More about: New York Helicopter Flights
Taking a helicopter ride over New York is definitely the experience you need to talk about when you return from your trip to New York. Get ready to admire the city's majestic skyscrapers from their very height and fly over the Big Apple.
Most tours last around 15 minutes, but there are some differences between them. I'll tell you about them all to make it easier for you to choose the one that's right for you.
New York City Essential Helicopter Tour
A bird's eye view of Manhattan, 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 includes all the main sights of Manhattan. The flight departs from the Downtown Heliport and will take you to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You'll have spectacular views of Ground Zero, the One World Observatory and Manhattan's most popular skyscrapers, such as the Empire State Building.
You'll also get a close-up view of Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Why I like this tour: You'll see the highlights of Manhattan and although it may seem a little shorter, you won't miss anything.
Recommended if... you want to enjoy the experience without having to spend too much.
New York City Extended Helicopter Tour
Extend your trip a little further to get into Manhattan.
The best option to enjoy a more complete tour in which you will fly over the Hudson up to the height of 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 itinerary, as you can enjoy the sights of New York at your leisure. In 20 minutes, you'll have time to make your way to and from Manhattan via Madison Square Garden. You'll reach the height of 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 Manhattan's buildings, so the route follows the Hudson River. Still, the views are breathtaking.
Why I like this tour: 20 minutes will give you more time to savour the experience and allow you to get closer to the most important sights of Midtown.
Recommended if... you want to enjoy the experience and don't mind spending a little more.
Other options for helicopter flights over New York City
In addition to the more classic helicopter tours of New York, there are more sophisticated options which, if you can afford them, will be unforgettable:
If flying over Manhattan is not enough for you, you can book a long helicopter tour, which also takes you over the five boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. You'll have approximately 30 minutes of flight time and you'll take home a much more complete souvenir of New York from the air.
And if you want an exclusive and VIP experience, you can book a private helicopter tour of New York. This flight is designed for you to share with your partner or travel companions (up to 5 passengers) and together with your pilot guide, you can spend 30 minutes in the air while you enjoy New York's landmarks and a complimentary glass of champagne.
Oh, and if you want to enjoy a real New York light show, sign up for the night helicopter flight from New Jersey Get ready to see the city's illuminated skyline from high above.... It's amazing!
Compare helicopter flight options over New York City
A bird's eye view of Manhattan, 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 to get into Manhattan
The best option at an economical price to enjoy a more complete tour flying over the Hudson to the height of Times Square and the famous Madison Square Garden, among other places.
Fly over Manhattan and the five boroughs
A long tour, around 30 minutes, over the Big Apple and more! You'll see Brooklyn, Queens, 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 tour over New York worthwhile?
The city's skyline is a spectacle in itself, even more so when you book your helicopter flight over New York. It's also a unique experience, where the wonderful views of the city come together 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 City
Here are answers to some questions you may have when booking your helicopter flight in New York:
- Helicopter model: The helicopter used by most operators for the New York helicopter tour is the Eurocopter/Airbus AS350B2, recognisable by its red colour. Extended duration 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 vary only in length and route. These are closed helicopter flights where you will not be able to look 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 series of safety certificates.
- Routes: It is important to note that you will not be flying over buildings in New York. All routes follow the Hudson River and some follow the East River to give you panoramic views, but in no case will you see the skyscrapers up close.
- Special Christmas flight: If you're spending Christmas in New York, one of the things you'll want to do is see the Christmas lights. How about doing it from the air? This time of year you can book a helicopter flight to see the Christmas lights from New Jersey for a unique experience.
- What sights you'll see: Throughout the helicopter flight, you can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, the Hudson River, One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, the Chrysler Building and even other areas of Midtown.
What you need to know before booking your helicopter flight in New York City
When booking your helicopter flight over New York, it's important to know:
- How are seats allocated on the flight: Seats are assigned according to the weight of the passengers, which should be evenly distributed throughout the helicopter. They will not be definitive until the moment of the flight, as each person's belongings must be taken into account. For this reason, you cannot choose your seat on the flight, although you can let the operator know your preference.
- How many people can fit in a helicopter: 5 to 6 people not including the pilot. Tour operators can organise groups of up to 9 people, and split into two groups at the time of the helicopter flight over New York.
How does the New York helicopter flight booking work?
When you book your helicopter flight over New York, you purchase a voucher which is valid for the duration of your stay in New York and has an indicative 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 to contact the operator: You can do it from the 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 establish the date that suits you best with the operator. This way, you will have a margin to do the tour in case of bad weather.
- Can I choose my flight time: For most flights, once you have booked, you confirm a day with the operator and they will suggest a time. If it doesn't 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 to fly. It's very personal, as it depends on the views you want to get:
- If you want to see the buildings in all their splendour, and see New York expand to the horizon, try to get a time around midday.
- If you want to see the city covered in the light of dusk and the first lights of night, try to pick a time at the end of the day. Normally, tours are not offered after 8pm.
For all helicopter experiences, without exception, you'll have to pay an extra fee at the heliport, which is always $40 (around €37) per person.
Arrange your helicopter flight in New York City
Where do New York helicopter flights 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'll recognise the place by the constant noise of helicopters taking off and landing and the helicopters you'll see flying around, plus it 's pretty well signposted.
- Address: 6 E River Bikeway, New York, NY. 10004
- Nearest underground: 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, to get everything ready in advance and, most importantly, to feel your 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 take anything too big or valuable. Take your passport, the helipad fee, and about $5 (approximately €4.5) for the ticket office. You can ride in the helicopter with your phone and camera.
What documentation do I need?
You will need to bring your passport and present it before boarding the helicopter. It's a must, so make sure you have it with you!
Can I ask for photographs of my tour?
Most operators offer a photo service with photos of what you will see from the helicopter and a photo at the helipad.
Where to eat after your New York helicopter flight
Since none of the tours include food and the Manhattan helicopter flight can make you a little hungry, here are a few recommended restaurants near the heliport for when you enjoy your New York helicopter flight :
- Thunder Bun: 5 minutes 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 the classic New York slice of pizza, pasta, and Italian-style sandwiches.
- Mad Dog & Beans: A Mexican restaurant known for its friendly waiters, guacamole and generous portions. It's just 7 minutes from the heliport.
- Leo's Bagels: The perfect choice if you're flying in around midday, you can stop by for a pastrami brunch, egg sandwich or New York bagel.
Last tip: get the best photo of your New York helicopter flight!
If you're booking your helicopter flight over New York, keep this last tip in mind: You're probably thinking about taking photos to immortalise your helicopter ride. Keep in mind that you will be in constant motion and the helicopter is not entirely stable, so to get the perfect shot you will need a fast shutter speed on your camera (over 250/1).
Also, increase the aperture as much as you can and raise the ISO (from 400 to 3200) as the day goes on. You will have some noise in your photos, but in return, you will capture New York's buildings clearly. If you don't want to complicate things, use the Sport mode on your camera or mobile phone to avoid blurry photos.
You know all the details about how to take a helicopter ride in New York... now, enjoy the experience!