New York City is full of adventure, with virtually endless activities to partake in and countless landmarks to see and explore. However, for a truly unforgettable experience in the Big Apple, nothing quite compares to the thrill of a helicopter tour.

You’ll soar high above the skyline, with panoramic views like no other of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Parks, and more. If that sounds like fun to you, I invite you to check out the 7 top New York City helicopter rides out there! Let’s get started!

Be sure to see our reviews of NYC Dinner Cruises, NYC Broadway Shows and Statue of Liberty Tours.

Best New York City Helicopter Tours

	New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights	New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience	New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing
Departure:	HeliNY, 6 East River Piers, New York	HeliNY- Linden Airport, 1101 W Edgar Rd., Linden, NJ	HeliNY, 6 East River Piers, New York
Start:	Between 9:00 AM & 5:30 PM	6:30, 7:00, 7:30 & 8:00 PM	Between 9:00 AM & 5:30 PM
Duration:	12 to 15 minutes	25 to 30 minutes	17 to 20 minutes
Includes:	Shared helicopter flight, live commentary on-board, floor to ceiling windows, heliport landing and facility fees, fuel surcharge	Shared helicopter flight, live commentary on board, heliport landing and facility fees, fuel surcharge	Shared helicopter flight, live commentary on board, heliport landing and facility fees, fuel surcharge
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated NYC Helicopter Rides For 2024

1. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
2. New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience
3. New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing
4. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island
5. New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
6. Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight
7. The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City

Best NYC Helicopter Rides Reviews

1. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

If you’re looking to elevate your New York City experience (in every sense of the word), the New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights experience is just for you. Soar high above the concrete jungle with the wind in your hair and the legendary skyline unfolding beneath you.

This 15 to 20-minute adventure offers an exhilarating perspective on the city’s most iconic landmarks throughout Manhattan, making it an unforgettable addition to your itinerary.

At first, I did have questions about the tour sounding like it was so short. After all, how much fun can you have with a tour clocking in at under 20 minutes?! It turns out, that it’s just the right amount of time to have easily one of the most magical experiences of my life.

Our pilot was super nice and welcoming, answering any questions we had before and during our flight while providing us with a comprehensive briefing before taking off. This is one of the coolest helicopters I’ve been in, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a truly unobstructed view of New York City’s Manhattan.

The pilot provides an engaging narrative complete with interesting anecdotes about the different sights we passed, so we had context over what we were seeing.

Never have I ever seen The Statue of Liberty or Central Park as stunning as they were from an aerial perspective! Not to mention, all of the staff we encountered were so nice and everything was impeccably organized, going off without a hitch. I highly recommend this tour to anyone!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience

New York City is impressive at any hour, but it’s truly something special at night. It can be hard to really appreciate it’s nighttime beauty as not as much tourism happens after the sun goes down.

However, with the New York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience you have easily the best way to remedy that problem!

You can choose to drive or take a rideshare service, or come by train – if you choose the latter, they offer a convenient shuttle service that takes you right where you need to check in!

They even offer a pickup service from Linden station, and will return you afterward! The staff is very friendly, and offer easy-to-follow instructions so everyone has a great time.

While it may be unconventional or perhaps a bit more adrenaline-inducing, if you’re looking for a romantic date night activity, I feel like this one can’t be beat. You’ll both enjoy golden hour bathing the city in a warm glow, taking you from day to glittering nighttime.

It’s just as impressive for solo travelers, friend groups, or if you plan on taking the entire family along. This 30-minute helicopter ride will take you past renowned landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Hudson River, and much more.

You’ll end up with amazing photos and videos from perspectives 99% of visitors never get to experience! All the while you’re flying, your friendly captain is there to share stories and insights about the different landmarks and points of interests.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing

Have you ever wanted front-row seats to New York City? It was something I only thought possible by perhaps taking a ferry out on the water, but it turns out there’s a much more impressive option!

The New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing is definitely the more “luxury” option, offering an unforgettable aerial adventure for you and your group.

It’s crazy to think that in just 20 minutes, you can see so much, but thanks for the comprehensive itinerary and clear expertise on behalf of the pilot, you can see everything Manhattan has to offer.

From the towering spire of One World Trade Center to the sprawling green Central Park, these panoramic views will truly inspire anyone. It makes you realize just how grandiose everything in NYC is, too – from the Statue of Liberty to the towering Brooklyn Bridge.

If you’re planning on doing some sightseeing on foot, this is the perfect complement to that. You get a lay of the land you won’t quite achieve with any other method of transportation, in a relatively short amount of time.

This way, you can better plan out the rest of your trip’s logistics or go back to sights that looked particularly interesting from the air.

With the thrill of simply flying around in a helicopter, to the expert commentary provided by the pilot, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s cultural makeup and vibrant history.

This makes it perfect for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers, alike. This sense of freedom is what NYC is all about!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island

You may have noticed that the vast majority of NYC helicopter tours focus on Manhattan over any other part of the city. While it makes sense, considering its iconic skyline and particularly tall attractions, there are also many other incredible views to soak, as well.

