More about: New York Helicopter Flights
Taking a helicopter ride over New York is definitely an experience you'll want to talk about when you return from your trip to New York. Get ready to admire the city's majestic skyscrapers from the same height and fly over the Big Apple.
Most tours last around 15 minutes, but there are some differences between them. Here's all the information you need to choose the one that's right for you.
New York City Essential Helicopter Tour
Manhattan from a bird's eye view, at the best price
Perfect if you want to enjoy the exclusive experience of flying over Manhattan in a helicopter without breaking the bank. You'll see the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
This helicopter tour of New York is the short option, but it includes all the main attractions of Manhattan. The flight departs from the Downtown heliport and takes you to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You'll get spectacular views of Ground Zero, the One World Observatory and Manhattan's most popular skyscrapers, such as the Empire State Building.
You'll also see Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge, which you'll see up close.
Why I like this tour: you'll see the essential sights of Manhattan and, although it may seem a little shorter, you won't miss a thing.
Recommended if... you want to enjoy the experience without spending too much.
New York City Extended Helicopter Tour
Extend your trip a little longer to explore Manhattan
The best option for enjoying a more complete tour, flying over the Hudson River to Times Square and the famous Madison Square Garden.
If you don't mind spending a little more, this helicopter tour is the best value for money, as you can enjoy the views of New York at a more leisurely pace. In 20 minutes, you'll have time to fly over Manhattan and back, passing Madison Square Garden. You'll reach Times Square, which will give you a better view of Central Park, the Chrysler Building and other areas of Midtown.
Please note that for safety reasons, the helicopter cannot fly between the buildings of Manhattan, so the tour follows the Hudson River. Even so, the views are impressive.
Why I like this tour: with a 20-minute flight, you'll have more time to savour the experience and get closer to Midtown's most important sights.
Recommended if... you want to enjoy the experience and don't mind spending a little more.
Summary of the TOP 10 helicopter flights in New York
If you still don't know which helicopter flight to choose, here is a summary of the best options:
- 1- Extended helicopter flight — from €245 More time in the air to enjoy wider panoramic views.
- 2- Classic helicopter flight — from €219 The most popular option for seeing New York's icons from the sky.
- 3- Helicopter tour from New Jersey — from €181 Take off from New Jersey and fly over Manhattan with a unique perspective.
- 4- Panoramic helicopter flight — from €218 Perfect for capturing stunning photos of the city skyline.
- 5- Helicopter ride — from €239 An exciting experience at an affordable price.
- 6- Night helicopter flight from New Jersey —from €299 Enjoy the lights of New Yorkin a magical experience at dusk.
- 7- Extended helicopter flight — from €338 More minutes in the air to explore every corner from above.
- 8- Helicopter flight over Manhattan —from €219 A route designed to see the city's most iconic landmarks.
- 9- VIP helicopter flight — from €2,255 Exclusivity and comfort for an unforgettable experience.
- 10- Helicopter tour — from €219 A complete tour to discover New York from a different perspective.
Compare the best helicopter flight options over New York
Manhattan from a bird's eye view, at the best price
Perfect if you want to enjoy the exclusive experience of flying over Manhattan in a helicopter without breaking the bank. You'll see the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Extend your trip and explore Manhattan
The best option at an affordable price to enjoy a more complete tour flying over the Hudson River to Times Square and the famous Madison Square Garden, among other places.
Fly over Manhattan and the five boroughs
A long tour, lasting around 30 minutes, of the Big Apple and more! You'll see Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island from the sky, among many other points of interest.
An exclusive and private experience
Enjoy a private tour with your companion or small group, accompanied by a pilot guide. During the flight, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, you can enjoy a glass of champagne. New York at your feet and just for you.
Why is a helicopter flight over New York worth it?
The city skyline is a spectacle in itself, even more so if you book your helicopter flight over New York. What's more, it's a unique experience, combining the wonderful views of the city with the adrenaline rush of flying over New York in a helicopter at over 200 kilometres per hour.
Information about helicopter flights in New York
Here are some answers to questions you may have when booking your helicopter flight over New York:
- Helicopter model: The helicopter used by most operators for helicopter tours of New York is the Eurocopter/Airbus AS350B2, recognisable by its red colour. Extended flights and VIP flights use the Bell 206L4 or Bell 407GX.
- Operators: Most tours work with two operators: Liberty Helicopters and Zip Aviation. Both companies have passed strict safety certifications and apply them to all their experiences, which only vary in duration and route. These are enclosed helicopter flights where you cannot lean out of the window or leave the aircraft at any time.
- Safety: All the helicopter tours I have recommended are perfectly safe, and I have made sure that they are organised by operators who have a number of safety certificates.
- Routes: It is important to note that on the helicopter flight in New York, you will not fly over the buildings. All routes follow the Hudson River and some follow the East River to offer you panoramic views, but you will not see the skyscrapers up close at any time.
