Statue of Liberty helicopter tour
Tickets, prices, timings, what to expect
Each year, approximately 5 million tourists visit the Statue of Liberty, the iconic symbol of New York City.
There are several ways to experience the Statue of Liberty. You can purchase a Statue of Liberty ticket and board a ferry directly to Liberty Island, or you can take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view from the water.
However, the best way to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty is from a helicopter. Taking off from one of New York City’s heliports, you’ll not only get a breathtaking view of Lady Liberty but also see many other famous landmarks, making these helicopter tours a favorite among visitors.
This article provides all the essential information you need to know before booking a helicopter tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
Top Tickets
It’s highly recommended to book your helicopter tour in advance. With limited seating available, these tickets sell out quickly
# Manhattan Sky Tour by Zip Aviation
# Manhattan Helicopter Tour by Charm Aviation
# New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
What’s ahead
Statue of Liberty helicopter tour price
The 15-minute Manhattan Sky Tour by Zip Aviation and the Manhattan Helicopter Tour by Charm Aviation are both priced at US$245 per person. The New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour, which circles around Lady Liberty, offers 20 minutes of airtime at a cost of US$280 per person.
Note: A heliport fee of US$40 per person is required and must be paid at check-in on the day of your tour at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
Must Read: Advice for your first helicopter tour
Statue of Liberty helicopter tour by Zip Aviation
Experience New York City like never before with the Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tour by Zip Aviation. This 12 to 15-minute scenic flight takes you high above Manhattan, offering breathtaking views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
From the moment you lift off, you’ll soar over Wall Street, the Financial District, and of course, the Statue of Liberty herself.
*This 15-minute tour is also known as the Manhattan Sky Tour and follows the route marked in red on the map.
The tour also includes spectacular aerial views of Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, and Manhattan’s skyline, making it a perfect choice for sightseeing and photography.
Duration: 12–15 minutes
Operating Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Departure Location: Zip Aviation, 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004. Get directions
Passenger Capacity: 4 to 6 passengers per flight
Experience Type: Shared helicopter flight
Best For: Sightseeing, first-time visitors, photographers, couples, families
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (2+ years): US$249 per person
Infant ticket (up to 1 year ): Free
Must Read: What to wear for your helicopter tour
Statue of Liberty helicopter tour by Charm Aviation
Experience New York City like never before with the Manhattan Helicopter Tour by Charm Aviation, which includes a fly past alongside Statue of Liberty.
This 12 to 15-minute scenic flight takes you high above the city’s most iconic sights, giving you an unforgettable view of the Big Apple from the sky.
From the moment you lift off, you will soar over Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center.
It is the perfect way to see the city’s skyline in all its glory—ideal for sightseeing, photography, or just enjoying a unique perspective.
As you fly, your pilot will share fascinating stories and facts about the city’s rich history, making this tour thrilling and educational.
Duration: 12–15 minutes
Operating Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Departure Location: Downtown Manhattan Heliport, 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004. Get directions
Passenger Capacity: Bell 407 helicopter seats up to 6 passengers plus the pilot
Experience Type: Shared helicopter flight
Best For: Sightseeing, first-time visitors, couples, photographers, families
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (2+ years): US$249 per person
Infant ticket (up to 1 year): Free
20-minute Tour of New York & Lady Liberty
See New York City like never before on the 20-minute Scenic Helicopter Tour by Zip Aviation.
This extended flight gives you more time in the air—and more unforgettable views of the city’s most iconic sights.
*The 20-minute helicopter tour is also known as the Big City tour, and follows the route marked in yellow.
From the moment you lift off, you will fly over Governor’s Island, Liberty Island, the Empire State Building, and more. Look down at Manhattan’s skyline, rivers, and historic landmarks from high above—it’s a view you simply can’t get from the ground.
As you soar across the city, your pilot will share interesting stories and commentary about New York’s past and present, adding extra meaning to every sight you pass.
Duration: 20 minutes
Operating Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Departure Location: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004. Get directions
Passenger Capacity: Bell 407 helicopter seats up to 6 passengers plus the pilot
Experience Type: Shared helicopter flight
Best For: Sightseeing, longer aerial experiences, photographers, couples, returning visitors
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (2+ years): US$279 per person
Infant ticket (up to 1 year ): Free
Related: Book Private Helicopter Tours in New York
Night time helicopter tour over Statue of Liberty
Experience the magic of New York City after dark with the Nighttime Helicopter Tour by HeliNY. This 25 to 30-minute flight takes you above the glowing skyline, offering a view of the city that’s nothing short of unforgettable.
As you lift off into the night sky, you will soar past some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks—the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square—all sparkling with lights.
You will even fly over the majestic George Washington Bridge, with the city’s twinkling lights stretching out beneath you.
Enjoy live commentary from your pilot, along with floor-to-ceiling windows and a climate-controlled cabin that keeps you comfortable throughout the flight.
Duration: 25–30 minutes
Operating Hours: Night tour slots available between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Departure Location: Linden Airport, 1101 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036. Get directions
Passenger Capacity: Shared helicopter flight
Experience Type: Scenic night tour with live commentary
Best For: Romantic evenings, skyline photography, special occasions, nighttime sightseeing
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (2+ years): US$329 per person
Timing of Statue of Liberty helicopters tours
Daytime tourist helicopter rides around the Statue of Liberty operate from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
During peak season, helicopters take off every half hour.
Depending on the time of year, nighttime helicopter tours of New York City start between 4:30 pm and 6 pm, concluding at 9:30 pm.
Tour Restrictions
- Weight Limits: For safe and comfortable helicopter rides, passengers must weigh less than 136 kg (300 pounds). Those weighing over 113 kg (250 pounds) must purchase a second seat on the tour day.
- Passenger Minimum: If the minimum number of passengers is not met, the tour will be canceled and subject to rescheduling or refund.
- Infants: Infants are allowed on board but must sit on their caregivers’ laps.
- Audio Commentary: The audio commentary may default to English if different languages are requested on the same flight.
- Animals: Only service animals are permitted on board.
- Check-In: Check-in is required 45 minutes before the scheduled flight time.
- Security: Passengers and their bags must go through mandatory security checks before their flight.
- Seating Arrangements: Seating may be assigned by the tour organizers to balance the flight better.
Cancellation Policy
While helicopters and pilots are available throughout the day, the tour depends on favorable weather conditions.
If your Statue of Liberty helicopter tour is canceled due to bad weather, you’ll have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