The New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing is the perfect answer, covering some of my favorite spots! For a truly unmatched perspective on this famous urban jungle, you’ll get to experience 3 of the city’s most vibrant boroughs in a completely unique way.

Check out not just the skyline but plenty of hidden gems tucked in between, as well! The extensive coverage this 30-minute tour offers sets it apart from the rest, showing you areas you may not have seen much of, yet.

Aside from legendary landmarks like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, you’ll sweep over Brooklyn’s colorful neighborhoods, bustling waterfront, and the charming Brooklyn Bridge.

Experience the contrasts that make NYC so captivating, including Staten Island’s picturesque coastline and lush parks. The insightful commentary from our pilot was fascinating, offering fun bits of information and anecdotes that made it feel like I was really getting to know the city.

I felt that 30 minutes was the perfect amount of time to soak in all the beauty and architecture without feeling rushed, nor did we feel like they took too long. Whether you’re a first-time visitor of a seasoned NYC explorer, this helicopter tour is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

This next tour is one of the ones I recommend most if you’re bringing kids along, due to the pilot who did an amazing job with the children in our group!

The New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour is a beautiful, magical excursion where you get to choose between either a day or night option! While I personally think that the nighttime option is the most unique, both of them are not to be missed!

Everything about this tour was convenient, with short wait times and a well-organized entrance so that no one had to sit around. The staff was truly exceptional, with incredibly professional and friendly staff members who made the experience that much more memorable.

If you have any worries at all about flying, you’re sure to be instantly reassured with them at the helm. At just 20 minutes, it’s easy to fit into a packed schedule and short enough that kids won’t easily get bored.

In fact, my 9-year-old niece was on our flight and she was begging us to take her on another one that same trip because she loved it so much! There’s never a dull moment, with sightseeing and learning all about NYC at its finest.

The one thing I will say is that if the most important landmark you want to see is the Statue of Liberty, I recommend choosing the day tour, instead. You’ll get better views from this area, enjoying the natural beauty of the water that surrounds it, as well. No matter which option you select, though, I know you’re going to have as much fun as I did!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

6. Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

Are you looking for a tour that most visitors don’t get the chance to take? Perhaps you want to see the Big Apple from an even more breathtaking perspective than just walking through the city?

If that sounds like you, do yourself a favor and check out the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight! This 15-minute experience is short but filled with adrenaline, stunning vistas of the skyline, and a whole new way to get a layout of NYC.

Located right in downtown, it’s easy to access and offers a ton of different takeoff times to fit easily into your schedule. The staff made it very easy to check in, being patient and welcoming to us to really set the tone for the rest of our time there.

We met up with our pilot who gave us a safety briefing and answered all of our questions before strapping into the Bell 407 helicopter. I felt comfortable and safe as we took off, watching all the most impressive landmarks come into views, sprawling out into an unreal image.

We got to see all of downtown Manhattan from an insane perspective, including Governor’s Island, Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty, and much more! One of the highlights for me was seeing the USS Intrepid, which is from WWII and holds a museum inside – something I didn’t know until I took this tour.

It was also quite moving being able to see Ellis Island – the entry point for most of my group’s ancestors, making it particularly special. Whether it’s your first time in the big city or you’re a regular visitor, I assure you you won’t regret taking this aerial trip.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

7. The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City

Last but certainly not least, is the Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City. This 20-minute experience takes you not only over Manhattan like most other tours of this kind do – it will take you through Brooklyn and the Bronx, as well!

It’s varied, vibrant, comprehensive, and the perfect way to see boroughs you may not have had the chance to explore yet. If it’s your first time in New York and you don’t really know your way around yet, this is a great option.

It will kind of give you a “lay of the land”, showing you where the different boroughs sit so you can plan your explorations more efficiently. With a professional, expert local pilot there to share fun and fascinating commentary, you’ll also learn a ton about what each borough has to offer.

If it’s you or someone else in your group’s first time in a helicopter tour, consider taking this one. Our pilot flew very smoothly and with expertise, showing us views of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and other cool sights.

I was able to take incredible photos and videos of the different attractions, including all of Central Park in one frame! What I really loved about our pilot was that he pointed out a ton of lesser-known, “hidden gem” landmarks that I truly wouldn’t have discovered, otherwise.

You could tell that he was a born-and-raised New Yorker, offering recommendations for good pizza spots, Broadway shows, and other things to do while there.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Traveler’s Guide to New York City

• Airport and Entry
• Planning Tips
• Nightlife and Entertainment
• Getting Around
• Accommodation
• Weather
• Attractions

Airport and Entry:

There are three major airports in New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in southern Queens, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in northern Queens. JFK is the main international airport along with Newark. LaGuardia typically handles domestic flights although there are some exceptions.

You can access Manhattan from any one of these airports, but some are better than others. All three airports also have different transportation options that run the gamut of public transportation to private transport. It all depends on your budget and what kind of trip you have in mind.

*We used Manhattan’s Time Square as a central reference point for arrival in Manhattan.

