Manhattan Helicopter Tour: Statue of Liberty & Central Park

See All of Manhattan in 15 Minutes From the Air

You board a shared helicopter from downtown Manhattan and fly past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park in 12-15 minutes with live pilot commentary. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a climate-controlled cabin mean you see everything without obstruction. Multiple daily departures let you choose a time that fits your schedule, and all landing fees are included upfront.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Fly past Helicopter Flight Services
• See Brooklyn Bridge on takeoff
• Fly past Brooklyn, NY
• Fly past Governors Island
• Fly above New York Harbor
• Wave to Statue of Liberty
• Fly by Ellis Island
• View New York City skyline
• See One World Trade Center
• View 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• See Empire State Building
• Fly past Chrysler Building
• Fly by Little Island
• View Intrepid Museum
• Fly by Chelsea Piers
• Fly past Rockefeller Center
• Fly past The Vessel
• View Hudson Yards
• See Madison Square Garden
• Fly past One Vanderbilt
• Fly by Times Square
• Fly by Central Park Tower
• Fly by Central Park

The Experience

You've just landed in New York. There's the skyline you've seen a thousand times in photos, and now you're standing in it. A helicopter tour from downtown Manhattan solves the problem most visitors face: how to actually see the whole city when you're stuck in it. Twelve to fifteen minutes in the air covers what would take hours on the ground—the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, the works. The helicopter lifts off from the heliport with live pilot narration, so you're not just looking; someone's telling you what you're looking at.

The flight path takes you south first, over New York Harbor and past the Statue of Liberty—that's the photo moment everyone wants. Then it swings back north along the Hudson, past the Intrepid Museum and Chelsea Piers, up through Rockefeller Center and Hudson Yards with the Vessel in view, then across to the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Central Park comes into frame last, the green rectangle that anchors the whole thing. The cabin is climate controlled with floor-to-ceiling windows, so there's no glass glare between you and the view. It's a shared flight, meaning you're with other travelers, but the helicopter stays small enough that everyone gets a window seat.

Multiple departure times run throughout the day, so you can fit this around whatever else you're doing in the city. The heliport landing and facility fees are included, which means no surprises when you arrive. You'll need a current government-issued photo ID and you do have to sign a waiver before takeoff—standard stuff. If you're traveling with kids under two, they sit on an adult's lap at no charge. Bags get inspected, but complimentary lockers hold your stuff while you're flying.

What’s included

• Your helicopter tour includes heliport landing and facility fees, a shared flight with live pilot narration, fuel surcharge, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a climate-controlled cabin.
• You'll fly past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park, Times Square, Hudson Yards, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden, and the Intrepid Museum.
• Complimentary lockers hold your bags while you're in the air.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by HeliNY

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the whole Manhattan skyline in one flight without spending hours on the ground—the 12-to-15-minute window is what makes it possible to cover the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square in a single trip.

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Top questions

How long is the helicopter tour?

The flight lasts 12 to 15 minutes in the air.

What landmarks do you see on the Manhattan helicopter tour?

You fly past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park, Times Square, Hudson Yards, Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden, and the Intrepid Museum, among others.

Is the helicopter tour shared or private?

It's a shared flight with other travelers, but the helicopter is sized so all passengers get window seats.

What's included in the price?

Heliport landing and facility fees, the shared helicopter flight, fuel surcharge, live pilot narration, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a climate-controlled cabin are all included.

Can children fly on the helicopter tour?

Yes. Children under 2 must sit on an adult's lap at no charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

What do I need to bring?

A current, valid government-issued photo ID is required. All bags are subject to inspection, but complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings during the flight.

Are there multiple departure times?

Yes, several departure times are available throughout the day to fit your schedule.

Is the helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the heliport and all areas are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.