Big Apple Helicopter Tickets & Tours, NYC 2025

Prices vary by route, duration and time slot. Recent examples: the classic Big Apple Helicopter Tour starts from around €250 per person; the Manhattan Helicopter Tour from ~€241; and the Night Skyline Tour from ~€238. Final totals may include heliport/security fees or a fuel surcharge—check the product page before booking.

Scenic (≈12–15 min) hits the Statue of Liberty, harbor and Downtown skyline. Extended (≈17–20 min) adds Midtown icons like the Empire State Building and Central Park edge. Night tours spotlight bridges and glowing skyscrapers—excellent for dramatic photos.

Many tours depart from NYC-area heliports (e.g., Downtown Manhattan), New Jersey or Westchester, depending on operator. Exact meeting points and check-in instructions are shown on your ticket. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for safety briefings and ID checks.

Tours are run by licensed operators with professional pilots and mandatory safety briefings. Typical per-passenger limits are around 125–136 kg (275–300 lb), and seating is assigned for aircraft balance. Bring a government-issued ID for adult passengers. Always follow crew instructions.

Many listings show base ticket price and add heliport/security fees per passenger at checkout. A fuel surcharge can also apply. The booking page will show your exact total before payment.

Daylight gives crisp, high-contrast detail. Sunset is most popular—book early and check in ~45–60 minutes before posted sunset. Night tours showcase glowing bridges and Midtown lights for dramatic shots.

Dress for the weather at the heliport and avoid loose items. Phones and small cameras are welcome; large bags are usually not permitted (lockers may be available). To reduce window glare, wear darker tops and avoid flash.

Yes, mobile QR tickets are standard; set screen brightness high at scanners. Helicopter tours are typically single entry for your booked slot.

Plan for 60–90 minutes total including check-in, safety briefing and the 12–20 minute flight, depending on the product you book.

Many tours offer free cancellation up to the stated cut-off (often 24 hours). If weather conditions aren’t safe, operators will contact you to reschedule for the next available time.

Most operators can accommodate families and many accessibility needs with advance notice. Policies about infants, lap seating, and assistance during boarding vary—check your tour page and contact the operator for specifics.

Yes. Private charters and special occasion packages (e.g., proposals) are available on select routes. Pricing is per flight (not per seat) and varies by duration and departure heliport.

Seating is assigned to balance the aircraft. On shared flights, not every seat is a window seat, but pilots typically orbit key landmarks to provide views to both sides. Longer flights give more time for angles.

Hold the lens near the window, shade it with your hand, and disable flash. Use higher shutter speed or stabilisation if available. Dark clothing reduces reflections in the glass.