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, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
# Manhattan Sky Tour by Zip Aviation
# Manhattan Helicopter Tour by Charm Aviation
# New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
What’s ahead
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Statue of Liberty helicopter tour price
The helicopter tour from New Jersey, the most affordable and popular option for viewing the Statue of Liberty, costs US$224 per person and includes 15 minutes in the air.
As the duration of the tour increases, so does the cost.
The 20-minute Manhattan scenic helicopter tour, which circles around Lady Liberty, is priced at US$279 per person, while the 30-minute tour costs US$289 per person.
Please note that these prices do not include the heliport fee of US$40 per person, which must be paid at the time of check-in at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
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Related: Experience a Romantic Helicopter Tour in New York
Best Statue of Liberty helicopter tours
Numerous helicopter tours provide stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.
We’ve curated a list of the top five tours, all moderately priced and highly rated by travelers.
Among these options, two tours offer approximately 15 minutes of airtime, while one extends your experience to 30 minutes above the city.
Statue of Liberty helicopter tour from New Jersey
Experience the Liberty Tour by New York Helicopters for an unforgettable first aerial view of Lady Liberty.
Your journey begins with breathtaking views of the South Street Seaport, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the Wall Street financial district.
Soar along the Hudson River and take in the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis and Governors Islands, the Empire State Building, and the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.
As the tour concludes, you’ll catch a glimpse of the lush expanse of Central Park, making this a truly mesmerizing New York City experience.
Ride Duration: Enjoy approximately 15 minutes in the air, providing ample time to take in the stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.
Timings: Tours operate daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Departure and Return: All tours depart from and return to the same location: 78 John Miller Way, Kearny, NJ 07032, USA. Get directions
Cost of tour: US$224 per person
15-minute Manhattan Sky Tour
Take off on an unforgettable helicopter ride to the Statue of Liberty with Zip Aviation and experience New York City from a bird’s-eye view.
Soar above Wall Street, the financial district, and the iconic Statue of Liberty. This exhilarating sightseeing flight also offers stunning views of Ellis Island and the Empire State Building, giving you a comprehensive tour of one of the world’s most renowned cities.
Capture breathtaking photos of Manhattan’s famous skyline. The Manhattan Sky Tour offers flexible departure times to fit your schedule, ensuring you don’t miss this incredible experience.
Ride Duration: Embark on a thrilling 12-15 minute helicopter tour of the Statue of Liberty.
Passenger Capacity: Helicopter seating accommodates either 4 or 6 passengers, depending on availability at the time of your tour.
Timings: Enjoy the flexibility of scheduling your tour anytime between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm.
Departure and Return: Your journey begins and ends at the same convenient location:
Zip Aviation
6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA
(2 buildings north of the Staten Island Ferry and the East River)
Get directions
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (2+ years): US$249 per person
Infant ticket (up to 1 year ): Free
Recommended
Manhattan Helicopter Tour
Experience New York City like never before with Charm Aviation‘s Manhattan Helicopter Tour.
Take a thrilling aerial journey over iconic landmarks including Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center, all while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Throughout the tour, listen to your pilot’s fascinating commentary on the city’s rich heritage and history, adding an educational touch to your adventure.
The premier helicopter company of New York offers this unforgettable tour at various departure times to fit your schedule. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see New York from the skies!
Ride Duration: Enjoy an exhilarating 12-15 minute helicopter tour of the Statue of Liberty departing from New York.
Passenger Capacity: The Bell 407 helicopter accommodates six passengers plus the pilot.
Timings: Choose your preferred time slot for this aerial adventure between 9:30 am and 5 pm.
Departure and Return: Your tour departs from and returns to the same convenient location:
Downtown Heliport
6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. Get directions
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (2+ years): US$249 per person
Infant ticket (up to 1 year): Free
Is it worth the money?
A Statue of Liberty helicopter tour is worth it for the unparalleled aerial views and unique perspective of New York City’s iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty. This thrilling 25 to 30-minute ride not only offers a comprehensive overview of the city but also provides an unforgettable adrenaline rush, making it a memorable addition to your itinerary.
New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
Discover the magic of New York City from above with Zip Aviation‘s exclusive helicopter tour.
