7 Best Helicopter Rides in NYC in 2024 w/ Prices

Experiencing a flight over NYC via helicopter was one of my favorite parts of visiting the large city. We opted to join this doors-off helicopter excursion, and it fulfilled all expectations! Naturally, there are several other remarkablehelicopter adventures in New York, some leaving from Manhattan, therefore you can pick an option that fits your preferences and budget.

If you`re hesitant about flying over NYC, I completely understand. It`s rather unsettling and not inexpensive! However, I encourage giving it a try. Operators strictly adhere to safety regulations and have ample experience. Plus, you`ll view the city from an alternative perspective, making this one of the coolest things to do in NYC.

In this guide, I’ll discuss 7 top heli-rides, along with the various departure points, highlights, and New York helicopter tour pricing. By the end of this text, I’m certain you’ll be eager to take to the skies!

1. Manhattan Island helicopter tour, the best cheap helicopter ride in NYC

Initially, if you’re seeking a brief and economical helicopter flight in NYC, then this trip over Manhattan is the perfect choice. 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 selection. In any case, they all are short enough to fit into a 3-day NYC itinerary.

During this NYC heli-tour, you’ll benefit from in-flight narration so you can easily recognize the different attractions in Manhattan from above. You also have the choice to focus your flight specifically on Manhattan or to broaden your perspective and see the entire city. The aircraft has immense windows, which makes sightseeing straightforward.

Soaring world famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park is quite the encounter and something you’ll never forget. Plus, the alternative tour selections make this an appealing choice for all kinds of travelers and budgets. Another pleasant aspect about this New York City helicoptertour is that it departs from Lower Manhattan, so if you want a quick and convenient flight, I strongly recommend it.

• Departs from: Downtown Heliport at Pier 6, Manhattan helipad
• 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 may also want to consider taking an aerial tour of NYC at night, such as this one. It’s another reasonably priced helicopter trip over New York City and the perfect choice if you want to see the Big Apple after dark.

Keep in mind that this voyage leaves from Linden Airport in New Jersey, which is about a 45-minute drive from NYC. Free parking is accessible on site, and travelers can easily arrive at the airport utilizing New York’s public transportation options if they don’t have a vehicle.

This New York City airborne tour lasts 25 minutes and travels over the Big Apple’s most recognizable landmarks, as well as its waterways 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.

Additionally to Manhattan, you’ll soar over the Bronx, then circle back, flying over the Statue of Liberty before returning to New Jersey. Undoubtedly, this is one of the top things to do in NYC at night, particularly with friends or your partner.

• Leaves 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 visit to the Big Apple, we opted to experience New York by helicopter. We chose this doorless helicopter tour, and I strongly suggest it if you enjoy photography like us! This NYC helicopter tour passes over Liberty and Ellis Islands, Lower Manhattan`s Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory, and more.

This thrilling flight provided the ideal chance to capture one-of-a-kind aerial photographs of Manhattan. Flying in a helicopter over NYC without doors gave us the ultimate vantage point and unblocked views. It was one of the most exciting things we did during our trip, and it remains easily one of the finest New York City tours you can take.

While traveling in a helicopter lacking doors may appear unsettling, you’re safely secured in the whole time. The pilot has extensive experience, and the company adheres to strict safety protocols, so you`ve no reason for worry.

• Leaves from: Kearny, New Jersey
• Duration: 16-30 minutes
• Price from: $365 per person
• Highlights: Helicopter flight over Manhattan with the doors off

4. Romantic flight package, a romantic couples helicopter ride in NYC

If you’re visiting the city with your partner and you want to arrange something unique, consider this duo’s flight. This private NYC helicopter sightseeing for 2 people is the perfect way to commemorate a unique 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. Undeniably, this helicopter ride in NYC is one of the best couple’s activities in New York City.

Remember that this flight departs from the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY, which is about a 45 minute drive north of Manhattan. You have options to get there such as renting a car or using public transportation, or arranging a transfer from your hotel, although this will increase the total cost of the tour. Also, the price quoted for this NYC helicopter tour is per couple attending together, not per individual 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 become lively.

• The departure location is White Plains, New York.
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Price from: $800 (per couple)
• Highlights include: 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 iconic New York City with friends or family, consider enhancing your visit with this private group flight. This is undoubtedly one of the best private helicopter tour options in NYC as it accommodates up to 6 people, making it ideal for groups.

This New York helicopter jaunt departs from Westchester County Airport, allowing travelers to arrange an additional fee transfer from their lodging. Moreover, the cost of this airborne tour of New York is per group of six people, meaning the expenditure is rather reasonable when split amongst participants.

The flight presents breathtaking panoramas of Central Park, the famous Empire State Building, and various waterways and bridges spanning Manhattan. Additionally, views extend to the Bronx and Brooklyn from an aerial perspective. Day, sunset or night tours are available, making it a fantastic Manhattan helicopterexcursion to share with friends if you seek an experience high above the cityscape.