JFK is the busiest and most crowded airport with eight terminals and over 150 gates. This is not really the most convenient airport to arrive if your final destination is Manhattan; JFK is the farthest airport at 15 miles away. If you’re trying to save money and don’t have a lot of bags to lug around, you may consider accessing Manhattan via the AirTrain and then taking the subway’s A, E, J, or Z train to your hotel. Taxis and Uber’s are available and run around $50-$60 dollars. There are also several airport shuttle companies, the happy medium in terms of convenience and pricing. Shuttles run from the airport to Manhattan every 30-60 minutes and cost around $20. Book in advance!

Newark is roughly the same distance from Manhattan as JFK (15 miles). A taxi or Uber can cost between $50-$70 dollars, making it one of the more expensive options. The AirTrain runs from Newark to the New Jersey City Transit Train which will get you to Penn Station. From Penn Station you can talk a taxi, walk, take a bus, or jump on the subway to access Manhattan. Booking an airport shuttle in advance is a good option. The price is fair for a shared ride (around $23 dollars) and will get you to Manhattan with little effort on your part.

LaGuardia is the closest airport to Manhattan and is likely your best bet at only 9 miles away. Airport shuttles from LaGuardia to Time Square are about $16. A taxi or Uber will be less than the cost of one from JFK, but the rate can fluctuate depending on how long you sit in traffic. Public transportation is available in the form of city bus. Get on the Q70 line that passes through the airport and get off at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Subway Station. From here you can access the E, M, F, R and 7 other trains. This is not the quickest or easiest way, but it is the least expensive.

Planning Tips:

Try to book your flight into NYC so that you arrive outside of morning and evening rush hour times. This can heavily impact how long your commute will take from the airport to your accommodation.

Consider the season, weather, and what you’d like to do before you pack your suitcase. New York has four very pronounced seasons and the temperature and weather can change quickly. A long-sleeved pull over or light jacket is always recommended.

Reserve your helicopter tour and anything else you really have your heart set on doing in advance. NYC is one of the most popular cities in the world, and you can bet tours, trips, accommodations, and restaurants will sell out and fill up quickly. If there’s a trip you know you want to take or a restaurant you know you want to eat in, make your arrangements in advance.   

Nightlife and Entertainment:

New York City is world-famous for its nightlife and entertainment. It really is the city that never sleeps. From comedy clubs, swanky lounges, live entertainment and Broadway shows, to dive bars, organized pub crawls, jazz clubs, and night clubs, there is literally no shortage of things to do.

The World Comedy Club is a great place to go for laughs. Grab a nightcap in one of Times Squares most up-scale establishments, The Living Room Bar (located on the 7^th floor of the W New York Hotel).

The Cubby Hole in the West Village is a laid-back fusion bar with no cover charge and unique cocktails for a more casual night out. Libation is a great happy hour spot that offers a glimpse into the true life of the NYC hip hop scene. And there are plenty of adult only shows like Hunk-O-Mania, Burlesque to Broadway, and Rick’s Cabernet New York.

Getting Around:

There are many options for getting around NYC. The subway system is the most popular and cost-effective mode of transportation. Walking is also a good option as many attractions are jam packed into one place.

Taxis are more expensive, but they could be ideal if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of learning the subway system. Renting a car is really not recommended in NYC as the public transportation system is much more convenient and taxis are everywhere. Plus, you’ll have to contend with the traffic and parking nightmare!

Accommodation:

NYC has budget, mind-range, and luxury accommodations to suite everyone’s style and budget. Five-star hotels with all the amenities and excellent location include The Ritz Carlton Central Park and Intercontinental Time Square. Mid-range options include 3-star hotels and apartments.

Some recommended choices are Broadway at Time Square, Resident Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park, Radio City Apartments and Green Holiday Apartments. Hostels are the cheapest way to stay in NYC and there are plenty of options for these, too. Check out the neighborhood YMCAs, HI NYC Hostel, and The Local Hostel.

Weather:

New York City sees all four seasons. It’s advisable to visit in the spring, summer, or early fall if you plan to pack in a lot of touring. Hitting the NYC streets in a snowstorm is not as romantic as it sounds! In spring, average day and evening temperatures are around 69 F and 53 F degrees, respectively.

Spring sees more rain, so a visit closer to summer may be more ideal. Fall can be cool and crisp and extra layers are definitely needed. The average day and evening temperatures hover around 72 F and 56 F, respectively.

Summer is the most ideal time to visit NYC if you want bright sunny days, warm temperatures, and lesser chance of rain. On average, day and evening temperatures are 82 F and 68 F, respectively.

Attractions:

There is an overwhelming amount of attractions in NYC, but there are some absolute must-sees. A true NYC experience isn’t complete without admiring the lights of Time Square, visiting the historic Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty, and wandering through Central Park. No trip to NYC would be complete without taking a tour of the famous Statue of Liberty!

The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) should be toured along with the American Museum of Natural History and the Guggenheim – three of NYC most famous museums. Visit the Highline Park, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, and shop Fifth Avenue for all the top brands.

No matter where your interests lie, there’s something to suit every person’s desires in NYC!