Soar over Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks, including Governor’s Island, Liberty Island, and the Empire State Building, and marvel at the breathtaking aerial views of the Big Apple.
From the sky, New York’s famous landmarks, rivers, and islands look even more magnificent, offering a perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
Throughout your journey, enjoy fascinating commentary from your pilot about the city’s rich heritage and history.
Ride Duration: Enjoy an extended 20-minute helicopter tour of the Statue of Liberty.
Passenger Capacity: The Bell 407 helicopter accommodates six passengers plus your professional pilot.
Timings: Book your tour at any time between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm.
Departure and Return: Your tour departs from and returns to the same convenient location:
6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. Get directions
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 heli tour from NYC to the Statue of Liberty
Experience the magic of New York City from above with HeliNY‘s exclusive twilight helicopter tour around the Statue of Liberty.
As you take off and soar over the city, enjoy stunning aerial views of its most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square, all beautifully illuminated against the night sky.
Fly over the George Washington Bridge and witness the city’s breathtaking lights from a unique vantage point. With live onboard commentary, ceiling-to-floor windows, and a comfortable, air-conditioned cabin, this nighttime tour promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Choose a departure time that best fits your schedule and prepare for an enchanting aerial adventure.
Ride Duration: Enjoy a thrilling 25 to 30-minute helicopter tour, providing ample time to see the Statue of Liberty from the air.
Timings: The night tour offers various slots between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm.
Departure and Return: Your tour departs from and returns to the same convenient location:
Linden Airport
1101 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036, USA. Get directions
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (2+ years): US$329 per person
Related: Enjoy a Night Helicopter Tour in NYC
Best time for a helicopter tour
There’s no perfect time to see the Statue of Liberty, but the views are especially stunning just before sunset.
That’s why sunset flights tend to book up quickly.
If you can’t get your preferred sunset slot, consider an early morning or late afternoon helicopter tour—both are also excellent times to see the Statue of Liberty from above.
What to expect on a Liberty helicopter tour
Both tourists and New Yorkers love taking an aerial tour over the city.
While one can always take a tour by boat or ferry to Liberty Island, there is nothing as exciting as swooping down on the statue and taking fascinating aerial views.
There are three advantages of booking a Liberty helicopter tour –
Make the most of your New York holiday
With so much to see, an aerial trip of New York helps you squeeze everything into a 20-minute slot and get an overview. Once you have had a top view of all landmarks in the city, you can build your itinerary for the rest of the vacation.
When you take off on a chopper over New York, besides the Statue of Liberty, you also see – One World Trade Center, Governors Island and Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, The Verrazano Bridge, Coney Island, Empire State Building, etc.
Gain a different perspective
The New York Statue of Liberty helicopter tour helps you get a different perspective. You can see more in the 20-odd minutes from the air than you will ever see on a ferry tour.
Get a dose of adrenaline rush
Irrespective of what you are exploring, helicopter rides offer an unparalleled adrenaline rush, which is bound to make your holiday memorable.
From where do helicopters take off?
Zip Aviation, the most popular helicopter tour company in New York City, operates all flights from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport on Pier 6, located at 20 South St, New York, NY 10004.
For departures from New Jersey, choose the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour from 78 John Miller Way, Kearny, NJ 07032. The night tour of Lady Liberty and the New York skyline departs from 1101 W Edgar Rd, Linden, NJ 07036.
We recommend arriving at the heliport at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour. After your sightseeing trip, you will return to the same location where your helicopter took off.
What time do helicopters take off
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.
Please note that takeoff times are approximate and subject to weather conditions.
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.
Number of passengers
Most air tours over New York are conducted in six-seater helicopters such as the Bell LongRanger IV and Bell 407.
Each helicopter can accommodate up to seven people, including the pilot.
Passengers are provided with state-of-the-art noise-canceling headsets to communicate with each other and the pilot or to listen to the narration.
Cancellation Policy
While helicopters and pilots are available throughout the day, the tour depends on favorable weather conditions.
If your New York Statue of Liberty helicopter tour is canceled due to bad weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
To receive a full refund, you can cancel your tour at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
