Los Angeles, home to Hollywood, is best explored from above on a thrilling helicopter tour.
You can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of LA and create unforgettable memories as experienced pilots guide you through the skies. Starting at just $199, tours suit any budget, including exclusive landing tours.
This guide covers everything you need to know to discover the magic of the City of Angels from a whole new angle!
Top tickets
# Private Helicopter Tour Over Long Beach
# Beaches and Downtown Helicopter Ride
# Ride Over the City with Malibu LandingWe highly recommend booking your Los Angeles Helicopter tour tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
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Cost of Los Angeles helicopter tours
The cheapest helicopter flight costs approximately $199 per person and is the most popular tour in the city. On the higher end, an air tour with a Malibu landing can cost up to $925 per person.
Prices of helicopter flights in LA depend on three factors.
- Amount of time you spend in the air
- Time of flight – night flights tend to be more expensive
- Inclusions – a cruise around Mount Fuji is costlier than a quick ride
Celebrity-Themed Helicopter Tour
Ready to explore Hollywood from the sky? Fly over iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills mansions, and more. Don’t miss this thrilling, star-studded adventure—book now for $274 per person!
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Which helicopter tour is best for you?
Take in Los Angeles from a whole new perspective with these incredible helicopter tours.
Whether you’re after a quick, budget-friendly flight, a scenic coastal ride, or a premium experience with a Malibu landing, each tour offers spectacular aerial views of LA’s most iconic sites.
Here are three standout helicopter tours for your LA trip.
Private Helicopter Tour Over Long Beach
Ideal for first-timers, this 15-minute private helicopter tour provides panoramic views of downtown Long Beach, the Queen Mary, and Battleship Iowa.
At $199 per person, with live commentary and flexible flight times, it’s an affordable and popular option for those looking to experience a brief but thrilling aerial journey.
Buy This TicketPrivate Luxurious Winery Tour
Craving a day of luxury? Treat yourself to a private wine-tasting experience at Fess Parker Winery, complete with premium wines, cheese, and charcuterie. Book your exclusive winery tour for $874 per person and enjoy pure indulgence!
Recommended
Beaches and Downtown Helicopter Ride
For $360 per person, this 45-minute tour is perfect for those wanting to explore more of LA’s coastline.
Soar over Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan beaches, and enjoy stunning sights of Marina del Rey and Santa Monica Pier.
Live commentary enhances this fantastic value-for-money coastal adventure.
Buy This TicketLooking for tours that are wheelchair-friendly?
Most helicopter rides over Los Angeles are not wheelchair accessible. However, the helicopter tour of Rancho Palos Verdes and Long Beach, as well as the Beaches and Downtown tour, are exceptions. These tours are fully accessible to guests with disabilities, with the aircraft, transportation, and surfaces designed to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring a convenient and comfortable experience for all guests.
Ride Over the City with Malibu Landing
For a premium experience, this $925 per person tour offers 45 minutes of stunning aerial views, including a stop in Malibu.
Fly over landmarks like the Hollywood sign, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach, then sip sparkling wine while enjoying Malibu’s scenic beauty.
This is a perfect option for special occasions or romantic getaways.
Buy This TicketHelicopter tour timings
Most heli flights are operational on all days of the week.
Only the Private heli flight of Rancho Palos Verdes and Long Beach does not run on Wednesdays.
Depending on the tour you have selected, the first batch of LA helicopter rides can take off as early as 9 am. The tours continue in slots up to 7 pm.
It’s best to reach the meeting point 45 minutes before the aircraft’s departure.
Things to know before booking your tour
Check for specific exclusions and exclusions so that you are not in for last-minute surprises!
Ticket inclusions
In addition to a ride in a state-of-the-art helicopter with a climate-controlled cabin, you also receive free in-flight narration.
If multiple languages are requested, the audio commentary defaults to English.
All local taxes and service fees are included in the tour cost. Depending on the tour you choose, there may be additional perks.
For instance, if you book the helicopter tour with a Malibu landing, it includes a hilltop landing and sparkling champagne.
Ticket exclusions
- Gratuities (which are optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses
- Souvenir photos
Restrictions strictly followed
For safe and enjoyable helicopter tours in Los Angeles, weight and height limits apply, so it’s best to confirm these with the tour operator beforehand.
Each tour requires a minimum and maximum number of passengers, and cancellations may occur if these limits aren’t met.
If champagne is offered, guests must be 21 or older to drink. Infants must sit on a caregiver’s lap, and an adult must accompany children.
All passengers and bags are inspected before the flight, and free lockers are available for storage.
A valid photo ID is needed, and sometimes the credit card used for booking is checked.
Only service animals are allowed on board. For sunset tours, discuss your timing preferences with the operator.
Flights may be restricted without notice during VIP visits or events, and pregnant women or those with serious health conditions should check accessibility beforehand.
Flight times depend on weather and weight, and seating is assigned for safety.
Cancellation policy
Most LA helicopter tours, except those operated by “Group 3 Helicopters,” have a tourist-friendly cancellation policy.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, a 100% cancellation fee applies, and no changes are allowed within this period.
