Helicopter tour in New York: all the information
A helicopter tour in New York is the unforgettable memory of a trip to New York. The helicopter offers you a spectacular view over New York.
The 4 Different Helicopter Tours in New York
Why Book Your New York Helicopter Tour Early?
- Book your seats as soon as possible—availability fills up fast! Demand is high from tourists across the USA and around the world. At the same time, New York City’s government banned helicopter flights on Sundays, then cut the number of flights in half. In June 2025, the city ordered further schedule reductions. The result: there simply aren’t enough flights to meet demand.
- If you don’t see availability for your preferred date, reach out to us. We can request additional on-demand flights. Use our contact form.
- OUR ADVANTAGE: When you book a helicopter tour with us, you normally have to call the airline to confirm your flight in English. When you book through our site, we handle that for you! We’ll also provide all the practical details you need for your flight.
Helicopter Tour Routes in New York
Book your New York helicopter tour now—we handle everything in English and charge in US dollars. There are 4 different helicopter tours available in New York, all departing from Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Here are the 4 route options from Manhattan:
- 15 minutes
The 15-minute helicopter tour (shown in red on the map) takes you higher up Manhattan with a turnaround at Central Park. You’ll get a great overview of New York at an unbeatable price.
Book the 15-minute New York helicopter tour. - 20 minutes
The 20-minute helicopter tour (shown in yellow on the map) covers the full length of Manhattan up to the George Washington Bridge. You’ll fly over the New Jersey Palisades and spot Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. This tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy the views and offers excellent value.
Book the 20-minute New York helicopter tour. - 30 minutes
The 30-minute tour (shown in turquoise on the map) is the longest helicopter tour in New York. The route extends south to the entrance of New York Harbor. You’ll see the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Staten Island, Coney Island, and Brooklyn. Then you’ll head back up Manhattan for a turnaround beyond the George Washington Bridge. The ultimate tour!
Book the 30-minute New York helicopter tour.
Why Take a Helicopter Tour in New York?
- A helicopter tour in New York is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in the city. Seeing New York from the sky gives you a breathtaking view of the entire city and its iconic skyscrapers. It’s also the perfect way to see all of New York’s major landmarks in one flight. You’ll come away with unique photos you can’t get any other way.
- The takeoff and landing at Downtown Manhattan Heliport, at the southern tip of Manhattan, are unforgettable moments in themselves. As you take off, you’ll rise above the Brooklyn Bridge, and on your return, you’ll have an incredible close-up view of the towers of the Financial District, including One World Trade Center. Get ready to be amazed!
- Every helicopter tour flies over the Statue of Liberty and gives you views of Manhattan’s skyline, the Financial District, and Midtown’s towers, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Summit One Vanderbilt right nearby. You’ll also see Central Park, Greenwich Village, and the Hudson River. New York truly lies at your feet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take the helicopter in New York?
To take a helicopter tour in New York, go to Downtown Manhattan Heliport, located in New York’s Financial District at the southern tip of Manhattan. This is the only heliport that operates tourist helicopter flights in New York. The address is 6 East River Piers. You can’t miss it—the heliport sits on a pier along the East River, between the docks of South Street Seaport and the Staten Island ferry terminal.
What's the best time of day for a helicopter tour in New York?
Since light changes throughout the day in New York, you’ll have a unique flying experience at any time. It depends on what you want to photograph. If you want sunlight on the Statue of Liberty and the Financial District towers, book a morning flight. If you prefer sunlight on the Empire State Building and Central Park, choose the afternoon. Either way, New York from the air is incredibly photogenic!
What's the minimum age for a helicopter tour in New York?
Helicopter tours are open to everyone, including babies. One thing to know: children 17 and under cannot check in alone at the heliport. They must be accompanied by an adult to complete the check-in process.
What happens if the weather doesn't allow flying?
If weather prevents a safe flight, we’ll contact you to reschedule for another date during your stay. If rescheduling isn’t possible—for example, if you’re leaving New York—we’ll issue a full refund with no fees.
What Visitors Say About New York Helicopter Tours
Reviews of New York helicopter tours from our Destination New York Facebook group
- Antoine V: “The helicopter tour in New York is breathtaking. It’s a memory for life!”
- Dominik M.-I.: “I did the full tour in perfect weather. It was amazing. Do it!”
- Angélique J: “My husband, my two kids, and I loved it. Beautiful. It was my first helicopter flight!”
- Morgane B: “I did it in December. Unforgettable.”
- Laury V.: “I did it in early August. It was my first helicopter flight! Just beautiful, a wonderful moment!”
- Eva F.: “Do it again and again. It was just beautiful and unforgettable.”
- Patricia L.: “Worth doing. I wasn’t very confident—I get nervous when my feet aren’t on the ground. But it was great.”
- Maryse C.: “A must-do, even if I was nervous!!!!!”
- Laura C.: “My parents gave us the helicopter tour as a gift. It was our first flight. We did it at the end of our trip to recognize the places we’d been. I even got to sit in the copilot seat! We loved it!!!! We did the full tour!!! I miss New York so much.”
- Sylvie J.: “Yes, do it. But budget accordingly. Too bad it’s so expensive!”
- Isabelle R.: “So cool! Stunning! Security needs to know our weight to balance the helicopter. My friend and I were on the lighter side, so I got to sit right next to the pilot. Yes!”
- David R.: “Great helicopter ride. Something to do once or twice in your life.”
- Jessies B.: “Absolutely do it!!!!! The price is steep, but it’s a wonderful experience and the heliport team is awesome.”
New York Helicopter Tours in Photos
