Night helicopter tour over New York – prices, timings

Discover the beauty of New York City by night with a helicopter tour that showcases the city's iconic skyline illuminated in all its glory. From famous landmarks to glittering skyscrapers, this guide provides all the information you need for an unforgettable night flight over NYC’s dazzling lights.

Must Reads

Best NYC helicopter tours
A New York helicopter tour is an unrivaled opportunity to explore the captivating cityscape of the city that never sleeps from a whole new perspective. 


Niagara Falls helicopter tour
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls from a helicopter, departing from New York.


New Jersey helicopter tours
A New Jersey helicopter tour is an all-new way of basking in the natural splendor of the city. You see beaches, hills, farmlands and rivers. 


Romantic helicopter tours
A helicopter tour over the iconic Manhattan skyline is the ultimate way to take your love to new heights.


Fly over Central Park
Helicopter tours over Central Park provide an extraordinary opportunity to explore this iconic urban oasis from a thrilling aerial perspective.


Liberty helicopter tour
Discover the ultimate way to view the Statue of Liberty—by helicopter. 


Private helicopter tours
These premium helicopter tours in NYC have become increasingly popular, providing an exclusive and personalized aerial adventure.


Best tour companies
Whether you’re looking for a quick flight over Manhattan or a longer, more luxurious experience, there are plenty of trusted tour operators to choose from.


Night Helicopter Tour in NYC

A New York night helicopter tour is an adventure that combines the thrill of flight with the enchantment of the city’s nocturnal beauty.

The city is a dazzling sight during the day.

There is always something to see throughout the five boroughs, from the early sunrises over the East River to those sunsets over the Hudson River.

But evenings are when New York creates a symphony of lights dancing across the skyline.

There are countless ways to enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful New York City after the lights come on, but a helicopter tour is the best way.

This article shares everything you must know before booking a helicopter tour over New York at night.

Top tickets

# City Lights Skyline Experience
# Private after-dark NYC helicopter tour for couples
# Romantic helicopter proposal flight at night

It’s highly recommended to book your night Helicopter tours 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

Cancellation Policy

Cost of night time helicopter tour

The New York City Lights nighttime helicopter tour, which gets you airtime of 25 to 30 minutes, costs US$274 per head for all participants aged two years and above.

Infants younger than two can join in for free as long as they sit on an adult’s lap.

A 30-minute private helicopter tour, perfect for romantic couples who prefer privacy, is priced at US$800 per group (up to 2).

Related: Experience a Romantic Helicopter Tour in New York

Best night helicopter tours in New York

Below, we have curated a list of some of the best night helicopter tours in the city, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.

City Lights Skyline Experience

View the star-lit sky of New York City at night, and marvel at its architectural and historical treasures, from the vibrant Times Square and Rockefeller Center to the majestic Statue of Liberty and George Washington Bridge.

Get live informative narration, providing you with facts and historical anecdotes about the landmarks you pass, giving you a deeper understanding of the city’s rich heritage and cultural significance.

On the tour booking page, you can select the departure time that works best for your schedule for this Night helicopter tour in NYC.

Duration of the flight: 25 to 30 minutes
Cost: US$329 per person for travelers over 2 years of age

Book This Tour

Discover the best Instagram-worthy captions to perfectly capture your thrilling helicopter ride over New York’s stunning skyline and landscapes.

Related: Fly Over Central Park with Helicopter Tours

Private after-dark NYC helicopter tour for couples

Image: Bookafly.com

This private helicopter tour in NYC at night is perfect for couples who want to elevate the romance of your NYC vacation.

Gaze at the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, Central Park, Yankee Stadium, the iconic Manhattan skyline, and the East River bridges in all their glory from the air as you take off.

Admire the breathtaking sights over NYC after dark.

Duration of the flight: Select from 30 or 45 minutes tour

Here’s a table outlining the cost of the R44 Helicopter Tours:

Tour DurationWithout Transfers (Per Group, Up to 2)With Transfers (Per Group, Up to 2)
30-Minute TourUS$950US$1,435
45-Minute TourUS$1,350US$1,835
Book This Tour

Recommended


Romantic helicopter proposal flight at night

Romantic helicopter proposal flight at night
Image: Heli-co.com

Impress your partner with a private helicopter tour of New York City, an ideal setting for an aerial marriage proposal in the evening.

Together, you and your expert engagement photographer will plan every aspect of the 30 to 45-minute flight.
Step out in style as a private car will pick you up from your Manhattan hotel or home.

Until you reach the airfield outside of Manhattan, your location will be kept a secret from your uninformed partner.
You can propose before takeoff, during the flight, or after landing – the decision is yours.

Make them feel as special as they deserve by treating them to a champagne toast, a bouquet of roses, and a small box of premium chocolates handed out after the flight.