Helicopter tours depend on good weather. If your tour is canceled due to poor weather or not meeting the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Heliports & helicopters
Depending on your chosen tour and provider, LA helicopter tours take off from one of the following three heliports:
1. Anthelion Helicopters
Address: 3213 Airflite Way, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA. Get Directions
Upon arrival, proceed to the last hangar in the row, enter, and wait in the lobby. The staff will assist you shortly.
2. Group 3 Helicopters
Address: 16425 Hart St, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA. Get Directions
Meet the staff at the front desk on the 2nd floor.
3. Worldwide Tourism Inc.
Address: 10750 Sherman Way, Burbank, CA 91505, USA. Get Directions
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to secure your preferred time slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book the LA heli tour in advance? If so, how far in advance?
Booking in advance is usually recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Some tours might require booking a few weeks in advance.
What time of day is best for an LA heli tour?
Mornings are better for the soft lighting, while afternoons offer bright, clear views. Some choose the evening for sunset views or nocturnal skyline views.
Can I request a specific route or landmark to fly over on a chopper ride?
Most LA helicopter tours follow fixed routes but offer a variety of tour options, each with a different path. If you have a preferred route, check if it is already available. If not, book the tour that most closely matches your desired route and speak with the operator on the day of the ride for possible customization.
What languages do the pilots or guides speak on a helicopter tour of the City of Angels?
English is standard in all helicopter tours in LA, and some companies might have guides who speak other languages. It’s best to check in advance.
Is there a dress code or specific attire required on an LA helicopter ride?
While there’s usually no specific dress code for a helicopter tour over Los Angeles. It is best to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Loose items like hats and scarves might need to be removed for safety reasons. Footwear should be comfortable and secure as you will be climbing in and out of the helicopter.
How early should I arrive before my scheduled flight time?
It’s recommended that passengers arrive at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes before their scheduled LA heli tours. This allows for check-in, safety briefings, and any last-minute instructions
How long is a typical LA helicopter tour?
Most helicopter tours last between 15 and 30 minutes. However, some may offer extended tours lasting up to a whole day.
How much do you tip for a helicopter tour?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. The amount can vary based on the quality of service and your overall satisfaction. A tip of 10-20% of the total tour cost is generally considered appropriate. If the pilot or staff provided exceptional service and made your experience especially memorable, you might consider tipping more generously.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of people on Los Angeles helicopter rides?
The number of participants in a helicopter tour in LA will depend on the size of the helicopter, but many tours can accommodate between four to six passengers.
Before takeoff, the pilot and ground staff will ensure that passengers’ weight is evenly distributed in the helicopter. To achieve this balance, you may be seated in the middle. While this may slightly affect your view, it is essential for the safety of everyone on board.
Are the LA helicopter tours safe? What safety measures are in place?
Reputed helicopter companies adhere to strict safety regulations, including regular maintenance checks, safety briefings before each flight, and ensuring pilots are well-trained and licensed.
Are the pilots licensed and experienced?
All pilots operating commercial helicopter tours in Los Angeles should be properly licensed and trained. Most companies provide information about their pilots’ experience.
Can I take photos or videos during a helicopter tour over LA?
Yes, taking photos or videos is allowed and encouraged. However, selfie sticks and large camera equipment may not be permitted for safety reasons
Are headphones provided for communication or noise reduction?
Helicopter tour companies in Los Angeles provide headphones to all passengers. These often serve the dual purpose of reducing noise from the helicopter’s rotor blades and allowing passengers to hear information from the pilot during the tour.
How fast does a helicopter go during the tour?
The speed of a tour helicopter can vary depending on several factors, including the type of helicopter, weather conditions, weight, and altitude. On average, a tour helicopter typically travels at speeds ranging from 100 to 160 miles per hour (160 to 260 kilometers per hour). During certain scenic tours, helicopters may also slow down or hover to allow passengers to take in the sights.
Are helicopter tours bumpy?
Helicopter bumpiness depends on several factors, such as weather conditions, the helicopter type, and the terrain being flown over. In general, helicopter flights can be smoother than smaller fixed-wing aircraft because they have the ability to hover and maneuver more precisely. However, turbulence or windy conditions can cause some bumpiness during the flight
Popular helicopter tour companies
Anthelion Helicopters
Since 2014, Anthelion Helicopters has offered thrilling and safe helicopter tours over Long Beach, combining top-notch service with cutting-edge aircraft. Perfect for an adventurous yet secure experience.
Group 3 Helicopters
With over 30 years of experience, Group 3 Helicopters delivers exceptional helicopter tours from Van Nuys Airport, offering breathtaking views of Los Angeles landmarks. Their FAA certifications highlight their expertise and professionalism.
Worldwide Tourism Inc
Founded in 2020, Worldwide Tourism Inc offers personalized sightseeing tours across top global destinations, including the USA, UK, and beyond, providing unique travel experiences worldwide.
I want to surprise my boyfriend by booking a helicopter tour over LA for his birthday. Will I have to share the helicopter with someone else?
Helicopter tours offer options for private or shared flights. If you prefer a private experience just for you and your boyfriend, you can book a private helicopter tour where the aircraft will be exclusively yours. It’s a great way to enjoy the views of LA without sharing the experience with others. When booking, make sure to check if it’s a private tour to get the intimate experience you’re looking for!