A Manhattan helicopter tour is an unrivaled opportunity to explore the captivating cityscape of New York from a whole new perspective.
Witnessing the iconic landmarks, architectural wonders, and vibrant streets from above will leave you in awe of the city’s sheer grandeur.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor seeking a unique experience, a helicopter tour promises an adventure you’ll never forget.
So, fasten your seatbelt as this article will explain everything you must know before booking the Manhattan helicopter tours.
Top Manhattan helicopter tours
# The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York
# Manhattan Sky Tour by Helicopter Flight
Table of contents
| Tour | Cost |
| Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing | US$206 per person |
| Manhattan Sky Tour by Helicopter | US$229 per person |
| Manhattan Helicopter Tour of NYC | US$229 per person |
| Deluxe Manhattan Tour | US$251 per person |
| Manhattan Highlights tour | US$279 per person |
| Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour | US$279 per person |
| Ultimate Manhattan sightseeing | US$289 per person |
| Manhattan Highlights: Ultimate Manhattan | US$319 per person |
| Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island Helicopter Tour | US$379 per person |
| Private Manhattan Helicopter Tour of NYC | US$1,474 per group of up to 5 people |
Cost of helicopter tours in Manhattan
The cheapest Manhattan helicopter ride will cost approximately US$206 per person, which is also the most popular tour of its kind.
And at the higher end is the Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island Helicopter Tour, the tickets of which can go up to US$379 per person.
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.
Prices of Manhattan helicopter rides 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 tour with a cruise tour.
But there is no doubt that a Manhattan helicopter tour is nothing short of a joyride.
For a private tour above the city, look no further than the Private Manhattan Helicopter Tour of NYC.
Best Manhattan helicopter tours
Below, we have curated a list of some of the best helicopter tours in the city, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.
Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
This helicopter tour in Manhattan flies you to a vantage point, allowing you to gain a profound appreciation for the city’s intricate layout and the grandeur of its iconic structures.
You will see everything from the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and One World Trade Center to the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, the Financial District, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building.
Looking to experience the luxury of a helicopter tour that doesn’t break the bank? This tour might just be the perfect choice for you.
Duration: 12 to 15 minutes
Cost: US$206 per person for people over 3 years of age
Recommended Reading: Best helicopter tours in New York
The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York
On this pocket-friendly Manhattan heli tour, the architectural wonders, like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, 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 over 2 years of age
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Manhattan Sky Tour by Helicopter Flight
As the helicopter glides above Manhattan’s skyline on this air tour of the Big Apple, prepare to be captivated by a panorama of world-famous landmarks.
The Manhattan Sky Tour gives you great value for money with a flight in a state-of-the-art aircraft, stunning views, photo opportunities, onboard commentary, and more.
If you want to escape the crowds and witness the splendor of New York City’s skyline from a privileged viewpoint, go for this tour.
Duration: 12 to 15 minutes
Cost: US$229 per person for people over 3 years of age
Deluxe Manhattan Helicopter Tour
Witness the grandeur of New York City from 3000 ft. in the air on this Manhattan helicopter tour.
Watch the city’s iconic skyline unfurl beneath you, revealing its most famous landmarks, including Empire State Building, Times Square, Harlem, and Yankee Stadium.
Choose from a range of departure times available throughout the day per your convenience.
Reserve this tour and embark on an unforgettable journey above the concrete jungle of NYC!
Duration: 18 to 20 minutes
Cost: US$251 per person for people over 3 years of age
Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
From the majestic Statue of Liberty and the historic Ellis Island to the awe-inspiring Empire State Building and the sprawling Central Park, you’ll witness the city’s most iconic sights in a single breathtaking sweep on this Manhattan helicopter ride.
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, this tour will save the day.
Duration: 18 to 20 minutes
Cost: US$279 per person for people over 3 years of age
Ultimate Manhattan sightseeing helicopter tour
Imagine soaring above the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge – the city’s most celebrated landmarks take on a whole new dimension when seen from above.
The expansive views offer a sense of scale and perspective that simply cannot be replicated from ground level.
Capture stunning aerial shots of world-famous attractions, get expert onboard live commentary about the city’s rich history, a cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, and climate control.
This tour is your key to an offbeat way of exploring the world’s most exciting city, so think no more and go for it.
Duration: 18 to 20 minutes
Cost: US$289 per person for people over 2 years of age
Manhattan Highlights helicopter tour
This helicopter tour of the Big Apple comes with two options- The Manhattan Highlights Tour and Ultimate Manhattan.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city that never sleeps and soar in the skies over the breathtaking sights and landmarks that make Manhattan truly one-of-a-kind.
The tours typically cover a variety of sights, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
Choose from a range of departure times available throughout the day per your convenience.
Duration
Ultimate Manhattan: 17-20 minutes
Manhattan Highlights Tour: 12 to 15 minutes
Cost of the tour for people over 2 years of age
Ultimate Manhattan: US$319 per person
Manhattan Highlights Tour: US$279 per person
Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island Helicopter Tour
Glide through the sky to be treated to exclusive stunning vistas of the Big Apple’s architectural marvels, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty, to name just a few, plus Ellis Island, and much more.
Get the opportunity to see Brooklyn, Staten Island, and more with live onboard commentary.
Choose from a range of departure times available throughout the day per your convenience.
Duration: 25 to 30 minutes
Cost: US$379 per person for people over 2 years of age
Private Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York City
As you take off from a designated heliport, the stunning Manhattan skyline quickly comes into view.
From the famous Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, everything adds to the breathtaking aerial panorama.
The experienced pilots also serve as knowledgeable guides, sharing fascinating facts and stories about the landmarks you encounter along the way.
Choose from multiple departure times per your convenience.
Duration: 12 to 15 minutes
Cost: US$1,474 per group of up to 5 people of all ages
Departure point
All Manhattan helicopter 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.
Timings of the tour
The Manhattan helicopter tours are operational on all days of the week except Sunday.
The Manhattan Highlights tour has two options- the Ultimate Manhattan tour, taking off every thirty minutes from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, and the Manhattan Highlights Tour, which also takes off every thirty minutes from 9 am to 5.30 pm.
The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York departs from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
The Manhattan Sky Tour of New York and the Manhattan Scenic Tour take off from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.
The aircraft for the Ultimate sightseeing of Manhattan takes off from 9 am to 5.30 pm.
The Manhattan Sightseeing Tour Helicopter takes off every thirty minutes from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island heli tour takes off from 12.30 pm to 4.30 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 Manhattan helicopter tours.
It is strongly advised to confirm the specific weight limits with the staff of your preferred tour.
Passengers exceeding 275 lbs./124 kg. 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 go through an inspection, and lockers are available at no extra cost to hold belongings while flying.
A valid photo ID is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
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 US$40 is not included in your ticket. However, the Manhattan helicopter tours expect you to pay it before taking off.
Photos for souvenirs are excluded from your ticket.
Your ticket price is also not inclusive of gratuities.
Additionally, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included in the Manhattan helicopter tours in NYC.
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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