• The departure location is White Plains, New York.
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Pricing starting at: $1,550 (for a group of 6 people)
• Highlights include: Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 6

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6. Helicopter proposal over the city, the ultimate couples’ heli ride in NYC

For an extraordinary idea, this loving helicopter proposal is remarkable. It’s the ideal pair’shelicopter flight in NYC and will help facilitate asking the question with elegance!

During this NYC helicopter tour package, you’ll cooperate with the pilot and an engagement photographer, who will be ready to photograph you after your flight. This trip focusing on helicopter rides in the New York City area includes private transport from your Manhattan hotel to Westchester County Airport, where you’ll board a private aircraft.

During this romantic helicopter flight over NYC, visitors will appreciate some of the finest views in New York City. As the aircraft lowers, one`s partner will notice an illuminated “Marry Me” message. The tour also includes a bouquet of flowers and champagne; just don’t forget the band!

• The departure location is White Plains, New York.
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Price from: $3,400 (per couple)
• Highlights: Private helicopter tour of Manhattan with an illuminated message of marriage proposal, roses, champagne, and a 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 obtain on-land instructions from an expert pilot, then climb into the cockpit and execute your new skills.

You’ll acquire knowledge regarding the scientific principles and functional mechanisms involved in navigating a helicopter over New York City, as well as suitable safety protocols and operating the control panel. This aerial sightseeing excursion over New York includes 30 minutes of airborne time, during which your pilot guide will allow you to manage the craft yourself to maneuver the aircraft.

Be aware that this trip departs from an airport near the border of New York and Connecticut. While you won’t fly directly through NYC, the views will still be spectacular. You’ll also have an exciting once-in-a-lifetime experience on the ride.

• The departure location is White Plains, New York.
• The duration is between 1 to 1.5 hours for the short flight.
• Price from: $560 per person
• Noteworthy aspects include: Flying lesson in a Robinson R44 helicopter over Westchester County

New York helicopter tour prices

Now that you`ve read about the premier helicopter tours in NYC, here is a comparative chart with each option’s duration, price, departure point, and highlights.

Remember, the cost 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 cost of a helicopter tour over New York City, you should also consider the time. For example, if you want to capture aerial photographs, then the morning is the best period for a helicopter excursion in NYC.

If you’re looking for a more romantic experience, a sunset helicopter tour overNYC can`t be beaten. The beautiful light of golden hour lends the entire city a radiant glow, making it my favorite time to fly above the city.

Experiencing an aerial sightseeing tour of NYC at night proves to offer a very unique perspective. While major landmarks remain identifiable, the luminous cityscape presents itself in a captivating manner only observable from above after dark.

Tips for choosing an NYC helicopter ride

Now that the reader has learned about the top helicopter excursions in New York City, here are some tips to assist in choosing the perfect option. Keep these factors in mind during planning for an ideal helicopter flight over NY.

• Double verification of departure point for the tour as most helipads are outside NYC.

• Wear convenient clothing, sneakers, and a jacket. The sunlight is more intense in a New Yorkhelicopter tour, so don’t forget sunscreen and eyeglasses. Also, don’t forget your camera!

• Pay attention to the check-in time, which differs from the departure time. You should arrive early so you can review the safety instructions and flight procedures.

• Be aware of any additional expenses, such as tips for the pilot and fuel surcharges.

• Bear in mind that doorless flights cost more. Also, sunset helicopter trips in NYC are highly popular, so they tend to be more costly and fill up quickly.

My experience flying over New York by helicopter

During one of our trips to New York, we opted to attempt a Manhattan sightseeing helicopter tour. This doorless flight caught our focus, and it ended up being one of the coolest things we did during our trip.

This New York City helicopter experience was a dream for photographers, allowing us to capture some of the best images 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 a thrill, 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.

Our New York City helicopter tour lasted about 20 minutes, and I found it offered great value for such a breathtaking experience. We flew over New York Harbor and saw the full scope of Manhattan while our guide pointed out notable landmarks. Seeing enormous skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Observatory from above was amazing and provided a unique vantage point unavailable by other means.

I also observed the substantial size of Central Park, and I captured stunning views of Battery Park, the waterfront, and Liberty and Ellis Islands. Witnessing the different NYC bridges connecting Manhattanall at once from above was a tremendously inspiring experience, too.

If you’re still unsure after considering my assessment of a New York helicopter tour, I suggest giving it a try! You won’t be disappointed!

FAQs – New York City helicopter tours

To wrap up, here are some frequent questions about NYC helicopter excursions:

That’s the end of my input! Hopefully, you feel better prepared for your NY helicopter tour. If you have any additional questions about flying above New York, or you want to share your experience, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d be pleased to help.

Enjoy your helicopter ride in New York!