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Top experiences in New York

13 experiences

Free cancellation
Helicopter flying over Lower Manhattan skyline, New York City.
Aerial Sightseeing
Premium New York City Helicopter Tour
from
$311.43
Premium New York City Helicopter Tour. Rated 5 out of 5 from 2 ratings.From $311.43
Free cancellation
Helicopter on a helipad with New York City skyline in the background.
Aerial Sightseeing
New York City Helicopter Tour
from
$289
New York City Helicopter Tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 7815 ratings.From $289
Free cancellation
Helicopter flying over New York City skyline during 20-minute tour.
Aerial Sightseeing
20-Min Ultimate NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan
from
$319
20-Min Ultimate NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4886 ratings.From $319
Free cancellation
Helicopter on heliport with passengers boarding for 20-minute tour.
Aerial Sightseeing
30-Min All-Inclusive NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan
from $429
$407.55
5% off
30-Min All-Inclusive NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2230 ratings.From $407.55
Free cancellation
Helicopter flying over New York City skyline with Empire State Building in view.
Aerial Sightseeing
NYC Helicopter Tour from Westchester
from
$415
NYC Helicopter Tour from Westchester. Rated 0 out of 5 from 0 ratings.From $415
Free cancellation
Helicopter cockpit view of New York City skyline during private tour from Westchester.
Aerial Sightseeing
Private NYC Helicopter Tour from Westchester for 2
from
$995
Private NYC Helicopter Tour from Westchester for 2. Rated 1 out of 5 from 1 ratings.From $995
Free cancellation
Helicopter flying over New York City skyline with Empire State Building in view.
Aerial Sightseeing
Private NYC Helicopter Tour from Westchester for 2-6 People
from
$1,630
Private NYC Helicopter Tour from Westchester for 2-6 People. Rated 1 out of 5 from 1 ratings.From $1,630
Free cancellation
One World Trade Center and aerial view of Statue of Liberty from helicopter tour in NYC.
One World Observatory
Combo (Save 4%): One World Observatory Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour
from $319.49
$306.10
4% off
Combo (Save 4%): One World Observatory Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 3918 ratings.From $306.10
Visitors at Top of the Rock with NYC skyline and helicopter view of Statue of Liberty.
Top of the Rock
Combo (Save 5%): Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour
from $334.73
$317.99
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 3307 ratings.From $317.99
Free cancellation
Edge Observation Deck view and helicopter over Statue of Liberty, NYC skyline.
Edge NYC
Combo (Save 6%): 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour + Edge Observation Deck Tickets
from $334.73
$313.86
6% off
Combo (Save 6%): 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour + Edge Observation Deck Tickets. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 8650 ratings.From $313.86
Free cancellation
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt mirrored interior and helicopter over Statue of Liberty, NYC skyline.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Combo (Save 5%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour
from $336.91
$320.06
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 7853 ratings.From $320.06
Free cancellation
Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty with NYC skyline in the background.
Empire State Building
Combo (Save 5%): Empire State Building 86th Floor Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour
from $336.91
$320.06
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): Empire State Building 86th Floor Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 7320 ratings.From $320.06
Free cancellation
9/11 Memorial visitors and people boarding a helicopter for a NYC aerial tour.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Combo (Save 5%): 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets + 15-Min NYC Helicopter Tour
$325
$308.75
5% off
Combo (Save 5%): 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets + 15-Min NYC Helicopter Tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 6595 ratings.From $308.75

Your New York helicopter tour at a glance

Take to the skies in a helicopter and see New York’s iconic skyline, bridges, and waterfront from high above. You’ll get to see it all from a vantage point few ever experience, where familiar landmarks feel more connected, giving you a clearer sense of how the city flows.

What to expect on your New York helicopter tour

Accessible heliports

The three heliports from which your helicopter tours will take off are conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan in New York, Linden in New Jersey and Westchester County. All the heliports are easily accessible by public transport.

Convenient check-in process

Checking in for your helicopter tour is quick and straightforward. Staff will guide you through the process, verify your tickets, and help with anything you need before boarding. It’s designed to keep things smooth so you can focus on enjoying the experience, not the logistics.

Safety briefing before departure

Before takeoff, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing from trained staff covering procedures, equipment use, and helicopter boarding protocols. This ensures you’re fully prepared, comfortable, and confident throughout your flight experience.

State-of-the-art helicopters

You will be flying in the cutting-edge 6-seater Bell 407GX which is equipped with the latest functionalities and safety features including GPS, Synthetic Vision Display Units and Terrain Warning Avoidance Systems.

