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Taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas was an experience I’ll never forget. While we enjoyed seeing this natural wonder from the ground, we weren’t able to grasp the full beauty and size of the canyon. It wasn’t until we saw it from a bird’s-eye perspective that we really fell in love with this place. Trust me, an air tour is the cherry on top of your visit to the Grand Canyon.
The rush of soaring through the skies over the remarkable desert landscape is hard to put into words, but I can try! It’s an incredible feeling, and it’s much easier to appreciate the immense magnitude of the canyon from above. It sure beats battling the crowds for a good view at the ground-level lookouts.
Best Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas
Best of all, you can find a wide array of Grand Canyon helicopter rides from Las Vegas. If you’re on a budget, a tight schedule, or prefer to see a specific part of the canyon, I’m sure you’ll find a suitable tour.
The flight we took was a highlight of our trip, so I highly recommend it. If you need a cheaper option, don’t worry; I’ll share the top 8 Grand Canyon heli flights from Las Vegas to help you find your perfect fit.
Top Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas
To find the best helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, I looked at various factors, such as price, duration, and reviews. I included a range of tours, from short, cheap flights to longer day trips that visit several sites.
In a nutshell, these are the 8 best Grand Canyon helicopter trips from Las Vegas:
- Golden Eagle, Grand Canyon West by 🚁
- King of Canyons, Grand Canyon West with landing by 🚁
- West Rim highlights, Grand Canyon West by ✈️
- Grand Voyager, Grand Canyon West with landing, cruise, and rim lookouts by ✈️🚁🛥️🚌
- VIP at the Rim, Grand Canyon West, and rim lookouts by 🚁🚌
- Skywalk Getaway, Grand Canyon West with landing, cruise, rim lookouts, and Skywalk by 🚁🛥️🚌
- Deluxe tour, Grand Canyon National Park with rim lookouts by ✈️🚁🚙
- Private Sunset Strip, Grand Canyon West with landing by 🚁 [PRIVATE]
1. Golden Eagle, the best Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas
To start off, this flight is the perfect Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas if you’re short on time. In just a few hours, you’ll be able to experience the thrilling adventure of flying over this natural wonder and the surrounding desert. The tour includes a pick-up service from your Las Vegas hotel. As you take off from the air terminal, you’ll get unique views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River.
1. Golden Eagle, the best Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas
This helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim is ideal for those on a tight schedule and/or budget. While soaring over the West Rim, your guide will point out popular overlooks like Eagle Point and Guano Point.
Although you won’t have time to explore these viewpoints on foot, you’ll get lovely aerial views, so I still consider this one of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours.
- Price from: $399
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours (70-minute flight)
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West
2. King of Canyons, a day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon with helicopter landing
If you’re looking for something to do in Las Vegas as a couple, I highly recommend taking this tour. You’ll fly from Vegas over the Grand Canyon and make a below-the-rim landing over 3,000 feet into the canyon. After making your descent, you can refresh yourself with champagne and a light picnic and enjoy the unique perspective of the canyon walls.
2. King of Canyons, a day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon with helicopter landing
This 5-star Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas is particularly suited for couples. We took the tour and opted for the sunset upgrade, so we could admire the romantic glow of golden hour. It was 100% worth it!
- Price from: $569
- Duration: 4-4.5 hours (70-minute flight)
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; champagne picnic; sunset Strip flight (upgrade option)
3. West Rim Highlights, the best cheap Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas
If you’re looking for a cheap Grand Canyon air tour from Las Vegas, consider this highlights tour. It’s one of the most affordable options and includes an airplane ride over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Then, you’ll fly over Grand Canyon West to see its famous viewpoints and the Skywalk from above.
3. West Rim Highlights, the best cheap Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas
Take into account that the Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tours from Las Vegas aren’t the cheapest, but this one is by plane, making it the most budget-friendly option.
- Price from: $244
- Duration: 4 hours (70-minute flight)
- Highlights: Airplane ride over Grand Canyon West
4. Grand Voyager, another popular heli-tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
This 3-in-1 excursion is another helicopter ride from Vegas to the Grand Canyon that I recommend. It begins with an airplane flight to Grand Canyon West. Along the way, you’ll spot the Mojave Desert’s beautiful landscape, the Hoover Dam’s engineering power, and the expansive area of Lake Mead.
