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Taking a helicopter ride over NYC was one of the best experiences I had in the Big Apple. We decided to take this doors-off helicopter tour, and it didn’t disappoint! Of course, there are several other amazing helicopter tours in New York, some of them departing from Manhattan, so you can find an option that fits your preferences and budget.
If you’re hesitant about flying over NYC, I completely understand. It’s nerve-wracking and not the cheapest activity! However, I encourage you to try it. The tour operators adhere to strict safety regulations and have plenty of experience. Plus, you’ll be able to see the city from a different viewpoint, making this one of the coolest things to do in NYC.
In this guide, I’ll share the 7 best heli-rides, as well as the different departure points, highlights, and New York helicopter tour prices. By the end of this article, I’m sure you’ll be eager to take to the skies!
1. Manhattan Island helicopter tour, the best cheap helicopter ride in NYC
First, if you’re looking for a quick and cheap helicopter ride in NYC, then this flight over Manhattan is the perfect option. You can choose the duration of your tour (12-15 minutes, 17-20 minutes, or 25-30 minutes), although the price varies depending on your choice. Anyway, they all are short enough to fit on a 3-day NYC itinerary.
During this NYC heli-ride, you’ll enjoy in-flight narration so you can easily identify the different attractions in Manhattan from above. You can also choose to focus your ride specifically on Manhattan or to zoom out and see the entire city. The aircraft has huge windows, which makes sightseeing a breeze.
1. Manhattan Island helicopter tour, the best cheap helicopter ride in NYC
Soaring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park is quite the experience and something you’ll never forget. Plus, the different tour options make this an appealing choice for all kinds of travelers and budgets. Another nice thing about this New York City helicopter tour is that it departs from Lower Manhattan, so if you want a quick and convenient flight, I highly recommend it.
- Departs from: Downtown Heliport at Pier 6, Manhattan
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Price from: $239 per person
- Highlights: Cheapest helicopter flight over Manhattan
2. Nighttime flight, the best night helicopter tour in NYC
You should also consider taking an NYC helicopter tour at night, such as this one. It’s another affordable helicopter ride in New York City and the perfect choice if you want to see the Big Apple after dark.
Keep in mind that this tour departs from Linden Airport in New Jersey, which is about a 45-minute drive from NYC. Free parking is available on-site, and you can easily reach the airport via New York’s public transportation if you don’t have a car.
2. Nighttime flight, the best night helicopter tour in NYC
This New York City helicopter tour lasts 25 minutes and flies over the Big Apple’s most recognizable attractions, as well as its rivers and bridges. You’ll see the evening traffic filtering between the city skyscrapers, as well as the glittering facades of the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and more.
In addition to Manhattan, you’ll soar over the Bronx, then circle back, flying over the Statue of Liberty before returning to New Jersey. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in NYC at night, especially with friends or your partner.
- Departs from: Linden, New Jersey
- Duration: 25 minutes
- Price from: $274 per person
- Highlights: Helicopter flight over Manhattan at night
3. Doors-off experience, the best sightseeing helicopter tour in New York City
During one of our visits to the Big Apple, we decided to experience New York by helicopter. We chose this doors-off helicopter tour, and I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of photography like us! This NYC helicopter tour goes over Liberty and Ellis Islands, Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory, and more.
This exhilarating flight was the perfect opportunity to capture unique aerial photos of Manhattan. Flying in a doors-off helicopter over NYC gave us the best vantage point and unobstructed views. It was one of the most thrilling things we did during our trip, and it’s easily one of the best New York City tours you can take.
3. Doors-off experience, the best sightseeing helicopter tour in New York City
While riding in a helicopter with no doors may sound scary, you’re securely buckled in the entire time. The pilot is super experienced, and the company follows strict safety protocols, so you have nothing to worry about.
- Departs from: Kearny, New Jersey
- Duration: 16-30 minutes
- Price from: $365 per person
- Highlights: Doors-off helicopter flight over Manhattan
4. Romantic flight package, a romantic couples helicopter ride in NYC
If you’re visiting the city with your partner and you want to plan something special, consider this couple’s flight. This private NYC helicopter tour for 2 is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or share an unforgettable moment together.
During the tour, you’ll enjoy beautiful aerial views of the Big Apple’s most famous landmarks. See the full expanse of Central Park, get a bird’s-eye view of Yankee Stadium, glimpse the top of the Empire State Building, and more. Hands down, this helicopter ride in NYC is one of the best couple’s activities in New York City.
