All The Information You Need To Know About The Helicopter Flight Over New York
Flying over New York in a helicopter is a dream for you? It was mine too and I can already tell you that this experience is just INCREDIBLE!
So if you are wondering what to do in New York and you have budgeted for this activity, I can only advise you to book your tickets for a New York helicopter flight. It is an essential activity, a magical moment to experience and of course an unforgettable memory!
From the sky, you will have a breathtaking and magnificent view of Manhattan as well as the main sites of the “Big Apple”. You will see the Skyline in a whole new light.
Of course, I did all the research necessary for my helicopter flight in New York to find the best plans possible. I explain to you now everything you need to know in this article.
Why Fly Over New York In A Helicopter?

As much to tell you directly, the price of the ticket is not given (count $200 on average per person ) but if you want my opinion, it is one of the best opportunities to go up perhaps for the first time. aboard a helicopter.
From up there, you will have the opportunity to see all the must-see buildings in New York ! The Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, the One World Observatory, but also the huge lung of New York: Central Park.
In short, you will truly have one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip to New York. I will explain to you right away what are the different possibilities for this helicopter flight, the durations companies that carry out these flights and of course where to book to have the best value for money.
An advice ? Do not wait to think about which day you are going to fly over: it is better to book as soon as you know your dates of stay in New York.
Prices And Circuits Of The Different Helicopter Flights In New York
Round | Places included | Price (in euros) |
---|---|---|
15 minute flight |
Highlights : Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square |
200 € |
20 minute flight |
The Essential + Yankee Stadium, Trinity Church, Columbia University |
250 € |
30 minute flight |
The Essential + Coney Island, Brooklyn, New Jersey |
375 € |
Evening flight (New Jersey) |
The essentials + Tribeca SoHo |
282 € |
Don’t Forget The Heliport Taxes
Small reminder: you will be asked to pay heliport fees in addition to your ticket once there, before take-off. When you book on the internet this tax is often included in the price displayed, but if you decide not to book in advance, be prepared for this additional expense during your trip. The average price of this tax is $40 per person.
For all the links and companies that I present in this article, the heliport taxes are included. I find it easier to have the all-inclusive price rather than lower prices but to which you will have to add taxes, etc…
Routes Of The 3 Helicopter Flights
|
|
|
The Different Helicopter Routes In New York
All the tours offered will take you to must-see places in New York, but the longer your helicopter flight over New York, the more you will be amazed
See The Essentials During A 15-minute Flight
|
|
Since the helicopter tours begin in lower Manhattan, you’ll experience the New York skyline starting with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Throughout your jaunt, you’ll see must-sees like One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Financial District, the Empire State Building, the famous Madison Square Garden, Times Square , and even Central Park.
It is in my opinion, the most advantageous ticket in terms of price, but also in terms of monuments to see.
Choose The 20-minute Flight Over New York
|
|
In 20 minutes, you’ll see the essentials mentioned for the 15-minute flight while heading even further north to the George Washington Bridge. You’ll also see the famous Yankee Stadium, home to baseball ‘s biggest games. You will then see one of the most famous universities in the United States, Columbia University, or Trinity Church.
The 20 minute flight is excellent value for money in my opinion. Indeed, you will have time to fly over all the must-see places in the city while taking advantage of an advantageous price.
By selecting a midweek date (with a pink dot ) when making your reservation, you can take advantage of a better price of up to €20 cheaper than the weekend.
A Flight Over New York In 30 Minutes
During a 30-minute helicopter flight over New York, you will have the opportunity to cross the entire Manhattan district, but not only! You will also admire Coney Island, the Verrazzano Bridge as well as the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and New Jersey.
Admire New York By Night In Half An Hour

From New Jersey, you’ll board a helicopter for a nighttime helicopter flight over New York City and have the opportunity to admire the city lights from the sky. Helicopters are equipped to accommodate up to 6 people inside the aircraft, with floor-to-ceiling windows to enhance the experience and visibility for each passenger. You will see the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, the course of the Hudson, as well as the neighborhoods of SoHo and Tribeca.
Have you booked your activities in New York?
Your trip to New York is getting closer and the helicopter flight over the city is probably not the only activity to do absolutely! New York is full of places more impressive than each other. Between unusual activities, buildings and museums, I invite you to book all your activities in advance so as not to be disappointed. You will also benefit from much more advantageous rates on all types of tickets by making this choice. If your stay is long (a week or more), I even advise you to choose a New York pass which will be the best option in terms of quality and price for all your visits
How And Where To Book A Helicopter Flight In New York?
Opt preferably for companies that work in collaboration with the Ceetiz site. In my experience, you won’t normally have any issues with them as they only have positive reviews. They offer the best tickets and the guarantee of a good flight, and also ensure good communication and good after-sales service.
Please remember to book your flight in advance! Well before leaving on a trip to New York, if possible. Otherwise, it is not sure that you will be able to find space in a helicopter during your stay. You may be told to come back a few hours or even days later when there are places available. Avoid wasting your time going back and forth between the city center and the heliport!
Also note that there are no helicopter flights in New York on Sundays, to preserve the calm of the weekend.