- Special Christmas flight: If you are spending Christmas in New York, one of the things you will probably want to do is see the Christmas lights. How about doing it from the air? At this time of year, you can book a helicopter flight to see the Christmas lights from New Jersey and enjoy a unique experience.
- What you'll see: During the helicopter flight, you'll see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, the Hudson River, the One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, the Chrysler Building and even other areas of Midtown.
What you should know before booking your helicopter flight over New York
When booking your helicopter flight over New York, it is important to know:
- How are seats allocated on the flight? Seats are allocated according to the weight of the passengers, which must be distributed evenly throughout the helicopter. Seats are not finalised until the time of departure, as each passenger's belongings must be taken into account. For this reason, you cannot choose your seat on the flight, although you can inform the operator of your preference.
- How many people can fit in a helicopter? Five to six people, not including the pilot. Tour operators can organise groups of up to nine people and divide them into two groups for the helicopter flight over New York.
How does booking a helicopter flight over New York work?
When you book your helicopter flight over New York, you will receive a voucher that is valid during your stay in New York and has an approximate date and time. Once you are in New York, you will need to reconfirm with the operator by calling their US number (which will appear on your voucher).
Once you have purchased your voucher, you will be given instructions on how to set the date and time of your tour with the operator. If you have any problems or do not speak the language, Hellotickets can contact the operator and confirm for you.
- How do I contact the operator? You can do so from your hotel or contact Hellotickets and we will do it for you. Therefore, I recommend that you make the reservation for the first day you arrive in New York, and then set the date that suits you best with the operator. This way, you will have some leeway to take the tour in case of bad weather.
- Can I choose the flight time? For most flights, once you have booked, you confirm a day with the operator and they will suggest a time. If this does not suit you, you can talk to the operator to change it if there are other options available.
What is the best time for a helicopter flight in New York?
When booking your helicopter flight over New York, consider the best time of day. It's very personal, as it depends on the views you want to see:
- If you want to see the buildings in all their glory and watch New York spread out to the horizon, try to get a time close to midday.
- If you want to see the city bathed in the light of sunset and the first lights of night, try to choose a time at the end of the day. Tours are not usually offered after 8 pm.
For all helicopter experiences, without exception, you will have to pay an extra fee at the heliport, which is always £40 (around €37) per person.
Organise your helicopter flight in New York
Where do helicopter flights in New York depart from?
If you book your helicopter flight in New York, you should know that flights depart from the heliport located in Downtown Manhattan, at the southernmost point of Manhattan. You will recognise the place by the constant noise of helicopters taking off and landing and those you will see flying around, as well as by the signs that are clearly visible.
- Address: 6 E River Bikeway, New York, NY. 10004
- Nearest underground station: Whitehall St.
- Located on the East River, south of the Brooklyn Bridge.
What time should I arrive at the heliport?
It's best to be there 15 minutes before your flight time, so you can get everything ready in advance and, more importantly, feel the nerves before you get on the helicopter!
What can I take with me on the tour?
All bags and backpacks are stored in lockers, so don't bring anything too large or valuable. Bring your passport, the heliport fee, and about £5 (£4.50) for the locker. You can take your phone and camera with you on the helicopter.
What documentation do I need?
You must bring your passport and present it before boarding the helicopter. This is an essential requirement, so make sure you bring it with you!
Can I request photographs of my tour?
Most operators offer a photography service with photos of what you will see from the helicopter and a photo at the heliport.
Where to eat after your helicopter flight over New York
Since none of the tours include food and the helicopter flight over Manhattan can make you hungry, here are a few recommended restaurants near the heliport for when you enjoy your helicopter flight over New York:
- Thunder Bun: a 5-minute walk from the Downtown heliport. If you're looking for fast food like burgers or sandwiches but with style, this is the place for you.
- Pranzo Pizza & Pasta: a neighbourhood restaurant where you can find classic New York-style pizza slices, pasta and Italian-style sandwiches.
- Mad Dog & Beans: a Mexican restaurant known for its friendly waiters, guacamole and generous portions. It's only 7 minutes from the heliport.
- Leo's Bagels: the perfect option if you're flying by helicopter around lunchtime, as you can stop by for brunch with pastrami, an egg sandwich or a typical New York bagel.
Final tip: get the best photo of your helicopter flight over New York
If you book your helicopter flight over New York, keep this last tip in mind: You're probably thinking about taking photos to immortalise your helicopter trip. Keep in mind that you will be in constant motion and the helicopter is not entirely stable, so to get the perfect photo you will need a fast shutter speed on your camera (more than 250/1).
Also, increase the aperture as much as possible and raise the ISO (from 400 to 3200) as the day progresses. You'll get some noise in your photos, but in return, you'll capture the buildings of New York with clarity. If you don't want to complicate things, use the Sports mode on your camera or mobile phone to avoid blurry photos.
Now you know all the details about taking a helicopter ride in New York...now it's time to enjoy the experience!