4. Romantic flight package, a romantic couples helicopter ride in NYC
Keep in mind that this flight departs from the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY, about 45 minutes north of Manhattan. You can get there via rental car or public transit, or set up a transfer from your hotel, although this will increase the cost of the tour. Also, the price for this NYC helicopter tour is per couple, not per person.
You can also choose to fly during the day, at sunset, or at night. I prefer the sunset option since you can view the city during golden hour and see the nightlife start to rev up.
- Departs from: White Plains, New York
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price from: $800 (per couple)
- Highlights: Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 2
5. Group flight, the best private helicopter tour in NYC for friends or family
If you’re visiting the Big Apple with friends or family, consider upgrading your visit with this group flight. This is the best private helicopter tour in NYC and accommodates up to 6 people, so it’s ideal for groups.
The tour departs from Westchester County Airport and offers the option to set up a transfer from your hotel for an extra fee. Also, the price of this New York helicopter tour is per group of 6, so if you split the cost, it’s a great deal.
5. Group flight, the best private helicopter tour in NYC for friends or family
During the flight, you’ll get awesome views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and several different waterways and bridges. In addition to Manhattan, you’ll see the Bronx and Brooklyn from above. Daytime, sunset, and night flights are available, so if you’re looking for a Manhattan helicopter tour to do with friends, I highly recommend this one.
- Departs from: White Plains, New York
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price from: $1,550 (per group of 6)
- Highlights: Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 6
6. Helicopter proposal over the city, the ultimate couples’ heli ride in NYC
For something truly special, this romantic helicopter proposal takes the cake. It’s the ultimate couple’s helicopter ride in NYC and will help you pop the question in style!
You’ll get to collaborate with the pilot and an engagement photographer, who will be ready to snap photos after your flight. This NYC helicopter tour package includes a private transfer from your Manhattan hotel to Westchester County Airport, where you’ll board a private chopper.
6. Helicopter proposal over the city, the ultimate couples’ heli ride in NYC
During this romantic helicopter ride over NYC, you’ll enjoy some of the best views in New York City. As the aircraft descends, your partner will see an illuminated “Marry Me” sign. The tour also includes a bouquet of roses and champagne; just don’t forget the ring!
- Departs from: White Plains, New York
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Price from: $3,400 (per couple)
- Highlights: Private helicopter flight over Manhattan, proposal illuminated “Marry Me” sign, roses, champagne, professional photographer
7. Flying lesson, the most unique helicopter tour in New York City
The last helicopter experience in New York that I recommend is this flying lesson. You’ll receive on-the-ground instruction from an expert pilot, then climb into the cockpit and put your new skills to the test.
You’ll learn about the technology and physics behind flying a New York helicopter, as well as proper safety protocols and how to use the control panel. This New York heli-tour includes 30 minutes of flight time, during which your pilot guide will hand over the controls to you so you can maneuver the aircraft.
7. Flying lesson, the most unique helicopter tour in New York City
Be aware that this tour departs from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, near the border with Connecticut. So, while you won’t fly directly over NYC, you’ll still enjoy spectacular views, not to mention have an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime ride.
- Departs from: White Plains, New York
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours (30-minute flight)
- Price from: $560 per person
- Highlights: Flying lesson in a Robinson R44 helicopter over Westchester County
New York helicopter tour prices
Now that you’ve read about the best helicopter tours in NYC, here is a comparison chart with each option’s duration, price, departure point, and highlights.
Price | Departs from | Duration | Highlights |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
$239+ | Downtown Heliport at Pier 6, Manhattan | 15-30 minutes | • Helicopter flight over Manhattan |
|
$274+ | Linden, New Jersey | 25 minutes | • Helicopter flight over Manhattan at night |
|
$365+ | Kearny, New Jersey | 16-30 minutes | • Doors-off helicopter flight over Manhattan |
|
$800+ (per couple) | Harrison, New York | 30-45 minutes | • Private flight over Manhattan |
|
$1,550+ (per group) | Harrison, New York | 30-45 minutes | • Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 6 |
|
$3,400+ (per couple) | Harrison, New York | 30-45 minutes | • Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 2 |
|
$560+ | Harrison, New York | 1-1.5 hours (30-minute flight) | • Professional instruction |
|
BEST HELICOPTER RIDES IN NYC |
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Remember, the price of a New York City helicopter tour depends on various factors, such as the duration of the flight and special features like a doors-off experience or private ride.
