Manhattan Helicopter Tour: Statue of Liberty & Skyline 18 Minutes

Eighteen Minutes Above Manhattan: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & the Full Skyline

You board at Downtown Manhattan Heliport, fly 18 to 20 minutes over the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park, Times Square, the George Washington Bridge and the full Manhattan skyline. The flight includes all taxes and heliport fees. You'll need a government ID and should arrive 45 minutes early. No lengthy itinerary. Just the view itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic helicopter flight over Manhattan

• Take off from Downtown Manhattan Heliport
• Fly over Governors Island
• See the Statue of Liberty
• Fly over Ellis Island
• View Central Park from above
• Fly over Times Square
• See George Washington Bridge
• View Manhattan Skyline
• Fly over Madison Square Garden

The experience

"You're going to see things from up there that most New Yorkers never will," the pilot said as we walked toward the helipad at Downtown Manhattan Heliport. That turned out to be the whole promise of this helicopter tour, not a long journey, but a concentrated one. The flight itself runs 18 to 20 minutes, which sounds short until you're actually airborne and the city spreads out below you in a way that ground-level sightseeing can't touch. You take off from the heliport and immediately head south toward Governors Island, the old Revolutionary Army post that sits in the harbor like a time capsule, then swing toward the Statue of Liberty. From the air, the statue stops being a monument you look up at and becomes something you can actually see whole: the torch, the crown, the way it sits on its island with nothing around it but water and sky.

After the Statue of Liberty, the route carries you over Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants first landed, and then back north along the Hudson River. That's when the Manhattan skyline comes into full view: Central Park spreading green across the middle of the island, Times Square's dense grid of buildings and screens, Madison Square Garden sitting solid among the towers, the George Washington Bridge stringing across to New Jersey. The helicopter doesn't linger at any one spot. It's a moving window, and that's actually what makes it work. You're not waiting for a view to happen. You're moving through it. The whole Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour covers the landmarks most visitors want to see, but from an angle that changes how you understand the city's scale and layout. Check-in happens 45 minutes before your scheduled flight time, and you'll need a government-issued ID or passport. That's non-negotiable, so bring it.

The heliport fee of $40 per person is already included in the price, and so are all taxes. The headsets provide audio commentary, though the language selection depends on what other passengers on your flight have requested. If the group is mixed, it may default to English. Weather can shift the exact timing, and passengers do get assigned a window rather than a fixed departure time, so there's some flexibility built in. It's not a tour where you're on the ground learning history. It's pure vantage point, and that's the whole appeal.

What’s included

• 18-20 minute helicopter flight departing from Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
• views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Central Park, Times Square, Madison Square Garden and the George Washington Bridge.
• audio commentary via headsets.
• all taxes and fees.
• $40 per person heliport fee.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday14 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 6

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zip Aviation

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Manhattan's major landmarks and skyline from the air without spending hours on a full-day tour. The short flight time means you get the view and move on, which works well if you're short on time or want a single standout experience rather than a guided itinerary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I see on the Manhattan helicopter tour?

The flight covers the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, Central Park, Times Square, Madison Square Garden, the George Washington Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. You depart from Downtown Manhattan Heliport and fly for 18 to 20 minutes total.

How long is the helicopter flight?

The flight is 18 to 20 minutes. You'll be assigned a check-in window and may fly at any time within that window depending on weather and operational needs.

What's included in the price?

The 18-20 minute helicopter tour, all taxes, and the $40 per person heliport fee are included. Audio commentary is provided via headsets, though language availability depends on other passengers on your flight.

Do I need an ID for the helicopter tour?

Yes. All passengers, including children, must have a government-issued ID or passport. Without it, you may be denied boarding.

When should I arrive for check-in?

Check-in is 45 minutes before your scheduled flight time. Arriving late may result in extended wait times or forfeiture of your flight.

Is the helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

The heliport and all areas are wheelchair accessible. Passengers with mobility issues will need to transfer from a wheelchair to the helicopter seat. If you weigh under 150 lbs, staff can assist. If over 150 lbs, you must be able to transfer independently or have someone with you to help. Contact the operator in advance about mobility needs.

What if I weigh over 250 pounds?

Passengers weighing over 250 lbs (113 kg) are required to purchase an additional seat due to aircraft weight and balance. This fee is payable to the operator on the day of the tour. The maximum weight per passenger is 300 lbs (136 kg).

Can infants fly on the helicopter tour?

Yes. Infants 24 months and younger must sit on an adult's lap. Infants and small children can also travel in a pram or stroller up to the helipad.

What if the weather is bad?

All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions. The operator will work with you to reschedule if conditions prevent safe flight.

Is audio commentary available in other languages?

Audio language selection is based on availability and what other passengers request. If more than two languages are requested on the same flight, the commentary may default to English. Audio functionality is also subject to technical conditions.