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Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

Badge of ExcellenceNew York City, USA
  • 15 minutes
  • Flight time: 12 to 15 minutes
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Catch a bird's eye view of the Big Apple during this helicopter ride in Manhattan. Look out over the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the financial district and more. You’ll also spot top sights like Ellis Island and the Empire State Building during this unique sightseeing flight of one of the world's most iconic cities. As you go, enjoy a memorable experience of the city that few other visitors get to experience.
  • See Manhattan and New York Harbor from the air
  • Choose from multiple departure times to suit your schedule
  • Enjoy great photo opportunities of Manhattan's world-famous skyline
  • Travel aboard a modern, state-of-the-art aircraft

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

This helicopter tour with a range of flexible departure times easily fits into your NYC trip.

What's Included

  • 12-15-minute Helicopter tour
  • Local taxes
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • The listed price does not include a US$40 per person (including infants) heliport/security fee, payable at the time of tour check-in. The heliport/security fee is mandated by the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and is not within our control.

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. Located on Pier 6 (2 Building North of Staten Island ferry and the East River). Look for Zip Aviation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Take to the New York City skies for a helicopter flight above the landmarks of the Big Apple.

Head to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport on Pier 6 for your flight. Your exact takeoff will depend upon the option selected, with a range of departure times available. Once you’re strapped into your state-of-the-art Bell 407 helicopter, it’s time to begin your ride.

Glide into the air as the ground recedes below you, watching as some of the city’s most famous parks, buildings and landmarks come into view. Near Downtown Manhattan you’ll be able to see Governor’s Island, Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty and greater New York Harbor. Continue up the edge of the island, admiring the majestic views of skyscrapers along the way, before reaching the USS Intrepid, a World War II-era aircraft carrier that now houses a museum.

Head back down the Hudson River, taking in sweeping views of the city and well-known landmarks like the Chrysler Building, Met Life Building, and Empire State Building as you fly. Back down near the city’s harbor you’ll be able to spy historic Ellis Island, once the entry point for millions of immigrants in search of a better life in the United States, along with other New York attractions like Battery Park, the Federal Reserve Bank and the New York Stock Exchange.

Whether you’re a seen-it-all New Yorker or visiting the city for the first time, this aerial ride is a trip to remember.

Please note: The listed price does not include a US $40 per person heliport/security fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.

Zip Aviation - Helicopter Tours & Charters

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Governors Island National Monument (Pass By)

Statue of Liberty (Pass By)

New York Harbor (Pass By)

Manhattan Skyline (Pass By)

Lower Manhattan (Pass By)

Empire State Building (Pass By)

Ellis Island (Pass By)

Intrepid Museum (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Total weight per passenger: 300 lbs
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • 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.
  • A $40 (USD) heliport fee per person (including infants) is due at check-in.
  • 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.
  • Infants 24 months and younger must sit on an adult's lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

Q:What is the departure location for the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:The helicopter tour departs from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at Pier 6 on the East River. The building is located just north of the Staten Island Ferry and just south of the Pier 11 South Street Seaport. (6 East River Piers, NY NY 10004)

Apr 2021

Q:Can I take public transportation to get to the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:Public transportation can be taken from anywhere in Manhattan using the MTA Subway. You want to take the R train to the Whitehall stop and walk north past the Staten Island Ferry to the gray two-story building on the right with the large clock on it.

Apr 2021

Q:Is there parking near the departure point for the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:Parking is not available at the heliport, but there is a cash municipal parking lot at the next exit just west of Pier 11.

Apr 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:Please arrive one hour prior to your confirmed flight time.

Apr 2021

Q:Do I have to go through security before the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:Yes. When you approach the heliport, a representative will accompany you to a security checkpoint where you are scanned by a metal detector to ensure safety.

Apr 2021

Q:Do I need an ID to fly on the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:Yes, all passengers including children must have ID/Passport or you may be denied your flight.

Apr 2021

Q:What type of helicopter is used during the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:The fleet includes luxurious six-passenger Bell 407 aircraft.

Apr 2021

Q:How many seats are there on the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:The Bell 407 helicopter carries six passengers in addition to your professional pilot and boasts comfortable leather seating, more headroom, and luxurious amenities.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I request a specific seat during the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:Seating in the helicopter is arranged by weight and balance to maximize safety and security. Persons with disabilities are accommodated accordingly. You may make a request, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Apr 2021

Q:What can I bring with me on the Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight?

A:You are permitted to bring a camera, phone, and glasses/sunglasses aboard the aircraft. Purses, bags, handbags, camera bags, scarves, hats, and other loose items of clothing need to stay at the heliport in a private, secure locker.

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Richard_W
The whole experience was fantastic, I've never been in a helicopter before and although the flight was fairly short it was absolutely amazing. The staff were very professional and our pilot was great and very informative with the sights we were seeing from the air. I would most definitely do another helicopter trip next time i go to New York.

