New York City is considered one of the most exciting cities in the world—and its sprawling skyline is a big reason why. But if you want a truly next-level view, the city’s helicopter tours remain one of the most thrilling ways to take it all in. From thousands of feet above in the air, you’ll soar past NYC icons in what feels like a metal dragonfly.
In this guide, we’ll compare top helicopter tour options, highlight the best times to go, and explain what to expect in terms of price, safety, and experience.
Why Take a Helicopter Ride Over NYC?
So, why choose a helicopter ride over NYC instead of a walking tour or ferry ride? Here are the key reasons that a chopper tour offers an experience those options can’t match.
Unique Perspectives: Why Helicopter Views Hit Different
During a Big Apple helicopter tour, you’ll get the best seat in the city—a bird's-eye view of the dense Manhattan skyline from a vantage point most people never experience. These views hit differently, offering something special you won’t get from the ground or a cramped ferry ride.
Panoramic Views: Iconic Landmarks from Every Angle
Helicopter tours provide a sweeping, 360° view of New York City, offering a full picture of its layout and landmarks all at once. Besides flying past the city skyline, you'll spot iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State building, and Brooklyn Bridge.
Daytime vs. Sunset vs. Night tours: How the View Changes
Each time slot—day, sunset, or night—offers its own breathtaking version of the New York City skyline. The best choice simply depends on what kind of experience you're after. Therefore, if you're torn between a daytime, sunset, or night chopper tour, here's how the view changes depending on when you fly:
Daytime flights provide the clearest visibility, making conditions ideal for spotting landmarks and snapping wide-angle shots of the city.
Sunset tours take full advantage of golden hour lighting, casting warm colors and long shadows across the skyline as the sun reflects off the buildings.
Night tours reveal glowing city lights and shining bridges, towers, and streets. The ambience gives the skyline a more cinematic, romantic feel.
Types of NYC Helicopter Tours Available
NYC helicopter tours come in a variety of types—each offering a different kind of view, pace, and price. The following should help you find an option that fits your preferences and budget.
Standard Scenic Tours
This is a standard starter package for under $300 that’s ideal for first-timers who just want the classic skyline overview. These tours typically circle the Manhattan skyline, although different tour companies offer different routes. They usually run 17-20 minutes and include an audio guide or pilot commentary to point out each landmark.
Open-Door (Doors-Off) Tours
Popular among photographers and thrill-seekers, open door helicopter tours offer unobstructed 180° views and a thrilling, wind-in-your face experience for a more immersive ride.
Routes typically include must-sees like the Statue of Liberty, the Financial District, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Open door rides are typically longer than standard tours (~30 minutes) to allow for photo ops. The costs for these types of tours run around $600.
Nighttime Tours
There’s something magical about seeing NYC light up in the dark. Many helicopter companies offer dedicated evening flights that showcase the skyline in all its illuminated glory—from the glowing Empire State Building to the shimmer of Times Square and Lady Liberty.
Night tours tend to cost more than daytime flights and often require a minimum of four passengers. Still, they’re a favorite for romantic occasions, offering a quieter, more romantic atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Private Tours (Couples & VIPs)
If you want to fly your own whirlybird (figuratively), book a private helicopter charter. These flights can be fully customized: choose your route, departure time and even landing (e.g. at a proposal, wedding venue, VIP event, or special getaway).
Private flights typically run 20–30 minutes or more and often start around the four-figure mark. Besides marveling at the New York Skyline and other scenery, you’ll enjoy personalized service. Think bottle of champagne and a handpicked playlist as part of the experience.
Budget / Short Flight Options
On a tight budget and want to book the cheapest helicopter tour in NYC? Short flight options are your best bet with flights typically coming in at under $200.
These tours typically stick to the southern tip of the island, flying past attractions like Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty. While these shorter flights don’t give you full skyline coverage, they’re an affordable way to get a taste of the helicopter experience without breaking the bank.
How Much Does a Helicopter Tour in NYC Cost?
To help you decide which type of tour to take, here are the prices and approximate duration (as of this writing) for some of the top helicopter tours in New York City, shown below.
Standard Daytime Flight
17–20 min
$279
Doors-Off Photo Flight
30 min
$600
Nighttime Tour (4 passenger minimum)
25 min
$275 per person
VIP/Private Charter Flight
20–30+ min
$249 to $3,520+
Budget/Short Downtown Flight
12–15 min
$150-$239
(Various operators)
Booking tips: Tours often cost less on off-peak times like weekday afternoons or mid-week. You can buy tickets and gift certificates directly on operator websites or via resellers like Viator and GetYourGuide.
