Helicopter tours over Central Park provide an extraordinary opportunity to explore this iconic urban oasis from a thrilling aerial perspective.
Soaring above Central Park, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for its tranquil lakes and lush greenery to its towering skyscrapers on the perimeter reflecting the harmony between nature and city life.
The iconic landmark has captivated visitors for generations for good reasons.
This article will explain everything you need to know before booking the Central Park helicopter tours.
Top Central Park helicopter tours in New York
# New York, NY: The Central Park Helicopter Tour
# The Central Park Helicopter Tour of New York
Table of contents
Cost of helicopter tours in Central Park
The cheapest and most popular Central Park heli ride will cost approximately US$229 per person.
Most New York helicopter tours take you over Central Park as part of its itinerary.
Helicopter rides can be a costly affair.
So, it is important to know the tour costs in advance to plan your trip and factor it in with other considerations.
But there is no doubt that a Central Park helicopter ride is nothing short of a joyride.
Prices of Central Park heli tours depend on many factors. For instance:
- Airtime
- Off or peak season
- If the helicopter ride is part of a combo tour. For example, a helicopter ride with a wine-tasting tour
Best helicopter rides in Central Park
Below, we have curated a list of some of the best helicopter tours over the attraction, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.
The Central Park Helicopter Tour of New York
On this Central Park helicopter tour, the architectural wonders apart from the park like, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, One World Trade Center, and Brooklyn Bridge, seen from crowded streets, now reveal their magnificence in all their glory as you soar above them.
Get live onboard narration by the pilot for an enhanced experience.
Choose from a range of departure times available throughout the day per your convenience.
Duration: 12 to 15 minutes
Cost: US$229 per person for people above 2 years of age
Zoom around Central Park with the ultimate blend of fun and sightseeing on an eco-conscious, high-energy electric scooter- take the electric scooter tour around Central Park today!
The Central Park Helicopter Tour
Imagine flying above the park, witnessing its vast beauty from a bird’s-eye view.
This helicopter tour of Central Park provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness its grandeur, magnificence, sprawling landscapes, and hidden gems from a whole new perspective.
Also, get a glimpse of some other top attractions of New York, like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, and much more.
It’s not every day that you get to relish the verdancy of Central Park from thousands of feet in the air, so hop onto this tour right away!
Duration: 17 to 19 minutes
Cost: US$274 per person for people above 2 years of age
Pedal your way through the ultimate Central Park experience —reserve your bike rental tour of Central Park today!
New York Central Park Scenic Helicopter Tour
From the sprawling Central Park and the awe-inspiring Empire State Building to the majestic Statue of Liberty and the historic Ellis Island, you’ll witness the city’s most iconic sights in a single breathtaking sweep on this helicopter tour over Central Park.
Also, listen to live onboard commentary provided by the pilot.
If you are running short on time but want to make the most out of a helicopter tour then this tour is all you need.
Duration: 18 to 20 minutes
Cost: US$279 per person for people above 3 years of age
Escape into nature’s embrace with a private pedicab tour through the picturesque landscapes of Central Park.
Departure point
All Central Park air tours take off from Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
Address: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. Get Directions.
The heliport is a large gray cement building with a big clock on the front.
Please inform security regarding your flight with Helicopter Flight Services, and they will direct you to the staff operators.
The location is near public transportation.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
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Timings of the tour
The Central Park heli tours are operational on all days of the week except Sunday.
The Helicopter Tour of Central Park takes off every thirty minutes from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Central Park Helicopter Tour of NYC departs from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
The Central Park Scenic Tour takes off from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Most tour operators prefer their participants reach the meeting point 45 minutes before the aircraft’s departure.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable Helicopter rides over Central Park.
It is strongly advised to confirm the specific weight limits with the staff of your preferred tour.
Passengers exceeding the individual weight limits may either not be allowed to fly or must buy an extra seat at 100% of the retail price.
A minimum of two and a maximum of six passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
All passengers and bags must be inspected, and lockers are available at no extra cost to hold belongings while flying.
You must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to flight time.
A valid photo ID is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
The choice may default to English if two languages are requested on the same flight for the audio commentary.
It is recommended that pregnant women or guests with heart problems or other serious medical conditions get in touch with the tour authorities in advance.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tour
A heliport fee of $45 is not included in your ticket. However, you are expected to pay it before taking off.
Since helicopter tours adhere to strict schedules to maximize the number of daily take-offs, tourists are expected to be punctual.
All participants must be at the heliport at least 60 minutes before the scheduled take-off.
If you don’t arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled flight, a fine of $50.00 per person will be levied.
A fine of $100 per person will be imposed for failing to arrive 30 minutes or less before the scheduled flight time.
The Central Park Heli Tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Photos for souvenirs and refreshments are excluded from your ticket.
Your ticket price is also not inclusive of gratuities.
Accessibility to the tour
The tours are completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
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