Best helicopter tours in Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, has one of the most gorgeous skylines in the country, and it’s just getting better.
Locals and visitors alike fly high in the skies to get a bird’s eye perspective of the city- after all, a heli tour is the best way to experience what the Music City has to offer.
Cheapest and most popular aerial tour
Premium Downtown Nashville Helicopter Experience
River and Nature Helicopter Ride in Nashville
Cost of helicopter tours
The cheapest and most popular Nashville heli ride costs US$99 per person.
And at the higher end, the tickets can go up to US$216 per person.
Prices of sightseeing flights in Nashville depend on three factors.
- Amount of time you spend in the air
- The time of flight. For instance, night flights tend to be more expensive.
- If the chopper ride is part of a combo tour. For example, a helicopter tour with a complimentary lunch/dinner.
Image: Nashville skyline – Flyhelistar.com
Things to know before booking your tour
Besides a ride in a state-of-the-art helicopter with a cabin with climate control, you also get free inflight narration.
If different passengers request more than two languages on the same flight, the audio commentary defaults to English.
All local taxes and service fees are part of the tour cost.
- Gratuities (which are optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos
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.
Helicopter tour timings
Nashville chopper tours are operational on all days of the week between 10 am and 9.45 pm.
The 15-minute Downtown heli tour takes off in slots from 10 am to 9.45 pm.
Premium Downtown heli experience and Premium river and nature heli experience run in slots from 10 am to 9 pm.
Christmas light tour is a special tour functional only during the months of December and Christmas and departs in slots from 4.30 pm to 9 pm.
Heliports & helicopters
From where do helicopters take off
Nashville aerial tours take off from the John Tune Airport on the west side of town.
Address: 110 Tune Airport Dr, Nashville, TN 37209, USA. Get Directions
Note: The tour operators are located in a brick building with a blue tin roof and three flags out front. There is a free parking lot attached.
The heliport is near public transportation.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
All air tours end back at the meeting point.
How to reach the heliports
The heliport is near public transportation.
Go north on Briley Parkway for approximately 1.6 miles to Exit 26B (Centennial Boulevard West).
Stay on the path for about one mile on Centennial Boulevard West through the stop light as you reach Cockrill Bend Industrial Drive.
Search the John C. Tune Airport entrance sign.
Turn right before the sign into John C. Tune Airport entrance, and follow the road to the terminal.
Are the heliports and helicopters accessible?
Nashville chopper flights are completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Which helicopter tour is best for you?
Air time: 15 mins
Pilot’s narrative: Yes
This tour has received Viator’s Badge of Excellence for consistently being rated 5/5 by travelers. Choose from a variety of departure slots. You will see all the sites that the city is known for, including Nashville Parthenon, Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Stadium, The Stage on Broadway, Ryman Auditorium, Nissan Stadium, Tennessee State Capitol, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, etc.
Air time: 30 mins
Pilot’s narrative: Yes
Premium River and Nature helicopter ride in the Music City is what every photographer desires to capture on camera. Beautiful landscape marked by sprawling greenery, rivers, and other landmarks unfurl beneath you to win you over. You will see Cumberland River, Natchez Trace Parkway, and the city from a whole new perspective.
Air time: 15 mins
Pilot’s narrative: Yes
Premium Downtown Nashville offers a private helicopter experience personalized to your preferred route. Gaze upon over the Music City in all its splendor with its surrounding rivers, mountains, and valleys. You will also get an aerial view of the most famous strip in Nashville, the Broadway, Vanderbilt University, Nissan Stadium, and much more.
Restrictions strictly followed
- Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable aerial rides over Nashville.
- No passenger must exceed 300 lbs/ 136 kgs.
- 15-minute Downtown Nashville heli tour allows maximum per passenger weight up to 275lb (125kg) and total passenger weight up to 600lb (272kg).
- A minimum of two and a maximum of three 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.
- A valid photo ID is required.
- No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
- Check-in at least 30 minutes early.
- 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.
Want to fly over celebrity houses in Nashville?
Hover over some of Music’ City’s elite artists from the vantage point that makes you feel like a celebrity yourself. Prepared to be starstruck at the sight of opulent celebrity homes and witness the beautiful nature of Nashville, downtown skyline, and the famous Tennessee State Prison where several movies have been filmed.
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$274 per person
Fancy a flight over Nashville bathed in Christmas glow?
Imagine flying over the scintillating Nashville skyline as the city is illuminates the Christmas joy. Be a bird of the night as you take it to the skies with this air tour in the sundown hours. Behold the twinkling spread of ground from the above and bring your own spiced cider to make it a romantic night!
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$216 per head
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before taking a Nashville heli tour.
The cost can vary widely depending on the duration, time, and season of the tour, facilities like hotel transfers and food and drinks, add-ons, customizations, the tour provider, and the package. Private tours can cost significantly more as they are more tailor-made and personalized experiences where you have a whole aircraft to yourself.
Booking in advance is usually recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Some tours might require booking a few weeks in advance.
The best time depends on personal preference. Some prefer morning for the soft lighting, while others prefer afternoon for the bright, clear views. Some choose the evening for a sunset or night view.
This depends on the tour operator. Some tours might be flexible with their routes, while others will have a set path.
English is standard in all heli tours in the city, and some companies might have guides who speak other languages. It’s best to check in advance.
While there’s usually no specific dress code for a heli tour, it’s recommended that you dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Loose items like hats and scarves might need to be removed for safety reasons. Footwear should be comfortable and secure as you will be climbing in and out of the helicopter.
It’s typically recommended that passengers arrive at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes before their scheduled Nashville heli tours. This allows for check-in, safety briefings, and any last-minute instructions.
Most aerial tours last between 15 and 30 minutes.
A minimum of two and a maximum of three passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.
Reputable helicopter companies adhere to strict safety regulations, including regular maintenance checks, safety briefings before each flight, and ensuring pilots are well-trained and licensed.
All pilots operating commercial helicopter tours in Nashville should be properly licensed and trained. Most companies will provide information about their pilots’ experience.
Yes, taking photos or videos is usually allowed and encouraged. However, selfie sticks and large camera equipment may not be permitted for safety reasons.
Usually companies provide headphones to all passengers. These often serve the dual purpose of reducing noise from the helicopter’s rotor blades and allowing passengers to hear information from the pilot during the tour.
Still have more questions? email us at travel@thebettervacation.com
Popular helicopter tour companies
Helistar Aviation
Helistar Aviation is a premier helicopter tour company which specializes in professional aerial sightseeing experiences in Tennessee. With a reputation for excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction, Helistar Aviation offers impeccable air tours and boasts state-of-the-art fleet and highly skilled pilots. The company combines luxury and practicality to meet all your helicopter tour needs. Visit Helistar Aviation for more details.
AeroLuxe Aviation
With over 45 years of combined owner/operator experience, Aeroluxe Aviation is Tennessee’s one of the best helicopter operator offering luxurious tours of Nashville. Top-tier amenities and a seamless booking process make it the preferred choice for those seeking an unparalleled aviation experience. Visit Aeroluxe Aviation for more information.
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