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 Nashville- after all, a helicopter tour is the best way to experience what the Music City has to offer.
There are four different types of guided helicopter excursions available in Nashville, all of which provide breathtaking views.
In this article, we explain everything you must know before booking your Nashville helicopter tour.
Table of contents
What to expect on a Nashville helicopter tour
From where do helicopters take off
Helistar Aviation is the best helicopter tour operator in the city, and all its tours start from the John Tune Airport on the west side of town.
The Nashville airport is at 110 Tune Airport Dr, Nashville, TN 37209. Get Directions
After your sightseeing trip is over, you will land at the same place from where the helicopter took off.
Helicopter tour timings
Nashville helicopter tours continue to take off Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 8 pm.
Depending on the tour you opt for, you will have different time slots to choose from.
Helicopter take-off times are approximate and are subject to weather conditions.
Cancellation policy
Even though the helicopters and pilots are available for taking off throughout the day, the experience requires good weather.
If your trip above Nashville gets canceled due to inclement weather, you will be given the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
Some heli excursions have a minimum number of passengers.
If the minimum doesn’t get fulfilled, you will be given the option to pick an alternate date/experience or a full refund.
Cancel at least 24 hours before the adventure begins to receive a full refund.
Number of passengers
Robinson helicopters used to fly tourists over Nashville, Tennessee, comes in two configurations – ROBINSON R44 RAVEN II and ROBINSON R22.
R44 RAVEN II can seat one pilot and three passengers, while R22 can seat one passenger and one pilot.
Depending on the tour you opt for and the number of passengers booked on the helicopter ride, you may get a two-seater or four-seater.
Note: The weight restriction for these flights is 300lbs (136 kg).
Cost of Nashville helicopter tours
Prices of helicopter rides over Nashville depend on numerous factors.
The cheapest helicopter tour, which lasts 15 minutes, will cost you $75 per person.
The sunset helicopter tour, the most popular offering, is priced at $85 per person.
At $125 per person, the heli tour with champagne is the costliest way to experience the Music City from the top.
Note: Gratuities (optional) are not included in the tour cost.
Best helicopter tours over Nashville
Before we share our selection of the four best helicopter tours in Nashville, check out these important instructions for all travelers –
- All passengers must carry a valid photo ID
- Infants must sit on laps
- This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will be in the chopper
- It is better NOT to take along large bags and backpacks
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Carry an extra layer of warm clothes
- Be at the airport at least 20 minutes before the start of your tour.
Cancellation: For a full refund, you can cancel all these tours at least 24 hours before the date of your tour.
15-minute helicopter tour of Downtown Nashville
This tour is the cheapest way to see Nashville from the air, which is what makes it the second-most popular helicopter tour of the city.
It has received Viator’s Badge of Excellence for consistently being rated 5/5 by travelers.
The choppers take off all through the day, so you can opt for a time slot that’s convenient for you.
You will see all the sites that Nashville 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.
Cost of the tour: $75
20-minute helicopter tour of Downtown Nashville
This helicopter tour over the Music City has everything the previous tour offers, plus five extra minutes of air time.
Since you make a bigger circle over the city, you see more landmarks such as Bridgestone Arena, Germantown, Music Row, The Mall at Green Hills, Cheekwood, and Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery.
Cost of the tour: $109
Helicopter Tour of Nashville with Champagne
The Champagne helicopter tour over Nashville is yet another recipient of Viator’s Badge of Excellence for high ratings.
This 20-minute log heli tour is ideal for couples who want to add an extra dose of romance.
You hop into one of the leather seats of climate-controlled helicopters and see all of Nashville’s beautiful rolling hills, lakes, and skyline even as you sip champagne.
Champagne is included in the ticket price.
Cost of the tour: $125
Sunset helicopter tour of Nashville
The sunset helicopter tour over Nashville is the most popular ride, and no wonder it is a Badge of Excellence winner.
If you plan to be up in the air when the sky is bathed in the colors of the setting sun, you must check out the city’s sunset times before booking your ticket.
Book a time slot that’s at least half an hour before the sunset so that even if you get delayed a bit, you can still enjoy the sun going down.
If you want to see Nashville’s glittering lights, you can opt for a time after the sunset so that you take off after dark.
The Downtown Nashville sunset helicopter tour lasts 15 minutes.
Cost of the tour: $85