who don’t want to make any compromises and want to experience the city as completely as possible.

During this flight, you usually fly:

  • Along the entire west side of Manhattan

  • All the way to the northern end of the island

  • Over both the Hudson River and the East River

  • Past nearly all of the city’s well-known skyline landmarks

Because the flight lasts longer, you have more time to take in the views at a relaxed pace, take photos, and fully experience the city. This option is often chosen for special occasions, such as a honeymoon, an anniversary, or as a unique finale to a city trip.

30-Minute Helicopter Tour in New York

Which helicopter tour suits you best?

Which helicopter tour suits you best mainly depends on what you want to see and how extensive you want the experience to be. If you mainly want to explore the iconic southern part of Manhattan and experience what a helicopter flight feels like for the first time, the 15-minute tour is a logical choice.

If you’re looking for a good balance between price and what you get to see along the way, the 20-minute tour offers the best experience for many travelers. If you want to experience New York as completely as possible from the air and see the helicopter flight as one of the highlights of your trip, the 30-minute tour is the most comprehensive option.

In the next section, I’ll show you where to book these helicopter tours, which providers are reliable, and what to look out for when making a reservation.

Where can you book a helicopter tour in New York?

A helicopter tour in New York is almost always booked in advance. The flights are popular, the number of seats per flight is limited, and booking on the spot is rarely cheaper. By booking ahead, you make sure you have a spot at a time that fits your schedule.

Most helicopter tours depart from heliports along the Hudson River, both in Manhattan and just outside the city. The provider you choose affects the price, flight duration, route, and conditions. That’s why it’s important not to focus solely on the cheapest option, but also on what is exactly included in the flight.

Based on my own experience and that of other travelers, I recommend booking with providers that are clear about:

  • the exact duration of the flight

  • the route that will be flown

  • extra costs (such as fuel or heliport fees)

  • cancellation policies

Below you’ll find reliable providers where you can compare different helicopter tours and book directly.

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View 12–30 minute helicopter tours
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View 15–30 minute helicopter tours
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View 15–30 minute helicopter tours

Are you still unsure whether a helicopter tour fits your trip, or would you like to compare the different flights in more detail? Then also read my page on whether a helicopter tour in New York is worth it and my overview of the best helicopter tours in New York.

What should you know before a helicopter tour in New York?

A helicopter tour in New York is well organized, but there are a few things that are useful to know in advance. This way, you know exactly what to expect and won’t be caught off guard.

Weather and planning
Helicopter flights are highly dependent on the weather. In case of strong winds, fog, or poor visibility, a flight may be rescheduled or canceled. In such cases, providers usually offer a new date or a refund. That’s why it’s smart not to plan your helicopter flight on the very last day of your trip, so you have some flexibility if changes are needed.

Safety and organization
Helicopter tours in New York are operated by certified companies and are subject to strict safety regulations. Before departure, you’ll always receive a short safety briefing, and weight and seating arrangements are assigned to maintain proper balance in the helicopter. This is standard procedure and nothing to worry about.

Clothing and comfort
You don’t need special clothing, but comfortable clothes are recommended. It can get a bit warm inside the helicopter, especially in summer. Sunglasses are useful because of the light and reflections on the windows. Large bags are usually not allowed; in most cases, you can safely leave them with the operator.

Taking photos and videos
You’re allowed to take photos and videos with your phone or camera during the flight. Make sure your devices are securely held, as loose items are not allowed for safety reasons. Most helicopters have large windows, providing great visibility and excellent photo opportunities.

Who is a helicopter tour suitable for?
A helicopter tour is suitable for most travelers, even if you have no flying experience. If you’re afraid of heights, how comfortable the flight feels can vary from person to person. Many people actually find it relaxing, as you move smoothly through the air and aren’t standing near edges like on an observation deck.

If you know what to expect and plan your flight well, a helicopter tour in New York is a unique and well-organized experience that creates lasting memories for many travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions about a Helicopter Tour in New York

Is a helicopter tour in New York safe?

Yes. Helicopter tours in New York are operated by certified companies and are subject to strict safety regulations. Before every flight, you receive a safety briefing, and passengers are carefully assigned seats based on weight and balance. Safety is always the top priority.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In case of bad weather, such as strong winds, fog, or poor visibility, a helicopter flight may be canceled or rescheduled. In most cases, you can choose a new date free of charge or receive a refund. That’s why it’s wise not to plan the flight on the last day of your trip.

Can you take photos and videos during the flight?

Yes, taking photos and videos is allowed. The helicopters have large windows, giving you a clear view of the skyline. Loose items are not permitted, so make sure your camera or phone is securely held.

Is a helicopter tour suitable if you’re afraid of heights?

This varies from person to person. Many travelers with mild fear of heights say a helicopter flight actually feels calmer than an observation deck, because you fly smoothly through the air and aren’t standing close to edges. If you’re very unsure, an observation deck may be a safer choice.

How long does a helicopter tour take in total?

The flight itself usually lasts 15, 20, or 30 minutes. In addition, allow extra time for check-in, safety instructions, and preparation. In total, you’ll often spend about 45 to 75 minutes.

Is a helicopter tour suitable for children?

That depends on the provider and the child’s age. There is often a minimum age or minimum height requirement. Always check this in advance with the provider you’re booking with.

Is a helicopter tour in New York worth it?

A helicopter tour in New York isn’t a standard attraction, but an added experience for those who want to see the city in a different way. In a short amount of time, you get a clear sense of how large Manhattan is and how the different parts of the city fit together—something that’s much harder to grasp from street level.

My first helicopter tour over New York felt like a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since then, I’ve taken more than twenty flights. My most recent tour was in the summer of 2025, and even then it remained a special experience to see the city from the air.

At the same time, a helicopter tour isn’t a must-see for everyone. If you prefer visiting museums at a relaxed pace, walking through neighborhoods, or exploring multiple observation decks, you can experience New York perfectly well without taking to the air.

My advice is therefore to see a helicopter tour as an addition to your city trip—not as a replacement for other attractions, but as something extra. If your budget allows and the idea appeals to you, chances are it will be an experience you’ll remember for a long time.

If you’re still unsure between the different options, in short it comes down to:

  • 15 minutes – ideal as a first introduction and for a lower budget

  • 20 minutes – the best balance between price and what you see along the way

  • 30 minutes – the most complete experience for those who want to experience New York as fully as possible from the air

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New York Info

Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced New York enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited the city multiple times and explored it from north to south. On New York Info, I share my own experiences, practical tips, and honest recommendations to help you plan your city trip to New York. Do you have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.

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Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, I may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep New York Info running and continue sharing up-to-date travel tips.

Last updated: January 21, 2026

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