Tours/New York City/Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
4.2(163)New York City12 min–15 min
VIATOR4.2(101)TRIPADVISOR4.2(62)
+10 photos
At a glance
Duration
12 min–15 min
Price from
$269 / person
Location
New York City
Rating
4.2 / 5 · 163 reviews
Languages
DE, PT, JA, EN
Group
Small group, up to 6
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Manhattan Helicopters
Meeting point
Google Maps provides the correct navigation route, all other navigation options will take you to Chelsea Piers. Please ensure the end of route address matches the address above.Our building is located just north of the Staten Island Ferry and just south of the Pier 11 South Street Seaport.
Description
Take a flight that you will remember for a lifetime. Departing from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, this helicopter tour begins at the majestic the Statue of Liberty, followed by the world-famous Manhattan skyline.
As you fly, sights include Ground Zero, Madison Square Garden, and Times Square, as well as a magnificent panoramic view of Central Park. This tour is a bestseller, and a great choice for those with limited time and budget.
Sights include: The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, Financial District, The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, Times Square, Central Park, and The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
Start times
15 times a day, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Next available
Wed, Oct 14
Adult (ages 2+)
$269
Infant (ages 0–1)
Free
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Helicopter Flight
12-15 minute flight: All taxes and fees included.
Itinerary
20 min
You can enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, Financial District, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, Central Park, and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
What's included
Included
Local Taxes
12-15-minute Helicopter tour
Heliport Fee ($40 per person included)
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.2
163 reviews
5
111
4
16
3
14
2
9
1
13
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check-in is 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time. Failure to do so may result in extended wait times or forfeiture of flight.
Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 250lbs (113kgs) will be required to purchase an additional seat. This is payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour. 300-lb (136kg) maximum weight per passenger.
All passengers including children must have a government-issued ID/Passport or you may be denied your flight.
Please note, that audio language selection is not guaranteed and is based on availability. Should more than 2 languages be requested on the same flight, the audio commentary may default to English. Due to the unpredictable nature of technical difficulties, we cannot provide assurance for the audio functionality of the headsets.
All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
Passengers may be scheduled to fly at any time between their assigned check-in time and their booked tour time. Actual flight times may vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and passenger flow.
Flights purchased prior to March 2, 2026, the $40 per person heliport fee was not included in the original booking price. This fee will be payable at the time of check-in.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour take?
Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour lasts about 12 min–15 min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour cost?
Prices start at $269 per person for this New York City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with 15 departures a day between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Can I cancel Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Google Maps provides the correct navigation route, all other navigation options will take you to Chelsea Piers. Please ensure the end of route address matches the address above. Our building is located just north of the Staten Island Ferry and just south of the Pier 11 South Street Seaport. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, JA, EN, ZH-CN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap All passengers including children must have a government-issued ID/Passport or you may be denied your flight.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 163 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Manhattan Helicopters.
Reviews(163)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
J
Jessica_F
July 1, 2026 · via Viator
Terrible - don’t waste your money. Not worth it!
Absolutely terrible!!! I paid $600 for a “tour”
This was my first time coming to New York. I wanted to see everything available to see from the helicopter and I would’ve liked for someone to explain to me what I was looking at however, they stuck me in a helicopter with 6 other people who spoke Russian. They didn’t explain anything!!! I was placed in the middle and couldn’t even get good photos & videos. Approximately 15 minutes for $600 and I still have no idea what all I was looking at. When I politely verbalized my disappointment to the staff they simply said “I’m sorry.” Didn’t offer any of my money back or another ride with people who actually spoke English.
Operator response
Hello Jessica,
The $600 you paid for a 15-minute tour is erroneous. We do not have a one-person 15-Minute Tour for that amount.
The tour narration is pre-recorded and available in multiple languages. Whenever possible, the narration should have been provided in your preferred language. If that did not happen, it may have been due to a technical issue, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.
Can you double check how much you actually paid so we can bring this issue up with Viator?
Thank you.
C
Coastal36761480203
May 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
On top
Forced to do it at the otherwise it squeezed a failed trip to New York
Operator response
Bonjour !
