Whether you’re a first-time visitor to New York or a lifelong resident, a helicopter tour offers a fresh and awe-inspiring viewpoint, unveiling hidden gems and showcasing the city’s familiar sights in a whole new light.
Among others, private helicopter tours in NYC have become increasingly popular, providing an exclusive and personalized aerial adventure.
You can make the most of your flight, focusing on the stunning sights with only your group of loved ones and no unfamiliar crowd.
This article will explain everything you need to know before booking Private New York helicopter tours.
Top Private NYC helicopter tours
Table of contents
Cost of Manhattan private helicopter tours
Private helicopter rides can be a costly affair owing to their exclusivity and customizability.
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 private helicopter tour in Manhattan is a perfect intimate getaway.
The cheapest private helicopter ride in Manhattan will cost approximately US$1,474 per group of up to 5 people of all ages
The best private flight depends on the size of your group and preferred airtime.
At the higher end is the Niagara Falls Day Trip from Manhattan by Helicopter, the tickets of which can go up to US$24,200 per group of up to 5 people.
Prices may increase on demand for some other customizations.
Best private helicopter tours of Manhattan
Below, we have curated a list of some of the best private helicopter tours in the city, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.
Private Manhattan Helicopter Tour
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.
Reserve this tour and embark on an unforgettable journey above the concrete jungle of NYC!
Duration: 12 to 15 minutes
Cost: US$1,474 per group of up to 5 people of all ages
Want to make the most of a helicopter tour with minimum expenditure? Check out the Cheap helicopter tours in New York and get set for a journey through the skies.
Private Big Apple Helicopter Tour
No helicopter tour of New York City would be complete without flying over the world-famous Manhattan skyline.
The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center are just a few of the iconic structures that you will see on this tour.
The aerial perspective from this tour allows you to see the intricate patterns formed by NYC’s streets, bridges, and parks, revealing a symphony of urban planning and design.
To enrich your experience, Private Big Apple Helicopter Tour comes with expert commentary from the aircraft’s knowledgeable pilot.
Secure your seat today to discover the breathtaking beauty of New York City from the skies!
Duration: 17 to 20 minutes
Cost: US$1,754 per group of up to 6 people of all ages
Witnessing the City that never sleeps bathed in its nocturnal glory is an experience of a lifetime. Be a part of the NYC City Lights Skyline Experience Helicopter tour and immerse in the vibrant nightlife of the city.
Private Empire Helicopter Tour
The breathtaking aerial view from this tour allows you to grasp the sheer magnitude and beauty of landmarks, like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, and more, which have become emblematic of New York City.
The pilot’s narration adds to the excitement as you learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture while soaring above it.
Book your flight today to unleash your sense of adventure and witness the magic of New York City from thousands of feet in the air.
Duration: 25 to 30 minutes
Cost: US$2,134 per group of up to 6 people of all ages
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Private NYC Helicopter Sightseeing Charter with Champagne from Manhattan
This helicopter tour is like no other!
Not only will you see monuments like the Empire state building, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium, and others, but also you can curate an itinerary aligning with your preferences.
The customization doesn’t end here, as you can also choose from three different aircraft and levels of luxury.
Elevate the experience with the in-flight Champagne toast.
Book now to witness the city’s grandeur in the air luxuriously!
Duration: 25 to 30 minutes
Cost: US$2,140 per group of up to 2 people over 14 years of age
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Romantic Vineyard Picnic via Private Helicopter
This tour is the dreamiest it gets!
The private helicopter flight takes off from a Manhattan heliport of your choice to land at Sand Castle Winery in Erwinna, Pennsylvania.
Get a VIP tour of the cellars and historic castle and enjoy the fully set up, gourmet picnic in a prominent row (substituted with indoor lunch in cold weather).
Set against the backdrop of sweeping views of rolling hills, the picnic will have a custom menu paired with Sand Castle wines.
Reserve now to elevate your helicopter tour experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: US$10,300 per group of up to 5 people of all ages
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Hamptons Beach Picnic with Private Helicopter from Manhattan
This tour is a treat for those who want it opulent and classy.
Sate your appetite for aesthetics by traveling in the air from Manhattan to be welcomed in the Hamptons with a gourmet picnic by the beach fully set up with luxurious décor, served by a personal attendant.
Dig into the delicious spread of lunch served directly on the beach.
Book now to escape the crowds and be a part of a lavish experience.
Duration: 5 hours
Cost: US$21,000 per group of up to 5 people
Niagara Falls Day Trip from Manhattan by Helicopter
Located on the border of the United States and Canada, the magnificent collection of waterfalls- Niagara Falls is a sight to behold.
