Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 163 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour worth booking?
Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour is a 0.2-hour experience in New York, United States, from $299 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 163 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (163)
- Duration
- 0.2 hours
- From
- $299 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Local Taxes
- 12-15-minute Helicopter tour
- Heliport Fee ($40 per person included)
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
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
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, ja, en, zh-CN, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Manhattan Helicopters
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 163 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
163 verified traveler reviews for Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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.
Response from the operator: 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.
via Viator
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.
Response from the operator: 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!
via Tripadvisor
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
Response from the operator: 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!
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.
Response from the operator: 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.
via Viator
Beautiful...
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 the operator: 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.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 57
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour cost?
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Prices start at $299 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour take?
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Plan for about 0.2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 163 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour?
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Around 57 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 0.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Grand Canyon VIP Helicopter Tour, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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