How much does a New York helicopter tour cost?
New York helicopter tours are priced mostly by minutes in the air, with a premium for night, sunset and private flights. Here is the 2026 ladder, and what the price includes.
2026 prices by flight
| Flight | Airtime | From (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan short loop | 12 to 15 min | $271 to $319 |
| Manhattan extended loop | 18 to 20 min | $309 to $319 |
| Night flight from New Jersey | 25 to 30 min | $330 to $334 |
| Westchester scenic | 30 to 45 min | $415 |
| Sunset from New Jersey | 40 min | $444 |
| Deluxe five-borough | 30 min | $449 |
| Private for two | 30 to 45 min | $995 per couple |
Fees, and what is included
Every Manhattan flight carries a heliport fee of about $40 per person, and most listings now fold it into the price; Charm Aviation notes that bookings made before March 2, 2026 still pay it at check-in. HeliNY includes landing, facility and fuel fees, and its own site lists the daytime New Jersey skyline flight at $299 plus $30 in fees, the same ballpark as the Viator price. Souvenir photos cost extra, and tipping the pilot is appreciated but not required unless the listing includes gratuities.
Getting the most for the money
The 15-minute loops are the best value per sight; the 20-minute flights add the north end of the island for about $40 more. If you want the lights, the night flight costs little more than a daytime 20-minute loop and flies longer. And book with free cancellation: a grounded flight in bad weather is refunded or rebooked rather than lost. Full comparison on the homepage table.
Ready to book