Experienced pilots and live commentary

With thousands of flying hours, pilots undergo rigorous FAA training. In the air, your pilot shares live commentary, offering interesting facts, stories, and insider tips for a more personal experience.

Incredible photo ops from a bird’s eye view

Your flight gives you the chance to capture views you simply can’t get from the ground. You’ll get the chance to click pictures of NYC’s towering skyscrapers and famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and more, from the sky.

  • Compare flight durations before booking: NYC helicopter tours range from quick
    15-min highlights
    to immersive
    30-min routes
    . Longer flights (like the 20- and 30-min
    Downtown Manhattan tours
    ) cover more landmarks and offer better value if you want a fuller skyline experience.
  • Choose between Downtown Manhattan and Westchester: Tours departing from
    Downtown Manhattan
    give you the most iconic approach to the skyline and are ideal for first-time visitors.
    Westchester departures
    are quieter, less crowded, and perfect if you prefer a smoother check-in or are already staying north of the city.
  • Decide if a private tour is worth it: Westchester-based flights offer
    private options for couples
    or
    small groups
    (2–6 people). These are great for proposals, celebrations, or travelers who want a more personalized experience without sharing the cabin.
  • Check what’s included in your ticket: For Downtown Manhattan flights, the mandatory heliport fee is already built into the ticket price, so you won’t face extra surprise charges. Private Westchester tours typically include a private cabin and flexible seating based on your group size.
  • Think about the best time to fly: Late afternoons often offer golden-hour lighting, while morning flights usually mean calmer skies and clearer visibility. If you want skyline lights, Westchester routes typically offer better flexibility for evening departures.

Know the weight and seating rules: All passengers must meet standard weight limits (within the 275lb/125kg) for helicopter balance, and seating is assigned by the crew to ensure safe distribution. For private tours, the pilot still determines the best seating configuration based on weight.

Your New York helicopter tour options explained

Shared helicopter tours from Downtown Manhattan

Shared tours from Downtown Manhattan are the classic NYC experience, offering fast-paced flights directly over the city’s most iconic landmarks. These 15-, 20-, and 30-min routes follow a curated skyline path that includes the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and Central Park. They’re the most budget-friendly way to enjoy aerial views without compromising on excitement.

Why choose this tour: Lower price point, quick routes, big-ticket skyline views

Ideal for: First-timers, solo travelers, families

Recommended experiences:

Shared helicopter tours from Westchester

Westchester departures also include shared-flight options that blend value with a calmer takeoff environment. Passengers join others on scenic routes that sweep toward Midtown and Lower Manhattan, usually over longer durations than Downtown flights. These tours offer a scenic, lower-stress alternative while still covering major sights across the skyline.

Why choose this tour: Longer routes for less, quieter heliport, scenic city approach

Ideal for: Travelers seeking a relaxed experience, budget-conscious guests wanting more flight time

Recommended experiences:

Private helicopter tours from Westchester

These private flights departing from Westchester offer a more intimate and flexible way to explore NYC from above. You can choose from groups of two to six, giving families and friends a shared experience without other passengers on board. These routes typically include longer flight times and calmer departures, making it easier for everyone to settle in and enjoy the views. It’s a flexible, premium option that works well for celebrations and group travel.

Why choose this tour: Romantic setting, family-friendly privacy, exclusive cabin, personalized experience

Ideal for: Couples, families, friend groups, special occasions

Recommended experiences:

What you’ll see on your New York helicopter tour

Statue of Liberty & New York Harbor

From above, Lady Liberty appears surrounded by open water, with Manhattan rising softly behind her as the harbor curves outward.

Ellis Island & Upper Bay

The historic red-brick complex comes into view as a quiet patch of architecture set against the wide sweep of the bay and city shoreline.

Lower Manhattan & One World Trade Center

Downtown forms a dense cluster of glass and steel, with One World Trade Center standing tall as a gleaming point above the grid.

Brooklyn Bridge & East River crossings

Stone towers and sweeping cables create a patterned outline over the river, with both boroughs stretching out on either side.

Central Park from above

The park reveals itself as a long, green corridor running up the center of Manhattan, framed by rows of tall buildings on every edge.

Midtown & the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building rises cleanly from the packed Midtown blocks, creating a striking focal point among the surrounding towers.

Hudson River & Manhattan’s west side

The river forms a broad silver band beside the city, lined with piers, parks, and the slow arc of the waterfront.

Yankee Stadium & the Bronx

The stadium’s oval shape stands out in the middle of the Bronx, bordered by neighborhood streets and patches of greenery.