The journey begins at a heliport in Manhattan, during which you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the stunning landscapes of upstate New York.
Upon reaching Niagara Falls, you’ll be greeted by the thunderous roar of cascading water where you can shop, dine, and click photos to your heart’s content for up to 5 hours until the return flight.
Don’t miss this tour if Niagara Falls had always been on your travel bucket list!
Duration: 10 hours
Cost: US$24,200 per group of up to 5 people
Recommended Reading: Best helicopter tours in New York
Departure point
Manhattan Helicopter Tour and Big Apple Helicopter Tour take off from Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
Address: Charm Aviation NYC- Downtown Manhattan Heliport, 6 E River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. Get Directions.
Empire Helicopter Tour takes off from Downtown Manhattan Heliport, 6 E River Greenway, Bikeway.
Address: Charm Aviation NYC- 6 E River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. Get Directions.
The location is two buildings north of Staten Island Ferry and the East River By Train.
You can take the R to Whitehall Street Stop and then take the 1 to South Ferry Stop By Bus.
Alternatively, you can take the number 9 or 15 to South Street Seaport Stop.
NYC Helicopter Sightseeing Charter with Champagne from Manhattan takes off from TSS Heliport.
Address: E 34th St, New York, NY 10016, USA. Get Directions.
Notably, charters will depart from a different location on weekends.
Romantic Vineyard Picnic tour and Hamptons Beach Picnic with Private Helicopter from Manhattan offer three departure points to choose from.
The first option is the Air Pegasus Heliport.
Address: 335 12th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA. Get Directions.
Another option is the TSS Heliport.
Address: E 34th St, New York, NY 10016, USA. Get Directions.
The final option includes Wall Street Heliport.
Address: 6 East River Piers, 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. Get Directions.
Niagara Falls Day Trip from Manhattan also offers three departure points to choose from.
The first option is the West 30th St Heliport.
Address: NY-9A, New York, NY 10011, USA. Get Directions.
Another option is the TSS Heliport.
Address: E 34th St, New York, NY 10016, USA. Get Directions.
The final option includes Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
Address: 6 East River Piers, 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. Get Directions.
The heliports are near public transportation.
Book early to get your preferred day and time slot.
Endpoint
Most of the private tours end back at the meeting point.
However, NYC Private Helicopter Sightseeing Tour with Champagne Toast ends at Saker Aviation Services.
Address: 6 E River Greenway, Bikeway, NY 10004, USA. Get Directions.
It is important to note that charters will arrive at different locations depending on the day and time.
Timings of the tour
The Private Manhattan heli tour, Big Apple heli tour, and Empire Heli tour’s first batch takes off at 9 am on all days of the week except Sunday.
There is a tour every 30 minutes till 5.30 pm when the last batch of tourists takes off for their aerial view of New York City.
All the three aircraft options of the Private Sightseeing Charter with Champagne from Manhattan take off every thirty minutes from 10 am to 6 pm on all days of the week.
Both aircraft options of the Vineyard Picnic with Private Helicopter Charter take off every thirty minutes from 11 am to 2 pm on all days of the week.
Both aircraft options of the Hamptons Beach Picnic with Private Helicopter take off every thirty minutes from 8 am to 1 pm on all days of the week.
Niagara Falls Day Trip from Manhattan is a fixed-time tour taking off at 8 pm every day of the week.
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 NYC Private helicopter tours.
Total weight per passenger in a six-seater plane should not exceed 275 lbs./113 kgs., failing which, they need to purchase an additional seat.
The five-passenger Airbus helicopters require a total weight per passenger of up to 249 lbs./453 kgs. and a maximum combined weight of up to 1000 lbs./453 kgs.
For a couple’s private R44 helicopter, a maximum individual weight of 175 lbs (80 kg) and a maximum combined weight of 350 lbs (160 kg) is allowed, with the maximum passenger height as 6 ft 3 in (192 cm).
An advisory regarding the minimum drinking age (21 years) is in place for the tours with champagne.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
Passengers must go through a mandatory metal detector scan and bag inspection.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones may not be allowed on some of the helicopter flights.
A valid photo ID is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
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$45 per head is not included in your ticket. However, some private tours expect you to pay it before taking off.
Your ticket price for all tours also excludes holiday surcharges, gratuities, and sales tax.
The New York Private helicopter tours are also not inclusive of food and drinks except for the Romantic Vineyard Picnic and Hamptons Beach Picnic, offering lunch and wine as well as the Helicopter Sightseeing Charter from Manhattan providing an in-flight Champagne toast.
The ticket also does not include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Accessibility to the tour
The NY Private air 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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