Baltimore offers fantastic vistas for those who are willing to strap on the seatbelt and go up on a helicopter tour.
If you want to experience some of the best bird’s-eye views of Baltimore, look no further than a helicopter ride.
After all, landmarks like Oriole Park, Domino Sugar, and the Inner Harbor are best seen from the sky.
You can book the most convenient time for the flight and sit back as your pilot whisks you over the city.
Whether you utilize your time to shoot beautiful aerial pictures or simply take in the sights of Baltimore from above, few things in Baltimore can match the adrenaline feeling you will get.
In this article, we share everything you must know before booking your helicopter tour over Baltimore.
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What to expect on a helicopter tour of Baltimore
Regular Baltimore helicopter tours are available for 15 minutes, 20 minutes, or 35 minutes.
Couples and families opt for the helicopter ride + VIP Dinner combo, where you also get a six-course meal.
If you prefer privacy, it is better to book a private air tour over Baltimore.
Best helicopter tour operator in Baltimore
Charm City Helicopters is Baltimore’s best helicopter tour company.
Regardless of the package you select, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable helicopter trip.
Charm City Helicopters was created and is owned by pilots, so they know what it takes to provide the best helicopter trip for guests.
Tourists who have flown them praise the company for its focus on safety, comfort, and fun.
All the four helicopter tours over Baltimore, Maryland, which we have recommended, are operated by the Charm City Helicopters.
From where do helicopters take off
Charm City Helicopters is the only helicopter tour company based physically in Baltimore City while being conveniently located in Canton, only two blocks off Route 95.
Charm City Helicopters is located at 1800 South Clinton St. on Pier 7 in the Inner Harbor. Get Directions
You can also access the Pier via the water taxi if you prefer.
We recommended that you arrive at the Heliport at least 30 minutes before your scheduled helicopter tour.
After your sightseeing trip is over, you will land at the same place from where the helicopter took off.
Opening hours
Charm City Helicopters company operates Baltimore helicopter tours from Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm.
Take-offs start at 10 am and happen every half hour.
Helicopter take-off times are approximate and are subject to weather conditions.
They are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Time to report at heliport
Whichever Baltimore helicopter tour you book, you must be at the heliport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled ride.
The 30-minute buffer allows the pilots to give you a comprehensive safety briefing and answer any concerns you may have.
Early arrival also gives passengers a little additional time to locate the facility if they are unfamiliar with the region, ensuring a timely departure.
Note: Helicopters used for tours over Baltimore, Maryland, provide cool air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
Number of passengers
On a private helicopter tour over Baltimore, you rent out the whole helicopter, so only your group (a maximum of six passengers) boards the plane with you.
If you opt for the shared helicopter tour, you must book a minimum of two tickets and can add up to a maximum of six passengers per flight.
The weight restriction for these flights is 136 kg (300 Pounds).
Cost of Baltimore helicopter tours
The cost of a helicopter ride in Baltimore, Maryland, depends on numerous factors.
The cheapest helicopter tour in which you share the ride with others and spend 15 minutes in the air costs $189 per person.
Since a minimum of two people per booking is required, the total cost works out to $378.
A private heli tour in which your group flies together costs $585 if you opt for airtime of 15 minutes.
The price goes up to $1,190 if you want your ride to last 35 minutes.
What’s included in the price
The price of the helicopter tour includes all taxes, fuel surcharges, and service fees.
However, it doesn’t include the $15 per person heliport usage fee, which you must pay just before boarding the chopper.
The inflight narration in English comes for free.
Best helicopter tours in Baltimore
Before we share our selection of the four best helicopter tours over Baltimore city, check out these important instructions for all travelers –
- All passengers must carry a valid photo ID
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Adults must accompany kids
- Every passenger must pay the heliport usage fee of $15
- It is better NOT to take along large bags and backpacks
- Everything carried on onboard gets searched for security reasons
- This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you will get a different date or a full refund.
Confirmation of the helicopter tour
If you are booking more than seven days before the helicopter ride, you will get instant confirmation.
If you book a helicopter tour within the next seven days, the confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Tour narration
The Baltimore helicopter tour companies don’t offer recorded tour narration.
During your ride over the city, pilots share their knowledge of the city’s history in their own way.
Since the pilots are all locals, they are well versed in the landmarks of Charm City.
Free tickets for infants
If a kid is under the age of two, they are considered a lap child.
In which case, you don’t need to add them while booking your tour.
On the day of your tour, you must bring the child’s birth certificate or some proof of the child’s age.
This requirement is an FAA regulation for the safety of passengers.
Baltimore helicopter sightseeing tour
This tour is a shared helicopter ride over Baltimore, available in three flavors – you can opt for an air time of 15 minutes, 20 minutes, or 35 minutes.
If you have thoroughly explored Charm City at ground level, this tour is a good way to get a brand new perspective on Baltimore by soaring over downtown and the Northwest Harbor.
Some of the landmarks you see from above are Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Fell’s Point, Inner Harbor, M&T Bank Stadium, etc.
To book this tour, you need a minimum of two passengers.
Cost of tour
15 minutes airtime for two: $379
20 minutes airtime for two: $499
35 minutes airtime for two: $779
Baltimore helicopter tour plus dinner
This tour is a package in which you stop by at a high-end restaurant for dinner after taking in the stunning aerial views of Baltimore.
You can choose between a 15, 20, or 30-minute helicopter ride where you get to see landmarks such as the Inner Harbor, Mount Vernon, the Chesapeake Bay, Ravens Stadium, etc.
If you opt for the long ride, you fly over Northwest Harbor and get a bird’s eye view of Fort McHenry, the original location of the Star-Spangled Banner.
To the helicopter ride, you can add a six-course meal or a VIP Dinner.
Depending on the airtime and dinner you select, the cost of this tour ranges from a minimum of $590 to a maximum of $1099 for two passengers.
Box: If you prefer only the best, we recommend Charm City Helicopters’ Platinum Package. This popular combo includes a – Helicopter ride and a dinner at Ruth’s Chris or Capital Grille.
Private Baltimore helicopter sightseeing tour
If cost isn’t an issue, but you want a luxurious and customized experience, it is better to opt for a private heli tour of Baltimore city.
You can go for the 15 or 20-minute long tour to fly over the city or the much longer 35-minute tour to see the regions around the urban center.
This tour is a private tour activity, which means only your family/group will be in the helicopter.
While booking this tour, you select only one passenger. And after the booking is made, you must share details about all the other passengers in your family/group.
Depending on the airtime, the cost of this chopper tour ranges from a minimum of $585 to a maximum of $1190 for two passengers.