Know before you go

  • NYC helicopter tours usually run from late morning to early evening, providing plenty of daylight and golden-hour options. 
  • Downtown flights are mainly Monday to Saturday, while Westchester offers more timings, especially for sunset or private flights. 
  • Midday flights have the clearest skies, and late-afternoon slots provide warm lighting. 
  • The best times to fly are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October), when skies are clearest and temperatures are comfortable.

Frequently asked questions about helicopter tours in New York City

  • Most NYC helicopter tours last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the ticket you choose. Shorter flights cover the main icons, while longer ones give you extra time over the skyline.

  • Yes, it’s best to book at least 1 week ahead because helicopters have very limited seating. Tours fill up quickly, especially on good-weather days and during busy seasons.

  • You can choose between shared flights, where you book by the seat, or private flights, where the whole helicopter is just for your group. It really depends on whether you’re looking for the most affordable option or a more exclusive experience.

  • Seating is assigned by the crew to keep the helicopter balanced for safety. You can make a request, but it’s not guaranteed unless you're on a private flight.

  • Yes, you’re free to take photos with your phone or camera during the flight. Just make sure everything is held securely, as loose items aren’t allowed around the aircraft.

  • If the weather makes flying unsafe, your tour may be rescheduled or canceled. In those cases, you’ll be offered a full refund or a new time slot.

  • Yes, the standard limit is 275 lb (125 kg) per passenger. If someone exceeds it, they may need to purchase an extra seat or wait for a flight that can safely accommodate them.

  • The site doesn’t give strict clothing rules, but it’s smart to wear comfortable clothes and avoid bringing anything bulky. Keep your belongings light too, since larger bags may need to be checked at the heliport.

  • Yes, most New York helicopter tours run throughout the year, including winter. The only exceptions are days with unsafe weather, like heavy snow or low visibility.

  • Most flights follow routes along the rivers and coastline so you get skyline views without flying directly over dense areas. You still get stunning, unobstructed views of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks.

  • Yes, the pilot usually shares commentary about the landmarks you’re seeing. If you prefer a quieter ride, you can simply lower the volume on your headset.

How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless

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We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.

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Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.

All the best options, in one place

Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.

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Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.

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What our guests say

Sergio T

Couple
2 weeks ago
It was really easy to sign up and get the tickets; I paid online without any issues and received them in my email right away. The modern building was well-designed, and I really enjoyed the beautiful night views, lighting, and sounds. An excellent visit.

Combo: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour

Nicola B

Italy
Group
2 weeks ago

+4 more

It was truly an unforgettable experience, with a wonderful view of New York City, and everything was booked through Headout without any hassle or waiting. I highly recommend it—spend as much time as possible on the observation decks to enjoy the view ❤️

Combo: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour

Sergio T

Couple
2 weeks ago
I was able to get the tickets online very quickly; it was really easy to pay for them online. They were emailed to me right away. And finally, the visit to the Empire State Building—even though it’s an old building, I really loved the organization and, of course, the spectacular views.

Combo: Empire State Building 86th Floor Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour

Rebekah C

Couple
3 weeks ago
The visit was easy without a wait at all since the weather wasn't that great. We were told ahead of time that there wouldn't be a view due to the cloud cover but we still enjoyed being up in the clouds. It was beautiful without a view so I imagine on a clear day it would be amazing.

Combo: Empire State Building 86th Floor Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour

Natalia R

Peru
Solo
2 weeks ago
Communication through various channels such as email and WhatsApp makes submitting tickets much easier. It also allows for convenient access to reminders.

Combo: 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour + Edge Observation Deck Tickets

Bedy A

United States
Group
Feb 2026
It was more than amazing. I loved the view from there. I could see most of the city from the height. It's wonderful for taking photos. Inside, there were also some extravagant places. It was a beautiful experience that I recommend.

Combo: 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour + Edge Observation Deck Tickets

Gail M

Couple
Mar 2026
The line wasn't long when we got there (week day midafternoon) but it was kind of fun just skipping the line and going straight to security. The views were amazing even if it was a hazy day.

Combo: One World Observatory Tickets + 15-Min Standard NYC Helicopter Tour

Giulia S

Solo
Feb 2026
I aspected a lot, but everything went over. The atmosphere was very intimate and intense. Everything is explained perfectly, and the exhibitions bring you really into the 9/11. Thank you for this amazing opportunity, I learned too many things

Combo: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets + 15-Min NYC Helicopter Tour

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