New York City: Helicopter Tour with Skyline & Landmarks

Summary

See Manhattan’s icons from a helicopter window as city lights flicker

You’ll watch Manhattan unfurl beneath you on a 25-minute helicopter tour from Linden, catching glimpses of Central Park’s green stretch, Lady Liberty’s torch, and Times Square’s neon glow—all with live commentary and floor-to-ceiling windows. Includes pickup from Linden Station so you can focus on that first rush as the city drops away beneath your feet.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my Sunday in Linden, New Jersey, squinting up at a row of helicopters while my heart did this weird little drumroll. The guy at check-in joked about “first time jitters”—I just grinned, but honestly, he wasn’t wrong. Our pilot—Mike, with this easy Brooklyn accent—ran through the safety stuff and then we squeezed into the cabin. I remember the seat was cool against my legs and everything outside looked kind of washed out in that early afternoon glare. Then suddenly we lifted off and the ground just… dropped away. My stomach did too for a second.

The Hudson River shimmered below us like someone had spilled foil confetti all over it. Mike pointed out Tribeca and SoHo—tiny grids from up here, nothing like wandering them on foot—and then there was Central Park, this huge green rectangle wedged between glass towers. The main keyword here is “helicopter tour New York City,” but that doesn’t really cover what it feels like when you’re actually up there, you know? I tried to spot people in Times Square (no luck), but you could see the billboards blinking even in daylight. At one point we swung past the Statue of Liberty—she looked smaller than I expected but somehow more real.

We skimmed over the George Washington Bridge and Yankee Stadium (Mike said he’s a Mets fan; I pretended not to judge). There was this moment when we hovered near One World Trade Center and everything went quiet except for the hum of the rotors—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway. You get commentary through your headset so you don’t miss anything, though honestly half the time I just stared out the window and forgot to listen. The whole flight was maybe 25 minutes? It felt both longer and shorter than that.

After landing back at Linden Airport (which is only about ten minutes from Linden Station if you’re coming by train), we all shuffled out—everyone a little dazed. My hair smelled faintly of jet fuel for hours after, which sounds bad but wasn’t really. If you’re thinking about doing a day trip helicopter tour from New Jersey into New York City, just do it once. It’s not like seeing Manhattan any other way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New York City Helicopter Skyline Tour

• Depart from Linden Airport
• Fly past TriBeCa and SoHo
• Fly past West Village and Columbus Circle
• Fly above Central Park
• Fly past Statue of Liberty
• Fly past National 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center
• Fly past Chelsea Piers and Intrepid Museum
• Fly past Times Square and Central Park again
• Pass by Columbia University
• Glimpse Yankee Stadium from Hudson River
• Fly over George Washington Bridge
• Return to Linden Airport

Top questions

How long is the New York City helicopter tour?

The flight lasts approximately 25–30 minutes.

Where does the helicopter tour depart from?

The tour departs exclusively from Linden Airport in New Jersey.

Is transportation included to Linden Airport?

A free shuttle is available by request from Linden NJ Train Station to Linden Airport.

What landmarks will I see during the flight?

You’ll fly over Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, George Washington Bridge, Yankee Stadium, One World Trade Center, and more.

Are there flights available on Sundays?

Yes, this is currently the only sightseeing flight available on Sundays departing from Linden NJ.

Is the helicopter cabin climate controlled?

Yes, cabins are climate controlled for passenger comfort year-round.

Can children join the helicopter tour?

Yes, children are welcome; those under 2 must sit on an adult’s lap at no charge.

Are there weight or size restrictions?

Passengers over 275 lbs or requiring a seat belt extender may not be able to fly due to aircraft balance limits.

What items can I bring onboard?

You may bring your camera, cell phone, and sunglasses; complimentary lockers are provided for other belongings during your flight.

What’s included

Your day includes shared helicopter flight with live commentary by your pilot-guide, all heliport landing fees and fuel surcharges covered upfront, plus floor-to-ceiling windows in a climate-controlled cabin for clear views. A free shuttle can pick you up at Linden Train Station if needed before returning you after your skyline adventure.