Once you get to the West Rim, you’ll take a short helicopter ride to the bottom of the canyon, where a pontoon boat will be waiting for you. Hop aboard and enjoy a leisurely cruise along part of the Colorado River.
4. Grand Voyager, another popular heli-tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
Then, you’ll take the helicopter back to the rim’s edge. You’ll have time to take a shuttle to Eagle Point and Guano Point, two of the best West Rim viewpoints, or buy a ticket for the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. Overall, this is the most comprehensive Las Vegas helicopter tour, so don’t hesitate to book it.
- Price from: $594
- Duration: 7 hours (70-minute flight)
- Highlights: Airplane ride over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead; Helicopter ride over Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; Colorado River cruise; shuttle bus to West Rim viewpoints; Skywalk (optional)
5. VIP at the Rim, another fun Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas
This VIP tour is another Grand Canyon air tour from Las Vegas that I suggest. As you fly from Vegas to Grand Canyon West, take in the breathtaking sights of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River below. When you get closer to the West Rim, you’ll see the Skywalk and some of the most iconic lookout points.
5. VIP at the Rim, another fun Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas
The adventure continues once you land at the Grand Canyon rim, where you’ll ride in a shuttle bus to see those same viewpoints from the ground. This Las Vegas helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon has a Skywalk upgrade, so you can choose to walk across the glass bridge above the canyon.
- Price from: $579
- Duration: 7 hours (70-minute flight)
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West; shuttle bus to West Rim viewpoints; Skywalk (optional)
6. Grand Canyon Skywalk Getaway, a Vegas to Grand Canyon tour by helicopter and boat
Alternatively, this flight is a Las Vegas helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon with Skywalk included. So, if you have your heart set on visiting the Grand Canyon Skywalk, this excursion is your best bet. Not only that, but it’s a comprehensive tour that lets you witness the canyon by air, boat, and bus.
First, fly from Vegas in a sightseeing helicopter to the Grand Canyon West Rim, where you’ll descend below the rim and land on the canyon floor. There, you’ll board a pontoon boat and take a scenic cruise along the Colorado River. After the boat ride, take the helicopter back to the rim’s edge, where a comfortable shuttle bus will be waiting to take you to Eagle Point and the Skywalk.
6. Grand Canyon Skywalk Getaway, a Vegas to Grand Canyon tour by helicopter and boat
This Las Vegas helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon is a comprehensive, 3-in-1 adventure that makes the most of your time. If you’re on a tight budget but want to experience the top sights at Grand Canyon West, I highly recommend this tour.
- Price from: $869
- Duration: 6.5-7 hours (70-minute flight)
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; Colorado River cruise; shuttle bus to West Rim viewpoints; Skywalk included
7. Deluxe Tour, a full-day tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by helicopter
This full-day excursion is yet another option, and it makes for the perfect day trip from Las Vegas. This helicopter tour from Las Vegas goes to the Grand Canyon South Rim, so you’ll be able to see iconic formations and viewpoints.
It starts with a pick-up service from your Vegas hotel, followed by an airplane flight to Grand Canyon National Park. Then, enjoy a helicopter tour over the South and North Rims to see the ancient rock layers and the Colorado River. After the helicopter ride, you’ll return to the South Rim, where you’ll take a Hummer to some of the best South Rim viewpoints.
7. Deluxe Tour, a full-day tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by helicopter
This deluxe helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas stands out because it’s the only one that flies over the national park area. Most Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas go to the West Rim, because is closer, but I highly recommend this tour if you want to get a one-of-a-kind perspective of the Grand Canyon and, from my personal point of view, the best scenery.
- Price from: $869
- Duration: 10-10.5 hours (~3 hours flight time)
- Highlights: Airplane ride over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead; Helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon National Park; Hummer tour to South Rim viewpoints
8. Private Sunset Strip, a romantic helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
Finally, this private heli-tour is the ultimate Las Vegas helicopter trip to the Grand Canyon. It’s not cheap, but if you’re planning a romantic getaway or special occasion, it could be just what you’re looking for.
You’ll enjoy a pick-up service from your hotel, where you’ll board a limo and ride to the heliport. Then, climb into a private helicopter and fly over the Grand Canyon West Rim before making a below-the-rim landing on the canyon floor. There, you’ll enjoy a luxurious champagne picnic and have time to explore the natural surroundings.