Best time for a helicopter tour in New York City
In addition to the price of a New York City helicopter tour, you should also consider the time. For example, if you want to take aerial photos, then the morning is the best time for a helicopter tour in NYC.
If you’re looking for something more romantic, you can’t go wrong with a sunset helicopter tour over NYC. The beautiful light of golden hour gives the entire city a radiant glow, so it’s my favorite time to fly over the city.
Best time for a helicopter tour in New York City
You’ll also love taking an NYC helicopter tour at night, as this is when the Big Apple really comes alive. You’ll still be able to identify the popular NY landmarks, but it’s a very unique experience.
Tips for choosing an NYC helicopter ride
Now that you know the best helicopter tours in New York, here are some tips to help you choose the perfect fit. Keep these in mind as you plan your ideal helicopter ride in NY.
- Double-check the departure point for the tour since most heliports are located outside of NYC.
- Wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and a jacket. The sun is more intense in a New York helicopter, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Also, don’t forget your camera!
- Pay attention to the check-in time, which is different from the departure time. You should arrive early so you can go over the safety instructions and flight procedures.
- Consider any extra fees, such as tips for the pilot and fuel surcharges.
- Keep in mind that doors-off flights cost more. Also, sunset helicopter tours in NYC are very popular, so they tend to be more expensive and fill up quickly.
My experience flying over New York by helicopter
During one of our trips to New York, we decided to try a Manhattan sightseeing helicopter tour. This doors-off flight piqued our interest, and it ended up being one of the coolest things we did during our trip.
This NYC helicopter experience was a photographer’s dream, allowing us to take some of the best pictures of New York from above. Plus, since we were flying over New York in a doors-off chopper, I felt like I was floating above the city. It was quite an adrenaline rush, but I felt safe the entire time because we were securely strapped in, and the pilot and crew went over all the safety protocols before we boarded the aircraft.
My experience flying over New York by helicopter
Our New York City helicopter tour lasted about 20 minutes, and I thought it was well-priced for such a breathtaking experience. We flew over New York Harbor and saw the full scope of Manhattan while our guide pointed out important landmarks. Seeing huge skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Observatory from above was awesome and provided a unique viewpoint that we wouldn’t get any other way.
I also saw just how large Central Park is, and I captured incredible views of Battery Park, the waterfront, and Liberty and Ellis Islands. Seeing the different NYC bridges connecting to Manhattan all at once from above was an awe-inspiring experience, too.
If you’re still on the fence after reading my New York helicopter review, I say go for it! You won’t regret it!
FAQs – New York City helicopter tours
To wrap up, here are some common questions about NYC helicopter tours:
What is the best NYC helicopter tour?
The best helicopter ride in New York depends on what you want to see, but any of the tours in this guide are great options. We loved the tour we took, but if you’re looking for something cheaper, I recommend this flight.
Are NYC helicopter tours worth it?
Taking an NYC helicopter tour is absolutely worth it. There is nothing like seeing The City That Never Sleeps from above, and the photo opportunities are out of this world!
How much does a helicopter tour cost in NYC?
The price of a New York helicopter tour depends on several factors, such as the duration, the number of passengers, and any extra features. That said, you can find tours starting at around $250/person.
When is the best time for a helicopter tour in NYC?
This also depends on your preferences. If you’re interested in getting great photos, take a morning helicopter ride in NYC. For something romantic, consider a sunset helicopter tour in NYC or a night flight to see the sparkling city lights.
What should I wear for an NYC helicopter tour?
It can get chilly in a New York helicopter, so wear lightweight layers. Along with a jacket, you’ll want to wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the bright sun.
How many people can fit in a helicopter ride in NYC?
In most helicopters, up to 6 people can board the aircraft, plus the pilot.
How long does a helicopter ride in NYC last?
A helicopter ride over NYC can be as short as 12 minutes or up to 45 minutes. Typically, these tours last 15-30 minutes.
How high do helicopters fly over NYC?
NYC helicopter tours fly 500 to 1,000 feet above the city.
Where do NYC helicopter tours depart from?
Some helicopter rides in NY depart from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in Lower Manhattan. Others depart from outside the city, either from the Linden Airport in New Jersey or the Westchester County Airport in New York.
That’s it from me! Hopefully, you feel better prepared for your NY helicopter tour. If you still have questions about flying over New York, or you want to share your experience, leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to help.
Enjoy your helicopter ride in New York!