Reviews

4.5
1,396 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,396 reviews
A fantastic experience everyone should do!
Richard_W, Apr 2024
The whole experience was fantastic, I've never been in a helicopter before and although the flight was fairly short it was absolutely amazing. The staff were very professional and our pilot was great and very informative with the sights we were seeing from the air. I would most definitely do another helicopter trip next time i go to New York.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hello Richard, What a wonderful review! We're so glad to hear you had an amazing time! We hope to see you again the next time you're in town! Cheers!
Fantastic experience
Sarah_S, Apr 2024
We came for my son’s 11th birthday. Being asked if he could sit in the front made the experience very special
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hello Sarah, We're so happy to hear that we were able to make your son's birthday special! Cheers!
Fabulous!
Suzanne_H, Mar 2024
amazing trip!! Everyone was super friendly and helpful, a wk Sergio way to celebrate a special birthday with friends!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hello Suzanne, So glad we were able to make this birthday celebration fabulous and special! Cheers!
Sad to say I can’t review...
Karen_C, Mar 2024
Sad to say I can’t review my helicopter flight as it was cancelled.. I was extremely disappointed and as it turned out the weather was good on the day it should have been
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hello Karen_C, We're sorry to hear your Tour was Cancelled. Helicopter Tours are weather dependent. When our Ops Team determines that it is unsafe to fly (due to rain, poor visibility or high winds), we will cancel tours. Thank you.
Terrible experience
Shahab_G, Feb 2024
Absolutely horrible experience. The right side of the helicopter had a much better view and experience than the left. As soon as the helicopter would turn for the left side to have a view, it would turn farther away from the view. The staff was extremely rude and made the experience even more horrible.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Hello Shahab, Thank you for leaving a review. This is not what we want our passengers to experience at all. Our apologies for the attitude of our heliport staff. Thank you.
Excellent
alan_t, Feb 2024
Excellent flight (if a little cramped in the back!). There is a $40 fuel surcharge per person, it’s clearly explained in the booking.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Hello alan_t, Great to hear you had an excellent Tour! Cheers!
Best experience ever
Ann_B, Jan 2024
Loved every minute of the helicopter tour, great to see manhatten from the sky, got great pics, staff were 5⭐️
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello Ann, Thank you for your 5-Star Review! Cheers!
A once in a lifetime experience 👍
Tracy_A, Jan 2024
Absolutely amazing!!!! This whole experience was truly memorable, one of which the whole family will never forget. The staff were extremely helpful too, big shout out to Valentine. Thanks guys👍
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello Tracy, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. So glad the whole family had an unforgettable time! Thank you for recognizing our Line Staffer, Valentine! Cheers!
Amazing and exhilarating
Rachel_W, Dec 2023
The whole experience was phenomenal, not one part of our experience was negative. From the booking in staff, knowledgeable, friendly. The pilot was brilliant very professional
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello Rachel, Thank you for this review! So glad to hear you had an amazing time! Cheers!
Amazing experience
Tom_D, Dec 2023
Everyone was really friendly and reassuring. Great experience, would highly recommend to anyone who wants to do it.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello Tom, Thank you for your review. Happy to hear you had an amazing experience! Cheers!
Horrible experience
Billy_K, Dec 2023
Was not happy with overall experience. Me and my partner were separated. She was in the front with fantastic views while I was cramped in the back with 4 other people. If I’d have known there was possibility we wouldn’t be sat together I wouldn’t have booked.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello all. Thank you for your review. We're sorry to hear you had a horrible experience. Seating is based on weight so the Helicopter can achieve balance. Without this balance, it won't be able to fly safely. For others reading this review, please note that there is a possibility you will be separated. Best option: Buy a Private Tour - buy all six seats so it's just you and your group. Thank you.
Crowning Experience of NY
Simon_L, Dec 2023
What an amazing experience that crowned a fantastic trip to NY, yes people say it’s expensive for just 15minutes …. But trust me … it’s worth it!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello Simon, Thank you for your review. We agree that it's not for everyone, but if you can, it's truly a fantastic flight! Cheers!
Great experience , well...
Christopher_H, Dec 2023
Great experience , well run business clean tidy would highly recommend to anyone , the only way to see New York !!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello! Thank you for your review and recommendation! Cheers!
waste of our time and effort
Simon_R, Nov 2023
no story to share cut off by your staff disinterested will never use your firm again nor recomend to friend
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello Simon, Sorry to hear you did not have a good experience flying with us. This is not what we want our guests to experience. Our apologies. Thank you.
What an experience. Would...
Alison_D, Nov 2023
What an experience. Would highly recommend. Great service from start to finish made you feel ease (scared of heights) and explained everything.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Hello Alison, Thank you for your review and your recommendation! We love it! Cheers!
Unnecessary Two Hour Wait Time
Stella_S, Nov 2023
We booked our helicopter ride at 6:30 but in the itinerary, they said for us to come an hour before our flight. They had called me at 2pm saying to come at 4:30-5pm and so we did. We came there 4:30 thinking we were going to be able to go in the air a little bit earlier but we ended up sitting in the sitting area FOR 2 HOURS! It was completely unnecessary for them to call me saying to come in 1.5-2 hours before the actual flight. When we went to the workers around 5:30 to ask why they had asked me to come much earlier, they said they “anticipated for the flight to be earlier” and gave us no apology for the inconvenience.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Hello Stella, Our apologies about the long wait, after asking you to come earlier. We'll make sure that our Heliport Staff is aware of this so improvements can be made regarding our Courtesy Calls (when we call passengers to make sure they're aware of their check-in time). Again, our apologies.
Memorable, fun, easy to book
Nathalie_B, Oct 2023
The customer service was very good, in the phone booking the flight and in site. Great experience . I got this gift for parents and friends and will do it again when more come to NYC.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello! So glad you had a memorable Tour. Please fly with us again on your return trip to NYC! Cheers!
Just fly and see the CITY
Geraldine_H, Oct 2023
Great trip, though expensive for 15 minutes. We enjoyed it very much. Staff very nice. Easy to find.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello! Thank you for your review. Glad you had a great flight! Cheers!
Stunning views.
vicki_s, Oct 2023
The views are incredible, staff very helpful and friendly. Very close to staten Island ferry so plan that into your day.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Vicki, Thank you for your review. We totally agree with you, the view are simply incredible! Cheers!
Get to the chopper
Kevin_C, Sep 2023
Great experience, I am lucky that I have been in a helicopter on a few occasions and these guys were fantastic, never an issue and a comfortable ride, amazing views
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Hello Kevin, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We truly appreciate it! Cheers!
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From $229.00

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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