8. Private Sunset Strip, a romantic helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
The best part of this Grand Canyon helicopter ride from Vegas is that it’s perfectly timed, so you fly back to Sin City at sunset, just in time to see the Strip come to life. It’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas at night!
- Price from: $1,062/person (for a 4-person group)
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours (90-minute flight)
- Highlights: Private helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; champagne picnic; sunset heli-tour over Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter tour prices
To help you choose the best option for your budget and preferences, I’ve created a chart comparing these 8 tours. In addition to the price, you can see each excursion’s total duration and highlights.
TOUR | PRICE FROM | DURATION | TRANSPORT | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$399 | 3.5-4 hours | 🚁 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$569 | 4-4.5 hours | 🚁 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$244 | 4 hours | ✈️ | • Hoover Dam |
|
$594 | 7 hours | ✈️🚁🛥️🚌 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$579 | 7 hours | 🚁🚌 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$869 | 6.5-7 hours | 🚁🛥️🚌 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$929 | 10-10.5 hours | ✈️🚁🚙 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$1062/person (for a 4-person group) | 3.5-4 hours | 🚁 | • Private tour |
|
BEST GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER TOURS FROM LAS VEGAS |
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Remember, the cost of a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas depends on several factors, such as the number of passengers, flight duration, mode(s) of transport, and any additional activities like boat rides.
Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas deals
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still experience the thrill of a heli-tour. I recommend checking the Special Offers section on Papillon’s website. The company offers new deals every week, so you can find some great discounts. The website’s prices are all-inclusive, including all taxes, fees, and surcharges.
Another way to save money is to book an air tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by plane since airplane excursions are cheaper than helicopter tours. Remember that Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tours from Las Vegas are the least expensive, as the West Rim is the closest part of the canyon to Vegas.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter tour reviews and my personal experience
It’s always a good idea to read some Las Vegas – Grand Canyon helicopter tour reviews before booking your flight. People aren’t shy about sharing their opinions, so customer reviews can be a great way to learn more about these tours. When looking at tour reviews, check for things like hidden fees, the friendliness of the staff, and whether the trip was worth the cost.
I’ll tell you that we have used Papillon for the different Grand Canyon heli tours we have done, including the 2 tours we took from Las Vegas. This company has been in business for over five decades and has an excellent reputation, having been listed as a Travelers’ Choice on TripAdvisor. Papillon has also been part of the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice list for Best Helicopter Tour for the past 4 years, taking the #1 spot in 2023.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter tour reviews
This is our favorite company for Grand Canyon helicopter flights from Las Vegas, and we have a full review of Papillon Helicopters where you can get all the details. To sum up, Papillon’s rates are competitive, their fleet of sightseeing aircraft is well-maintained, and they have a fantastic safety record.
The first time we flew with them was during our 10-day West Coast road trip when we took a quick airplane tour from the South Rim. We loved it so much that we couldn’t wait to plan our next flight. When we moved to Las Vegas, we decided to commemorate the occasion by taking the Grand Celebration tour. We opted for the sunset upgrade, which was one of the most magical things we’ve ever experienced.
We have also enjoyed the Grand Voyager excursion, since I also wanted to take a cruise on the Colorado River, and it was fantastic, too. I can’t recommend it enough, and our pilot was super friendly and explained so many details not only about the scenery but also about the history, the Navajo Reserve (they manage the West Rim) and more!
FAQs – Grand Canyon helicopter trips from Las Vegas
Let’s wrap up this guide with some common questions about Las Vegas helicopter trips to the Grand Canyon:
How long does it take to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by helicopter?
The air distance between Vegas and the West Rim is about 130 miles, so it takes about 40 minutes to fly there. The South Rim is a bit further, so the helicopter flight time from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park is around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
How much is a helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
The price of a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas varies based on things like duration and included sights, but they start at $269 per person.
Which is the cheapest Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas?
The cheapest Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas are those that go to the West Rim. For example, the West Rim Highlights tour is the most affordable option (by airplane), followed by the Golden Eagle excursion (by helicopter).
What is the best helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
The best helicopter tour from Vegas to the Grand Canyon depends on what you want to see and do during your excursion. The most comprehensive option is the Grand Voyager tour, which includes a below-the-rim landing, a Colorado River boat ride, and a shuttle to several West Rim viewpoints.
