Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
Badge of Excellence
New York City, USA
- 12 to 15 minutes (approx.)
- Flight time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Elevate your sightseeing with a helicopter flight above Manhattan. This short ride offers views over New York City landmarks such the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Times Square that you couldn't get any other way. Departing from Downtown Manhattan Heliport, it's a thrilling and affordable way to see the city in under 15 minutes.
- See landmarks including Ellis Island and Times Square from above
- Get personalized attention on a flight with just six travelers
- No surprises with heliport fee already included
- Perfect for travelers short on time wanting broad views
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Fit more into your day of sightseeing with this 15-minute helicopter ride, shorter than most other tours.
What's Included
- 12-15-minute Helicopter tour
- Local Taxes
- Heliport Fee ($40 per person included)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA
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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Manhattan Helicopters
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 250 lbs
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Emily_M
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.
Reviews
4.3
based on 161 reviews
Emily_E, Feb 2026
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
Response from Host, Feb 2026
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!
Emily_M, Dec 2025
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.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
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.
Diana_D, Nov 2025
Beautiful helicopter,friendly staff, not a long wait period, snd gorgeous view of Manhatten major attractions. My only complaint is the tour lasted 8 minutes when was supposed to be 15 minutes. You pay alot of money for this so I was disappointed on how short this was but overall was a beautiful experience.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hello Diana,
Thank you for your review and feedback. We’re glad to hear about your experience. Our pilots record all flights, and none of the recordings show a flight duration shorter than what is scheduled.
Thank you.
Denise_b, Oct 2025
Excellent to see city from the air. Loved it so professional and felt safe at all times. Loved the commentary during flight.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hello Denise,
Thank you for your review. So glad to hear you had a wonderful experience flying with us!
Cheers!
David_B, Sep 2025
Although we only up for about 15 minutes, it was a great flight. Very professionally done from the guys in the office up to the pilot.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello David,
Thank you for your review and comments. Thank you for the shoutout to our Team!
Cheers!
Eric_H, Apr 2025
Everyone there was helpful positive and informative. I took my girlfriend there for her birthday since she always wanted to ride the helicopter to see the city. Will try to do a private tour next time.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hello Eric,
Thank you for your review. We're so glad to be part of your Girlfriend's birthday celebration!
Cheers!
Ben_H, Jan 2025
Great value for money, and very easy to walk to from subway station .
Modern helicopters with audio of landmarks and history
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hello Ben,
Thank you for your review!
Cheers!
Holly_S, Dec 2024
Hands down one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I got to sit up the front with the pilot, which definitely made it even more magical. The take off and landing is so smooth you don’t even realise it’s happening, then you fly over manhattan with an audio tour of all the sites.
Just incredible. A memory that will last a lifetime.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hello Holly,
Thank you for a wonderful review! We are so glad we're part of this memorable experience. We love hearing comments like this. Warms our hearts.
Cheers!
khaki_w, Dec 2024
I wish I could have heard what they were saying in the headphones. We had to remind them to take our pictures.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hello Khaki,
Thank you for your review and comments. We made sure our Heliport Staff is aware of this.
Thank you.
Michael_M, Nov 2024
The staff and flight were excellent we wish we had booked the longer flight, everyone was professional and friendly and the flight was more then we expected
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hello Michael,
Thank you for your review. So glad to hear you had a good experience flying with us!
Cheers!
Tamar_N, Jul 2024
They postponed my tour. I guess it was due to bad weather but it wasn’t raining or anything. I’ll update this once I actually do the tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hello!
Most likely it is due to bad weather. Pilots have the final say on whether to fly or not. Safety first.
Thank you.
kim_l, Jul 2024
A 16th birthday treat for my daughter. First time to NY, Memories with my girl that will last a lifetime x
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hello Kim,
Thank you for your review. We're happy to be part of your daughter's 16th Birthday!
Cheers!
Matthew_W, Jun 2024
Not only was this our first time in a helicopter, it was my son's first time NYC, so this was a great experience for him, and a great way to see the NYC skyline, as well as Liberty Island, Governors Island and Ellis Island, not to mention New Jersey too.
The helicopter centre is well organised, safe and friendly. We arrived early but the flight left on time, with many helicopters rotating on and off the helipad. So waiting times are kept to a minimum.
The flight itself is short, 20 mins, but that said, long enough to see all of the key sites of NYC from the air.
I flew with my son in a 6 seat helicopter, the other 4 seats were taken by other guests.
Pilot was friendly and professional, but concentrated on flying while an automated playback narrated the views, which was fine.
Would I book again? Probably not now I have done it, but I would recommend to anyone who has not been to NYC, or in a helicopter?
Absolutely!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hello Matthew,
Thank you for your review and your recommendation. We truly appreciate it!
Cheers!
Sally_M, May 2024
The whole experience was wonderful, from waiting to board the helicopter, to the moment when it got airborne. Swooping over the city and seeing it all from such a different perspective. I found the whole experience very moving and quite emotional. I could have stayed up there for at least an hour!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hello Sally,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We totally agree that seeing the city from above can be quite emotional. Glad you had a wonderful experience flying with us!
Cheers!
Lucile_C, Nov 2023
Looking down to see how beautiful it is very nice staffs well trained ♥️I will encourage my friends to take a tour
Joanna_C, Nov 2023
Honestly we were the last ones on… so it seems like they were in urge to heading out, the pictures taken were terrible 😢 they were taken so quick and just a snap 🫰 and boom let’s go, we got in it was fine until we lifted from the floor, and the windows were so dirty so most of my videoes are blurt and not as clear for the view to actually be enjoyed. I feel like they should be wiped off every after couple trips just for the price I expected a lot more
…
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Hello!
