Linden Airport Helicopter Tours 2026: Getting There from NYC

Booking choice: The City Lights night flight, from $330 per person. Check dates Compare the options below

Linden is where most New York night and sunset flights start. It is further out than the Manhattan heliport, but the train is direct, HeliNY runs a free shuttle from the station, and reviewers consistently call the routine straightforward, even on a first visit to New York.

The quick answer

Take NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor line from New York Penn Station to Linden (about 30 minutes), then HeliNY's free shuttle from the station (request it in advance) or a 10-minute Uber or taxi to 1101 W Edgar Rd. Check-in is 50 minutes before your flight, so leave Midtown about two hours ahead.

Where is Linden Airport?

Linden Municipal Airport is at 1101 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, about 15 miles southwest of Lower Manhattan.

HeliNY runs its New Jersey tours from its main terminal there, including the City Lights night flight and the Sunset Flight (which meets at Hangar 600 on the same road). From Linden the helicopters cross the harbor and approach Manhattan head-on.

A white and blue tour helicopter on a wet, lit helipad at dusk with the Manhattan skyline across the water — Evening departures: the helicopter waits on a lit pad.

How do you get from Penn Station to Linden by train?

Take NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor line from New York Penn Station to Linden station; the ride is about 30 minutes.

Trains run frequently in the evening. Buy the ticket on the NJ Transit app or at the station, and give yourself a buffer: Penn Station is busy at rush hour.

Train booked? Add the free shuttle when you reserve the City Lights flight.

Check dates for the City Lights night flight

Is there a shuttle from Linden station to the airport?

Yes: HeliNY runs a free van between Linden station and the airport on request, so tell them you are coming by train.

HeliNY describes it as a Mercedes Sprinter carrying 12 to 14 guests per trip, timed to the Linden tours. Guests report the crew picking them up at the station and dropping them back after the flight. Transport from Manhattan can also be arranged for an extra fee.

Flying at sunset? The Sunset Flight includes the station shuttle and gratuities.

★ 4.9 12 reviews · 40 min · from $444

Explore the Sunset Flight from Linden

Can you drive or take an Uber to Linden Airport?

Yes: from Midtown it is typically 35 to 60 minutes by car depending on tunnel traffic, and the airport has free parking.

Rideshare works both ways, though evening demand in Linden is lower, so book your return early or take the shuttle back to the station.

Two black tour helicopters at a waterside helipad, one lifting off — Boarding is quick once you are weighed and briefed.

What happens at check-in at Linden?

Arrive 50 minutes before your flight with government-issued photo ID; you are weighed, assigned a seat and given a free locker.

HeliNY's limit is 275 lb per passenger, with no seat-belt extenders. Only a phone, camera and sunglasses go aboard. A short safety briefing follows, then the ground crew walks you out. More in the weight and seat guide.

How long does the whole Linden trip take?

About four hours from Midtown and back for a 25 to 30 minute flight.

Step	Allow
Midtown to Penn Station, train to Linden	About 45 min
Shuttle or taxi to the terminal	About 10 min
Check-in, weigh-in and briefing	50 min
Flight	25 to 40 min
Back to Penn Station	About 90 min

Plan a relaxed evening: free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the City Lights night flight

Is Linden better than the Manhattan heliport?

For night, sunset and Sunday flights it is the only HeliNY option, and HeliNY says Linden departures give extra airtime and more booking flexibility.

The trade is the journey: Pier 6 is a subway ride from anywhere in Manhattan. Compare both in Manhattan or New Jersey.

The Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge at sunset from the air — From New Jersey the routes run up the Hudson toward the George Washington Bridge.

What about Essex County and Westchester airports?

Charm Aviation flies from Essex County Airport in Fairfield, NJ (about 45 minutes by taxi from Midtown); Westchester flights leave from White Plains, NY.

For Fairfield, the Lakeland bus runs from Port Authority. For White Plains, Metro-North express trains from Grand Central take about 35 minutes, then a 15-minute taxi, or book the optional round-trip car.