Also, signing up for email alerts or following tour companies on social media can alert you to last-minute specials, promo codes, or group discounts. For example, FlyNYON recently offered their 16-19 minute Doors-Off Flight that’s originally $603 for $99 as part of their mid-summer sale. arts from NYON Terminal in NJ
Is a NYC Helicopter Tour Safe?
While no form of aviation is without risk, you’ll be delighted to know that taking a trip aboard a chopper is extremely safe. Helicopter tours in NYC are strictly regulated by the FAA. For starters, the FAA enforces heavy rules on pilot training and aircraft maintenance to keep these rides safe.
In addition, leading NYC helicopter companies have strong safety records. For example, Liberty Helicopters emphasizes that it’s been “flying safely for over 30 years.” All reputable operators require experienced, certified pilots and up-to-date, inspected helicopters. Flights carry life vests and pilots review emergency procedures before each flight.
Tips for safety: Choose companies with clean safety histories by looking for FAA certification and researching online reviews. Listen carefully during the pre-flight briefing. Keep your weight within limits—most tours limit passengers to around 270 lbs each and 580 lbs total.
Best Time to Take a Helicopter Tour in NYC
The time of day you choose can completely change the look and feel of your flight. Here’s how the views vary—and what to consider—before booking your ride:
Daytime (mid-morning/afternoon) – You’ll get the best visibility for seeing those impressive landmarks with a daytime flight. The skies are usually clearest, and buildings and bridges show up in crisp detail. However, midday sun can sometimes be harsh for photography.
Sunset/Golden Hour: – Golden-hour lighting makes this time perfect for photos, The warm, low-angle light makes the city glow and silhouettes the skyline. Early evening flights capture both daylight and approaching city lights.
Nighttime – Manhattan truly sparkles at this time, and monuments like the lit-up Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty stand out against the dark water. Night tours are moodier and often pricier, but many say it’s well worth seeing the “city that never sleeps” in full glitter.
Weather considerations – Always check the forecast, as tours will not fly in thunderstorms, high winds or heavy fog. If your flight is canceled, companies will usually reschedule or refund. Clear evenings, light winds, and low humidity make for the smoothest rides.
Top-Rated NYC Helicopter Tour Providers
Here are some of the top-rated helicopter tour providers in New York City, each offering different experiences, routes, and price points.
FlyNYON – Open-Door & Custom Photo Flights
FlyNYON is famous for their “Shoe Selfie With a Doors-Off Flight” over Manhattan that’s perfect for photographers and thrill-seekers alike. Really, this immersive helicopter tour of NYC is tailor-made for aerial photography and GoPro video. Flights departing from Kearny Point, NJ, include custom routes and 28-30 minute VIP flights.
Pros
You can choose the building and attractions you want to see
They’ve flown more than 750,000 passengers
They offer a variety of seasonal experience bundles
Cons
Departure location requires travel from Manhattan
User Highlights
Exceptional service and breathtaking views! I recently had the pleasure of taking a scenic flight with Fly Nyon, and I can’t praise them enough. From start to finish, everything was flawless — Google Reviews
“Highly recommend you do it, at least once in your life!!” — Yelp
Zip Aviation – Private, Sunset & Couples Flights
Zip Aviation is a premiere helicopter tour service, offering departures out of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Essex County Airport in NJ. They fly by Times Square, One World Trade Center, and more. In addition, they offer a wide range of tour types, including romantic sunset flights and nighttime skyline tours.
Pros
Multilingual staff available to assist international travelers
Special private charters go from NYC to the Hamptons
Convenient access points in NYC and NJ
Cons
Some delays reported during peak hours
User Highlights
“They did a outstanding job. It was a surprise for a Valentine’s Day sunset helicopter ride. The pilot did a amazing job. I would do it again.” — WeddingWire
Liberty Helicopters – Affordable Sightseeing Tours
Liberty Helicopters is the largest and most experienced helicopter sightseeing and charter service in the Northeast with a fleet of Airbus Helicopters. They offer shorter, budget-friendly flights, and the helicopters fly above a wide array of Manhattan landmarks.
Pros
Lower starting prices with an additional heliport fee per seat.