To book online on the Ceetiz website :
- Choose the option of your choice: 15, 20 or 30 minute flight;
- Choose the day of the flight (preferably near the beginning of your stay, so you will have time to reschedule another overflight in case your initial flight is canceled due to bad weather);
- Note the number of people who will be present (adult/child);
- Add your order to the basket;
- Check the information you have provided;
- Make the payment;
- Give your contact information (remember to give a mobile phone number that will work on site).
You will receive your order form in your mailbox ( to print or scan on your phone) as well as the procedure to follow to confirm your flight a few days before D-Day (don’t forget this step!). Some time later, you will receive another email asking you when you would like to take the helicopter flight. Reply to this email with the time that suits you.
You may also not be asked for a schedule. In this case, remember to call the company two days before the day scheduled for your flight to find out your take-off time.
Which Airlines Offer These Flights?
Several companies offer tickets for the New York City Helicopter Tour. You will find most of these companies in lower Manhattan. Of course, there are many providers, here they are:
- Liberty Helicopter Tours NYC
- Zip Aviation
- HeliNY
- New York Helicopter
- manhattan helicopter
The first three providers offer helicopter flights over New York on the Hello Tickets and GetYourGuide activity booking platforms ! All offer similar offers with flights of 15 to 30 minutes. Note, however, that with the current offers, the Zip Aviation company on GetYourGuide is much cheaper for 15 minutes: only €198
Some companies also offer incredible overflights such as the evening helicopter flight over New York, which offers a very different experience from the daytime flight: you can admire the city all lit up! Please note that there are no night flights departing from Manhattan: you must take off from New Jersey, at Kearny heliport.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DISCOUNTED HELICOPTER FLIGHT
Where Are The Helipads Located?
The address of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, at the southern tip of Manhattan, is: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004. From here, you will leave for the majority of circuits. Here’s how to get there from public transport:
You can get there by taxi or by taking the New York City Subway : Take Line 1 to South Ferry, or Line 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, then walk to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Once there, walk along the East River to the left, then past the Governors Island ferry terminal. Continue to Pier 6.
For departures from New Jersey for night helicopter flights, meet at Linden Airfield: 1101 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, USA.
To get to this heliport in New Jersey (from Manhattan), you can take:
- the metro : you will have a 1-hour trip, and between €6 and €10 ( 86 St/34 St Penn Station + New York Penn Station/Linden change );
- the bus : lines 112 and 57. The journey takes around 1h30 and costs between €3 and €7 ;
- taxi : you will drive for about 30 minutes and will cost € 110 to €140.
Be careful, also take into consideration the fact that you will have to be at the heliport at least 30 minutes or even 1 hour before the scheduled time for your flight. You will indeed have to carry out certain formalities, the weighing, as well as listen to the safety advice.
How Is A Helicopter Flight In New York?

As I explained to you, you will need to be at the Manhattan Heliport at least 30 minutes before the departure time indicated on your reservation. This will give you time:
- to check in : all passengers must show photo ID ;
- to deposit your belongings in the lockers made available to you free of charge. Apart from your camera, you will have to leave all your personal belongings there.
- to listen to the security measures.
Be aware that you will not be able to choose your seats during the flight. Depending on the weight of each passenger, you will be allocated a seat to evenly distribute the weight in the helicopter. Also note that the helicopter is wheelchair accessible and for comfort reasons passengers weighing more than 113 kg may need to purchase an additional seat.
In The Helicopter
You will have a helmet to be able to communicate with the pilot who will give you very interesting information on the different monuments of the city. You will be able to request an audio guide in French. You should also know that the companies offering these services are extremely vigilant with regard to security. They have security certificates, enough to reassure the most vigilant of you.
When you make your helicopter flight, it is important to know that you will not fly over the skyscrapers of New York : this space is prohibited for the flight of helicopters. You will therefore follow the Hudson River and have a panoramic view of the city without approaching the buildings.
When To Take A Helicopter Tour In New York?
The best time to take a helicopter tour over New York City is without a doubt when the weather is most pleasant, which is during spring and summer. To also avoid the peak period when there are many tourists, I advise you to travel to New York in May
Flights are between 9 am and 5 pm, and the best time to take off is between 2 pm and 3 pm. At these times, you will not be bothered by the sun when taking photos: it will then be above your head, and the light will be perfect.
What Happens In Case Of Bad Weather Conditions?
If you are unsure of the weather, call the company 24 hours before the flight. If the company forecasts rain, it will agree with you on a reservation for another time slot. To avoid any problems, plan your helicopter tour in New York at the start of your stay: you will then be able to reschedule this postponement of your flight.
Be that as it may, be aware that the flight cannot be reimbursed (except in the event of a major storm, hurricane, etc.). However, it remains valid for 1 year. You can therefore postpone it at no additional cost. All you have to do is contact your service provider.
Additional Information
- How much does a helicopter flight in New York cost at least? The minimum fare for a 15-minute helicopter flight is €183.
- The helicopters can accommodate up to 6 passengers : if you are only two, you will share your flight with strangers.
- Infants must be seated on a parent’s lap.
- The activity is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, it is not recommended for people with a serious medical problem (heart problem or other).
- A helmet and a microphone will be at your disposal to communicate with the pilot, if you feel like it, of course! You can also spend your flight silently, if that’s your preference