The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City
New York, United States

The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City

Outty Ranking 60 4.4 · 509 traveler reviews0.3 hoursFrom $322
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 509 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City worth booking?

The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City is a 0.3-hour experience in New York, United States, from $322 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 509 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (509)
Duration
0.3 hours
From
$322 per person

See the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks and building up close on this popular helicopter tour of New York City, while taking off and landing out of Manhattan Heliport. This is a one-of-kind pilot narrated modern and historical tour. As you soar above the city that never sleeps, take a look at all NYC has to offer. You’ll see attractions such as: One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Times Square, The Intrepid Museum, Central Park, Yankees Stadium and Columbia University.

What you get

    About this experience

    See the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks and building up close on this popular helicopter tour of New York City, while taking off and landing out of Manhattan Heliport. This is a one-of-kind pilot narrated modern and historical tour. As you soar above the city that never sleeps, take a look at all NYC has to offer. You’ll see attractions such as: One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Times Square, The Intrepid Museum, Central Park, Yankees Stadium and Columbia University.

    What's included

    Included

    • Helicopter flight with shared experience among other travelers.
    • Surcharges on fuel
    • anding and/or facility fees
    • On-board live commentary and cabin with climate control.

    Not included

    • Photos available for purchase as souvenirs.
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Brooklyn Bridge

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Statue of Liberty

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Chrysler Building

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Ellis Island

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    5. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Central Park

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Yankee Stadium

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Rockefeller Center

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    9. George Washington Bridge

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Columbia University

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    12. Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    13. Intrepid Museum

      Pass BY

      Pass by without stopping

    14. One World Trade Center

      Pass By

      Pass by without stopping

    15. Empire State Building

      pass by

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    Charm Aviation NYC- Downtown Manhattan Heliport 6 E River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Charm Aviation NYC- Downtown Manhattan Heliport 6 E River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Charm Aviation NYC

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • A valid government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license) is required at check-in. Passengers without ID will not be permitted to fly and no refund will be issued.
    • Children aged 2 and over must have their own seat and pay the full fare.
    • Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight, or 45 minutes if traveling after 4:00 PM due to traffic.
    • You may fly anytime between your check-in and flight time.
    • All passengers must complete security screening before entering the building.
    • Seating is arranged according to weight for safety. Passengers over 275 lbs (124 kg) must purchase an additional seat.
    • A rebooking fee will apply for changes made within 24 hours of your flight or for missed flights. Missed flights are considered a no-show and are non-refundable.
    • Flights may be canceled if minimum requirements are not met; in such cases, you will be offered an alternative flight or a full refund.
    • No parking is available on site; please plan accordingly.
    • Sunset views are not guaranteed.
    • Please note that the heliport fee was not included for reservations made prior to March 2, 2026 and must be paid separately at $40.00 per person.

    Photos

    The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City, photo 2The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City, photo 3Lower Manhattan View from Sky, The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York CityGovernor's Island, The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York CityThe Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 509 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    509 verified traveler reviews for The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    337
    4 star
    91
    3 star
    29
    2 star
    27
    1 star
    25
    Sort
    Danielle_G · July 2026

    An amazing trip if you...

    An amazing trip if you are limited on time and was to see the entire city. We were only in the city for the day and we got to see everything in 20 mins.

    via Viator

    David_R · July 2026

    Best view of NYC

    Completely safe and all staff including the pilot are professionals Also very accommodating to your requests

    via Viator

    ali_c · June 2026

    Family helicopter tour

    It was a great experience for our family. It was our first time in NYC and be able to see the city from above was great. Our pilot was very kind and experienced. He show and explained everything. We really like the tour.

    via Viator

    Rubens_S · May 2026

    Great experience

    Entire staff was so professional and friendly. It was great to see calm professionals. Had a great time. Helicopter was comfortable.

    via Viator

    Deb_G · May 2026

    What a fantastic experience.

    What a fabulous experience. There is no better way to see Manhattan. Staff were great. We had a great time. Many thanks

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    0.3 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
    178
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Charm Aviation NYC, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.4.

    See everything Charm Aviation NYC runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)58
    Review evidence (18% weight)80
    Booking momentum (14% weight)77
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)21
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City cost?

    +

    Prices start at $322 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 The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City take?

    +

    Plan for about 0.3 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 The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 509 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 The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City?

    +

    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 The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City?

    +

    Around 178 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?

    +

    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 0.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City?

    +

    Included: Helicopter flight with shared experience among other travelers; Surcharges on fuel; anding and/or facility fees; and On-board live commentary and cabin with climate control. Not included: Photos available for purchase as souvenirs; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City?

    +

    Charm Aviation NYC- Downtown Manhattan Heliport 6 E River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City?

    +

    Across 509 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City.

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