Booking choice: The Manhattan Highlights flight, from $271 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The Manhattan heliport is convenient and daytime only. The New Jersey airports are a train or taxi ride away but fly day, sunset and night, seven days a week. Neither is better in general; one will suit your day better.
The quick answer
Fly from Manhattan (Pier 6) for a daytime flight from $271 that fits between other sights, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Fly from New Jersey for night, sunset or Sunday flights, longer airtime and a head-on view of the skyline, at the cost of about two hours' travel and check-in from Midtown.
Where do New York helicopter tours take off?
Daytime tours use the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at Pier 6; night, sunset and Sunday tours use Linden or Essex County airports in New Jersey.
Private flights also leave from Westchester County Airport in White Plains. The Manhattan heliport, at 6 East River Piers next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal, has been run as Downtown Skyport since April 2025.
How do Manhattan and New Jersey compare side by side?
Manhattan is closer and daytime only; New Jersey flies longer, later and on Sundays.
| Manhattan (Pier 6) | New Jersey (Linden, Fairfield) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tour hours | 10 AM to 5 PM, Mon to Sat | Day, sunset and night, 7 days |
| Sundays | No tourist flights | Yes |
| Airtime | 12 to 30 minutes | 25 to 40 minutes |
| Getting there | Subway to South Ferry or Whitehall St | Train or car, 30 to 45 min each way |
| Check-in | 30 minutes before | 50 minutes before |
| From | $271 | $330 |
Flying by day? The 15-minute loop leaves from Pier 6, fees included.
Check dates for the Manhattan Highlights flightWhy can't you fly from Manhattan at night or on Sundays?
A February 2016 agreement between the city and tour operators halved sightseeing flights at the heliport and ended them on Sundays; tourist flights now run only 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday.
The heliport itself is open longer for charters and business flights, which is why you may see helicopters there on a Sunday. Sightseeing is what the rule restricts.
How do you get to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport?
Take the subway to South Ferry (1 train) or Whitehall St (R, W); the heliport is about a five-minute walk away at 6 East River Piers.
HeliNY allows about 30 minutes from Times Square by subway or taxi, more after 4 PM. Look for the large gray building with a big clock on the front. Map apps sometimes route to Chelsea Piers by mistake; check that the address ends at 6 East River Piers, NY 10004.
Five more minutes buys the north end of the island: the Ultimate flight runs 20 minutes.
Explore the Ultimate Manhattan flightWhich Manhattan flight should you pick?
The 15-minute loop covers the Statue of Liberty to Midtown; 20 minutes reaches uptown; 30 minutes adds Brooklyn and Staten Island.
The most-booked are the Manhattan Highlights flight ($271, 15 min) and the Ultimate Manhattan flight ($309, 20 min). The Deluxe 30-minute flight is $449. Zip Aviation's Manhattan Sky Tour ($319) caps groups at six and includes gratuities.
Why fly from New Jersey?
For the city at night or sunset, for Sunday flights, and for longer airtime with a head-on view of the skyline across the water.
The trade is the journey: about two hours door to door from Midtown including check-in. The night flight guide and the Linden guide cover it step by step.
Want the lights? The City Lights flight leaves Linden seven days a week.
Check dates for the City Lights night flightWill tours stop flying from the Manhattan heliport?
Not in 2026. A city law passed in 2025 will bar non-essential helicopters, including tours, from city heliports from December 1, 2029 unless they meet the FAA's Stage 3 noise standard.
The Helicopter Oversight Act (Local Law 64 of 2025) covers the Downtown Manhattan and East 34th Street heliports. New Jersey airports are outside it. Nothing changes for flights booked now; check again if you are planning years ahead.
So which heliport should you choose?
Daytime and short on time: Manhattan. Night, sunset, Sunday or longest airtime: New Jersey.
If you are staying in Midtown with an afternoon free, Pier 6 wins. If the lights are the point, go to Linden. Prices for both are in what a helicopter tour costs.
Frequently asked questions
Do helicopter tours fly from Manhattan on Sundays?
No. Sightseeing flights have been banned at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport on Sundays since the 2016 agreement. New Jersey operators fly seven days a week.
Is the Manhattan heliport the same as Chelsea Piers?
No. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport is at 6 East River Piers, next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal. Map apps sometimes send people to Chelsea Piers by mistake.
Are New Jersey helicopter tours longer?
Usually: 25 to 40 minutes against 12 to 30 minutes from Manhattan, though some of that time is the crossing from New Jersey.
How early do I check in?
30 minutes before at Pier 6 and 50 minutes before at Linden.
Ready to book
Choose your flight
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Manhattan Highlights Flight
- Shared flight with live commentary
- Heliport landing, facility and fuel fees included
- Souvenir photos available to buy
Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing Flight
- Shared flight with live commentary
- Heliport landing, facility and fuel fees included
- Souvenir photos available to buy
City Lights Skyline Experience
- Shared flight with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Live pilot narration, climate-controlled cabin
- Heliport landing, facility and fuel fees included