Merci pour votre avis. Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez inclus un tour en hélicoptère dans votre visite de New York.
Merci !
C
colinbZ5232HI
March 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Worst experience ever not recommended
Absolutely not recommended I arrive half an hour in advance and my helicopter has already left poor communication and really do not help you well with any changes
Operator response
Hallo Colin,
Bedankt voor uw recensie. Onze inchecktijd voor alle tours is 45 minuten voor vertrek, zoals vermeld in de bevestigingsmail. Aangezien uw boeking via Viator/TripAdvisor is gedaan, is de bevestiging verzonden via hun 'Passenger Dashboard', waarna zij deze hebben doorgestuurd naar uw persoonlijke e-mailadres.
Toen u bij de helihaven arriveerde, bevestigde u dat u deze informatie had ontvangen. Helaas arriveerde u na de vereiste inchecktijd en was de helikopter reeds vertrokken. Hierdoor bleef uw gereserveerde stoel op die vlucht onbenut.
Bedankt.
T
thatcherY
February 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A must do in NYC!
Could not recommend this more! I’ve been to NYC dozens of times, but this perspective on a clear day is unparalleled. The tour company was super professional and it felt very safe.
Operator response
Hello!
Thank you so much for this incredible review!
It means a lot to hear that even after visiting NYC dozens of times, the view from the air is different - it is one that is not only incredible but unparalleled as well!
We’re also so glad you felt safe and well taken care of — professionalism and safety are always our top priorities.
Come fly with us again the next time you're in town!
Cheers!
E
Emily_E
February 5, 2026 · via Viator
Once in a lifetime opportunity
My husband and I decided to do this we were not sure as thought it was expensive however best money we have ever spent what an experience and a must do if you can you will not regret it
Operator response
Hello Emily.
Thank you for your review and recommendation!
We absolutely love hearing that you took the leap and decided to join us — and that it turned out to be the best money you’ve ever spent! That means the world to our team. We know it can feel like a big decision, so it’s wonderful to hear that the experience exceeded your expectations.
Cheers!
C
Cedric R
January 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Nice but short
Very well organized. Flight time probably not quite the specified time...it is however so nice there you forget the time. Unfortunately, 40$ tax per person is still due. Should be integrated in the price.
Operator response
Hallo Cedric,
vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Anbietern wird die Heliport-Gebühr von 40 US-Dollar (die jeder zahlen muss, auch Kleinkinder) von Viator nicht im Voraus beim Ticketkauf erhoben. Viator weist jedoch auf seiner Buchungsseite darauf hin, daher sollte dies keine Überraschung sein.
Vielen Dank!
E
Emily_M
December 11, 2025 · via Viator
Highlight of our trip
Amazing experience, felt much longer than 15 minutes. It really was the highlight of our trip. Viator were also brilliant at rescheduling when we found out that our flight was cancelled.
Operator response
Hello Emily,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so happy to hear that the tour felt even longer than 15 minutes and that it was the highlight of your trip—that’s exactly what we love to hear. We’re also glad Viator was able to assist you with rescheduling your Tour with us. Thank you for flying with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience!
Cheers!
Thank you.
N
Nicole_H
December 6, 2025 · via Viator
Good
Very well organized and in good weather a great view of the city. Would book again and again.
Operator response
Hallo Nicole.
Vielen Dank für deine Bewertung und Empfehlung. Wir wissen das sehr zu schätzen!
Liebe Grüße!
L
Lourdes_M
December 5, 2025 · via Viator
New York for the snow
It's too expensive but I recommend it because I find it an extraordinary experience
Heart full I took
Operator response
Hola Lourdes.
Gracias por tu reseña y tus sinceros comentarios. ¡Te lo agradecemos mucho!
¡Gracias!
C
Clemence_O
November 17, 2025 · via Viator
Amazing.
Incredible experience! My friend was allowed to climb in front with the pilot! We loved seeing nyc from the top! And the staff was great!
Operator response
Bonjour !
Merci pour votre avis et vos commentaires. Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que vous et votre ami avez passé un excellent moment !
À bientôt !
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