Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tour

Your ultimate guide to seeing NYC like never before

Helicopter flying over the Statue of Liberty with the NYC skyline in the background

Fly 300 feet (91 meters) above New York and enjoy a breathtaking, close-up view of the Statue of Liberty on one of NYC’s top-rated helicopter tours.

More than 30,000 tourists go up around the Statue of Liberty annually, for the unbeatable aerial views of New York City. They all can’t be wrong! 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, this unique adventure promises brilliant views and a memorable experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know before booking your Statue of Liberty helicopter tour.

Top Tickets

Choose from the scenic Helicopter Tour, thrilling Speedboat Ride, relaxing Harbor Lights Cruise, or the Liberty Brunch Cruise—your perfect Lady Liberty experience awaits.

Liberty Statue seen from the helicopter
Image: Downtownny.com

Get ready to soar on one of the country’s busiest airspaces, but no worries, your Liberty helicopter is perfectly managed by the expert pilots.

You can choose from three tour durations: 12-15, 18-20, and 30 minutes, each offering a distinct experience. 

The Statue of Liberty helicopter tours start taking off at 10 AM and go until 4.30 PM with a half-hour interval.

A pre-recorded, narrated helicopter tour for your chosen duration is available. The pre-recorded tour narration is to minimise interaction with pilots so they can focus on air traffic and radio calls, ensuring your safety.

An audio guide is available in nine languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Portuguese.

You must pay a non-inclusive boarding fee of $40 per passenger before your flight departs.

Note that this tour is not available on Sundays, and at least 4 participants are required to book the 30-minute tour. 

Ticket Prices

12-15 Minute Tour: $259
18-20 Minute Tour: $279
30 Minute Tour: $389 ($1,556 for four adults)

Book This Tour

For a more private experience with your family or friends, book this Manhattan Helicopter Tour. Enjoy stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Northern Manhattan—available in three duration options.

Your Liberty Helicopter Tour departs from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, located at Pier 6 on the East River, New York, NY 10004, USA.

You will need to check in 45 minutes before your scheduled starting time.

This narrated tour provides spectacular views of key landmarks. You will soar over the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, getting close-up views.

Helicopter flying over the NYC skyline during the tour
Image: Headout.com

The 12-15 Minute Helicopter Tour includes other sights such as,

  • One World Trade Center
  • 9/11 Memorial
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Battery Park
  • Wall Street
  • Financial District
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Times Square
  • U.S.S. Intrepid Museum
  • Return loop includes Central Park

Building on the shorter tour, the 18-20 Minute Helicopter Tour includes all the sights mentioned above and extends further north. Where you’ll see,

  • Grant’s Tomb
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Harlem & Harlem River
  • The Bronx & Yankee Stadium
  • Palisades Cliffs
  • Spuyten Duyvil Bridge

For the most comprehensive aerial exploration, the 30-Minute Helicopter Tour offers an extended view of the city. This option requires a minimum of 4 participants.

Please note that flight times may be adjusted based on Air Traffic Control’s clearance to ensure efficient operations.

Save 40% and more! The New York CityPASS is a popular discount card that helps you save 41% on your ticket costs and also guarantees seamless entry to up to five attractions.

Here’s what your New York City helicopter tour includes,

✔️ A pre-recorded helicopter tour narration
✔️ The expertise of a professional pilot and crew
✔️ Optional video of your flight (available for purchase)
✔️ Locker rental (available for purchase)
❌ Mandatory Boarding Fee ($40 per passenger)
❌ Transportation to and from the heliport

For a smooth NYC Liberty helicopter tour, keep these important details in mind.

  • You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This offers flexibility for your travel plans.
  • Remember to check in at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (Pier 6 on the East River) 45 minutes before your tour.
  • You will need to bring a Passport or an ID card.
  • Passengers over 250 lbs (113 kg) must purchase an additional seat for safety.
  • Infants under two years are permitted to fly free, but the mandatory boarding fee ($40 per passenger) must still be paid for them.
  • Note that a window seat is not guaranteed because passengers are made to sit based on their weights to balance the helicopter.
  • While audio guides are available in multiple languages, the language selection is not guaranteed and may default to English if more than two languages are requested on the same flight.
The aerial view of Liberty Island seen from the helicopter tour
Image: Theatlantic.com

Yes and yes, this Liberty helicopter tour is top-rated with an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers frequently highlight how memorable the experience is, with comments like “It’s something you will remember forever”.The visitors find the ground staff and pilots friendly and professional.

Many consider it to be the best thing you could do in NYC and express a desire to do it again. The positive feedback suggests the unique and unforgettable nature of the experience truly justifies the cost for most participants.

So go ahead and book your Liberty helicopter tour—there’s no better way to catch views like these!

Here are the most common questions tourists ask before booking their Liberty Helicopter Tour.

What to wear for my helicopter tour?

For your helicopter tour, opt for fitted, breathable clothing like jeans and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety. We recommend layering up for temperature changes and consider sun protection.

Does the helicopter land on Liberty Island?

No, the helicopter does not land on Liberty Island, as it only takes you around the Liberty Statue and other iconic landmarks in Manhattan.

Where does the New York Statue of Liberty helicopter tour depart from?

It departs from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, located at Pier 6 on the East River, New York, NY 10004, USA.

Is the boarding fee included in the price of the ticket?

No, a separate boarding fee of $40 (per passenger) must be paid before your flight departure.

Are lockers available?

Yes, lockers are available to rent for a fee (not included with the ticket).

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes, individuals weighing over 250 lbs (113 kg) are required to purchase an additional seat for safety reasons.

Can I cancel my booking for the helicopter tour?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Photo of author
Researched & Written by
Mary Bency thrives on the beauty of starry skies, the rhythm of poetry, and the thrill of cultural exploration. As a traveler with a deep curiosity for history and hidden gems, she immerses herself in the cultures and traditions of every place she visits. She is passionate about astronomy and poetry. Inspired by the destinations she explores, Mary writes, capturing their essence in verse. Mary's natural curiosity and knack for connecting with people allow her to infuse her writing with a dynamic and relatable perspective, engaging her stories. Favorite travel movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Next destination: Chefchaouen, Morocco.

Leave a Comment