Thank you for leaving your review. We're sorry to hear you did not have a great Tour. It's truly not what we want our passengers to experience. Thank you for your comments about the windows, we will forward this to our Maintenance Team.
Tamara_A, Oct 2023
Absolutely stunning! Awesome nice stuff. Would recommend anytime!! Check in was easy, the flight comfortable.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello!
Thank you for leaving a review. We are grateful for your recommendation! Fly with us again!
Cheers!
Ivette_M, Oct 2023
I had the best time ever with my son. We were celebrating his 30th birthday. He loved it, as he had never been on a helicopter ride before. the crew and staff were very friendly, safety conscious, and very helpful. Unforgettable experience. Thank you.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Ivette,
What a great review! Thank you for sharing his Birthday Celebration with us!
Cheers!
Sergio_M, Oct 2023
We booked the tour in Spanish, subject to availability, which I understand. However, they provided the tour in German...
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Sergio,
Thank you for your review. When more than 2 languages are requested, the system defaults to English or to the first audio language requested.
Our sincerest apologies.
Gordon_K, Oct 2023
Great experience and well organised. Needs to be on things to do list when visiting New York City. We'll worth the cost an experience you will never forget, enjoyed every minute of the trip, amazing sights.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Gordon,
Thank you for your review. We're so happy you had a great experience flying with us!
Cheers!
JOERG_I, Oct 2023
We always felt safe and really enjoyed this trip. It was perfectly organized and everything was on time. Thx a lot to all crew members....we will never forget it
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Joerg,
Thank you for leaving a review. So glad you had a wonderful time!
Cheers!
MarekMarcin_S, Sep 2023
Everything was all right besides that flight was September 19 and because of UN summit or something flight was 12 instead 15 minute, was inform about that, but why was not partly refund or even mention about that.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hello all.
We sent the email about the modified 12-Minute Tour and gave you the choice of rescheduling or cancelling. Every year, due to tight security when the UN General Assembly is in town, Helicopter Tours are restricted from entering the airspace of midtown Manhattan. There is no fee to reschedule and a Full Refund would have been given to you had you decided to Cancel.
Thank you.
Kieran_D, Sep 2023
The experience is amazing and unforgettable, the flight staff are super helpful however the desk staff not so much, I arrived 45 minutes as indicated otherwise you would be refused entry if you were late stated on the confirmation email of the trip. I sat and watched 3 other groups of 5 be taken before me and not one member of staff approached myself. Once we had been sat there for over and hour and 15 minutes scheduled to fly at 12:30 we asked when we would be flying, we were told by the staff that our other party of 4 joining us was late and we had no choice but to sit and wait for them. After questioning why their cancellation policy was not met, we waited another 15 minutes to be matched up with a group who walked in the door and got straight on a flight after us sitting waiting for an hour n a half. This completely ruined the whole experience as this is not cheap as it is and for the staff to lie to us and have no sympathy over the situation was not the service we expected.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hello Kieran,
Thank you for your review. Glad you had an amazing Tour. Our sincerest apologies for the long wait you had to endure and the seeming indifference of our Heliport Staff. Since like Tours are grouped together, sometimes there's no choice but to wait for the other parties. Again, our apologies.
Thank you.
Charles_L, Sep 2023
My headphones didn’t work. Pilot was not bother about it so I didn’t hear any of the commentary. We were so crammed into the back seats that my wife in the middle seat saw very little of the flight. My seat covering was badly ripped. Shows a sloppy approach to the experience. They need to go to Las Vegas on see how they do the trip to the Grand Canyon.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hello Charles,
Thank you for your review. Sorry you didn't have a great experience flying with us.
Our sincerest apologies.
Zack_S, Sep 2023
We were cramped, (left hip still hurts). Headphones weren’t working properly so was difficult to hear tour info, but noise was much. But the instructors were good and safety conscious.
The sights were beautiful though.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hello Zack,
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your comments.
Thank you.
Diego_M, Sep 2023
The views and the commentary, the whole experience was amazing. Highly recommended to everyone I know.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hello Diego,
Thank you for your review. We love your recommendation!
Thank you.
Nicole_F, Sep 2023
Booked a all inclusive flight, payed all fees to viator. At the heli port we must pay it again. No reaction from viator
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hello all.
The $40 per person Heliport Fee is paid at the Heliport. It is not and have not been collected by Viator. You did not pay Viator for this fee.
Thank you.
Julie_W, Aug 2023
Fantastic way to see the sights in New York. Although not a very long flight it’s well worth doing. A great experience you won’t forget!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hello Julie,
We totally agree, just do it! You won't be disappointed!
Cheers!
Jamie_H, Jul 2023
We had an awesome time!!! The employees were fantastic, especially at helping me in an out as I’m disabled.!! We’ll be back!!! ♥️♥️
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hello Jamie,
Thank you for your great review. We are so glad you had an awesome time! We hope to see you soon!
Cheers!
Sabine_L, Jul 2023
The tour was amazing but it was disappointing that we could not hear anything of the audiotour. It was the reason I booked this tour.
Please consider compensation, thanks in advance.
Best regards
Sabine Lagerwaard
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hello Sabine Lagerwaard,
Thank you for your review. We try our best to ensure that the audio syncs but sometimes at 1200 feet, the system glitches. Our sincerest apologies.
Thank you.
From $299.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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