They have a solid safety record and consistently receive safety awards
Their “steals and deals” seats start at $189 a person
Cons
Their lowest priced tours are shorter and may feel rushed
User Highlights
“A really enjoyable experience, highly recommend doing. very friendly staff and knowledgeable pilot. The views were amazing.” — Google Reviews
Wings Air – Luxury Charters and Private Experiences
For the best helicopter tour in NYC, it’s hard to beat Wings Air. They pull out all the stops, providing private helicopter tours with a focus on high-end, customizable travel experiences. Their luxury helicopter experience collection ranges from romantic flights like the Scenic Lakeside Helicopter Proposal to food and wine outings such as the Hudson Valley vineyard tours. Flights usually depart from Westchester.
Pros
Highly personalized itineraries tailored to special occasions
Twin-engine aircraft available for longer-distance trips
Financing is available for tours via PayPal’s digital, reusable line of credit.
Cons
Departure point is outside Manhattan
Higher pricing than standard tour providers
User Highlights:
"One of the most mind-blowing experiences in my life. Easily one of the coolest things to do in NYC. I've been living here for 5+ years and this ranked in the top. Worth every minute. MUST MUST do at some point in your life." — Pulsd
Is a NYC Helicopter Tour Worth It?
So is hopping on a whirlybird in New York City worth it? Well, the estimated 30,000 people who take tours through this industry every year would say yes—and for good reason. Here’s a quick recap of why you might agree.
Helicopter tours offer a stunning way to see New York City from above, with flights ranging from quick budget rides to private VIP experiences. Prices fit a range of budgets, typically falling between $150 and $500, while private charters can exceed $1,000.
Daytime flights give you the clearest views, sunset tours offer warm, cinematic lighting, and night rides showcase the city’s full sparkle. Each option creates a different kind of magic, depending on when you go.
They’re especially great for photographers, couples, special occasions, and first-time visitors. You can even choose between doors-on for comfort or doors-off for an immersive, wind-in-your-face adventure.
If all that doesn’t float your boat—or fit your flight budget—you can opt for a private NYC boat tour as another unforgettable experience. New York Harbor Tours offers an incredible way to take in the skyline from the water, without the noise or crowds. You’ll still get those postcard-worthy views, minus the altitude. Your private boat cruise will glide past iconic landmarks with clear, uninterrupted views and plenty of room to relax.
Book your New York Harbor Tour and see the city from every angle.
Other Incredible Ways to Experience NYC’s Skyline
Want the full skyline experience? Pair your helicopter ride in NYC with a bus tour, walking tour, or local crawl—there are no shortage of options! But if you want unmatched views from both air and water, New York Harbor Tours is the perfect way to round it out.
Our private charters start at $475, and we cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more—with zero crowds and a knowledgeable Coast Guard licensed captain guiding the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a helicopter ride over NYC?
When it comes to pinning down a certain NYC helicopter tour price, the price is going to vary depending on the tour type and length. Here is a general overview, though:
Budget-friendly 12–15 minute flights start around $150–$239.
Standard daytime tours (17–20 minutes) average about $279.
Doors-off photo flights run closer to $600
Nighttime tours typically cost $275 per person with a four-passenger minimum.
VIP and private charter flights range widely—from $249 to over $3,500—depending on duration and customization.
Always check the operator’s website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Are NYC helicopter rides safe?
If the first question running through your mind is, “How many helicopter crashes in NYC have happened over the years?” you can relax. Serious incidents are rare.
When booked through certified and well-reviewed operators, NYC helicopter tours are very safe. Tours are FAA-regulated and follow strict safety protocols.
Can I take a helicopter tour at night?
Definitely, and that’s actually one of the best times to take on. Many companies offer night flights with views of the city lights. They're slightly more expensive but great for photos and romantic outings. Book in advance—night slots fill up fast.
What’s the best helicopter tour for couples?
Private charters or sunset/night tours are ideal for couples. They offer privacy, scenic lighting, and a more romantic atmosphere.
Is an open-door helicopter ride worth it?
Yes, if you want dramatic photos and don’t mind a little wind and adrenaline. Doors-off flights offer unmatched visibility but cost more and require safety gear.
How long are most NYC helicopter tours?
Tours typically last 12 to 30 minutes. Short flights cover Lower Manhattan, while longer ones include Midtown, Central Park, and the Bronx skyline.