How long is a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas by helicopter?
The total tour time can range from 3.5 hours to a full day. This includes the time to fly over the Grand Canyon from Vegas and additional activities like boat rides and bus rides to viewpoints.
Which part of the Grand Canyon does a helicopter tour go to?
Most Vegas – Grand Canyon helicopter rides go to the West Rim, which is the closest rim to Sin City. However, there are some that go to the South Rim, which is the most popular part of the canyon, and from where you will see also the North Rim.
When is the best time to take a helicopter trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
The best time to fly over the Grand Canyon is in the morning before it gets hot and hazy. Alternatively, the late afternoon/early evening hours can be a good time, especially if you want to take a sunset tour.
What should I wear on a Vegas – Grand Canyon helicopter tour?
Wear closed-toe shoes and removable layers, especially if you’re traveling in the winter, as temperatures get chilly at higher altitudes. You should also wear sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your face.
Avoid loose clothing and jewelry, and remember your camera!
Which Grand Canyon heli-tours depart from the airport by the Las Vegas Strip?
Papillon has a private helicopter terminal at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport), next to the Strip. The private Grand Canyon helicopter tour departs from this airport. All other tours depart from Boulder City Airport unless you specifically select the Las Vegas Strip departure option.
Is a Grand Canyon helicopter trip from Las Vegas worth it?
Yes! A Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas and the perfect way to commemorate your trip. It’s also a great option if you’re short on time and want to make the most of your Vegas trip by seeing some amazing nearby attractions.
Now that you know the best Grand Canyon heli-tours from Las Vegas, I hope you feel better prepared to plan your trip. No matter your budget, timeline, or preferences, I know there is a great tour for you!
Remember, if you have any questions about taking a Las Vegas helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon, don’t hesitate to comment. I’m also eager to hear about your personal experiences on any of these tours.
Enjoy your flight!
Hi,
My husband and I are coming to Las Vegas from Germany and were looking for recommendations on the best price for value helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. I found the Golden Eagle (tour 1 in this article) to be a pretty decent one, however, the starting price for the is actually $379, not $299. We clicked on your link and were surprised to find the price was $80 more. Even more surprising, when look for April dates, the price was even higher, at $429. Also, they charge $30 per person when you get to check-in “due to the increased price of aviation fuel”. So all in all, the price person person is $151 more than what it says in your article.
I clicked on a few other tours just to check, and it seems all prices are outdated. Just an FYI…
Hi,
Yes, the tour prices are constantly changing, and we try to stay on top of it! We’ll work on updating our Grand Canyon helicopter tour guides. Thanks for the heads-up!
Hi there
We are looking at visiting Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Since last there (late 90’s), the Skywalk has been constructed. Do any of the tours allow for a walk across the Skywalk? This info will help us to choose the best tour for us. My niece will be accompanying me and this will be her first trip to the USA so I want to choose a comprehensive tour.
Any assistance/advice would be very much appreciated.
Thank you
Kind regards
Irene
Perth, Western Australia
Hi Irene,
The Skywalk belongs to the Hopi reservation and, therefore, you need to take a specific tour to visit it.
Most of the Grand Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas take an aerial ride above the Grand Canyon or include a landing in the Grand Canyon (different from the Skywalk). My recommendation is to do only one of them, and having done both I’d suggest taking the helicopter which is much more impressive!
Hope this helps and you have an amazing trip!
Hi there, found the perfect trip from Vegas to South Rim in another awesome post on your blog: https://capturetheatlas.com/visit-grand-canyon-tips/
It says „ If you want the authentic Grand Canyon National Park experience (which is the most beautiful area anyway), then I recommend taking this tour that include an airplane ride to Grand Canyon Village through the West Rim, a 25-minute helicopter ride over the South Rim, and a minibus ride to explore the main viewpoints of the canyon.“ and the link directs to https://www.civitatis.com/en/las-vegas/south-rim-excursion/?aid=2545
Which company operates this tour? Papillon or another?
Thanks in advance
Yes, I would think so. You can also book it here: https://www.papillon.com/las-vegas-tours/national-park-air-and-ground-tours/grand-canyon-connoisseur
Ascen