Finally, go all the way and make it magical with the illuminated “Marry Me” sign revealed at the end of the flight.

Duration of the flight: Select from 30 or 45 minutes tour

Cost of the 30-Minute Proposal Flight Package: US$3,520 per group (of up to 2)

Cost of the 45-Minute Proposal Flight Package: US$4,150 per group (of up to 2)

Book This Tour

Related: Book Private Helicopter Tours in New York

Helicopter tour timings

New York City Lights Skyline Experience, the most popular nighttime helicopter tour over New York City, starts taking off at 7:30 pm.

There is a take off every half hour until 9.30 pm, when the last helicopter takes off with tourists.

Related: Explore Manhattan Helicopter Tours

Departure heliports

City Lights Skyline Experience from a helicopter takes off from Linden Airport (LDJ).

Address: 1101 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, USA.

Passengers can drive to Linden Airport or take a train from NY Penn Station via NJ Transit. Roundtrip ticket is $17.

You can take the Trenton (Northeast Corridor) Line or the Long Branch (North Jersey Coast) Line to Linden Train station.

Private after-dark NYC helicopter tour for couples takes off from Atlantic Aviation West.

Address: 67 Tower Road, Harrison, NY 10604, USA.

The meeting point is easily accessible by taking the Metro-North train from Grand Central to White Plains station, then a taxi to the airport with an average travel time between 45 and 60 minutes.

The rates are based on regular cars.

Romantic helicopter proposal flight at night takes off from Westchester County Airport.

Address: 240 Airport Rd, White Plains, NY 10604, USA.

Pickup and drop-off are included in this tour package.

All departure points are near public transportation.

There are multiple takeoffs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.

The tours end back at the meeting point.

Tour ticket exclusions

The City Lights Skyline Experience helicopter tour does not include free hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation to/from NYC costs an additional US$17 per person.

Both the Nighttime Private NYC Helicopter Tour and the Romantic Proposal Helicopter Tour exclude the airport fee and fuel surcharge, which is an extra US$35 per person.

Restrictions strictly followed

For a safe and comfortable nighttime helicopter ride in New York, weight and height limits may apply depending on the tour package.

Passengers exceeding these limits may be unable to fly.

If the minimum number of passengers is not reached, the tour may be canceled, with options for rescheduling or a refund.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and infants are required to sit on a caregiver’s lap.

Seating arrangements are often determined by the tour organizers to ensure a stable flight.

Additionally, a valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory on the day of the tour.

Why go up in a helicopter at night

You should go up in a helicopter at night over New York for several reasons. We list a few below:

See the iconic skyline

New York City is renowned for its skyline, arguably even more breathtaking at night. 

Seeing it from above in a helicopter would be a memorable experience. 

The city lights against the night sky create a beautiful tableau that can’t be experienced from the ground.

Enjoy monumental landmarks

Many of New York’s famous landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, are beautifully lit up at night. 

A helicopter tour provides a unique vantage point to view these structures.

Experience the adrenalin

Simply put, it’s a unique experience. Only a few people can see the perspective from above at night. 

The adrenalin rush when the helicopter takes off, swoops over and around the buildings, and finally, lands is unmatched.

See the city’s nightlife

NYC is often called “The City that Never Sleeps.” 

Seeing the city’s vibrant life from above at night can give you a true sense of this.

It’s also a fantastic occasion for a special event, like a birthday or anniversary.

Take amazing photographs

Nighttime helicopter rides offer unique photo opportunities. 

The city lights, skyline, and landmarks provide amazing backdrops for aerial photography.

What to lookout for during the night helicopter tour

Chrysler Building: It is the most beloved skyscraper in the world that begins to illuminate from within at precisely 8.59 pm every night.

Empire State Building: The Empire State Building and other Midtown icons have a magnificent nighttime appearance as this building shines in all seasons.

TriBeCa: The trendy neighborhood of Tribeca is known for its old industrial structures, many of which have been converted into loft-style homes. These structures are a delight for the eye to watch in the evening.

SoHo: It has Instagram-worthy hotels, including Williamsburg Hotel and The Ludlow. After dark, after the sun has gone down, it is a fascinating sight.

West Village: The best nightlife in the West Village isn’t just found in dance clubs; a lot of the after-hours activity happens in jazz clubs and gay hangouts.

Columbus Circle: The iconic Columbus Circle is visible from the helicopter’s floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Central Park: Masterwork in landscape design is located at the southwest corner of Central Park.

Statue of Liberty: As you fly over the iconic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, you get breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. More about Statue of Liberty helicopter tours.

Some of the other city attractions you will see from the air are – The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Trade Center, Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Yankee Stadium, and George Washington Bridge.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date. 

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.

No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.

Helicopter tours require good weather. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

Categories USA
Photo of author
Researched & Written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

Leave a Comment