Choppers are the ideal aircraft to see a bird’s-eye view of any city you’re visiting. A helicopter ride over Philadelphia is a great way to take in as much of the city as possible in a short time.
Typically, many people take helicopter tours over New York, but Philly, or the ‘City of Brotherly Love’, as it’s endearingly nicknamed, is full of historical landmarks. Of course, you’d want to get the most out of your sightseeing experience as possible, but finding the best helicopter tours can be time-consuming and tiring.
We’ve made it easy for you and gathered the best sights to see and helicopter tours in Philadelphia.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of the City of Brotherly Love
- Customizable helicopter rides available with champagne and music for more romantic settings
- Fresh perspective of iconic landmarks, the Delaware River, and downtown Philadelphia
Know before you book:
- All flight paths are subject to change due to FAA regulations
- There may be a $25 per rider additional evening flight surcharge
- There is a maximum weight restriction that is divided by the number of flyers
- Weather conditions may require the cancellation of flights on the day of your scheduled tour
Helicopter Ride in Philadelphia Prices
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So, how much is a helicopter ride in Philadelphia? A Philadelphia skyline tour is relatively short, and thus, the pricing can be steep for some. For a 15-minute flight, you can expect to pay between $75 and $197.
Compare tickets below to book your Philadelphia helicopter tour.
Best Time to Take a Philadelphia Helicopter Tour
The best time to take a helicopter tour in Philadelphia is around sunrise and sunset for breathtaking views. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) also offer the best weather for flights. By then, the sky is clear and mild.
Although you can see the beautiful Philadelphia skyline any time of the year, imagine how the famous landmarks would look sprinkled with snow. That’s sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
What You’ll See In a Philly Helicopter Tour
Downtown Philadelphia and the Delaware River have many historical landmarks to admire from the sky. A Philly helicopter ride will show you a few of those landmarks.
Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing has a great pier along the Delaware River waterfront. It is a popular venue for summer concerts and winter ice skating. At night, the waterfront is lit up with a sea of lights from restaurants nearby and cheerful decorations.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
This museum features a lush sculpture garden and historical buildings visible from above. The museum was also the location of the steps shown in the film Rocky III. A statue of Rocky Balboa himself guards the iconic steps.
Fairmount Park
With more than 9,000 acres of land, Fairmount Park offers a great nature break from the bustle of the city. Public art is scattered across the park and fills it. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in the park has a yearly cherry blossom festival in April.
Downtown Philly
Philadelphia’s downtown offers you ample iconic landmarks, such as the Delaware River, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, from a new angle. Even local tourists don’t often get to see from up here. It is highly recommended for locals and tourists alike.
What’s The Best Helicopter Ride in Philly with Breathtaking Views?
There are a few Philadelphia helicopter rides to choose from, each with its own fun qualities. A lovely sunset tour would be a great way to end a day of sightseeing. A morning tour is a good way to map out your must-see landmarks and buildings in Philly when you’re back on the ground.
You may prefer a longer trip to see sights outside Philadelphia as well. Or you prefer a flight lesson for a more hands-on tour. Whichever Philadelphia helicopter tours you choose, we can assure you that the City of Brotherly Love will welcome you with open arms.
Helicopter Tours in Philadelphia
Most helicopter rides in Philadelphia are 15 to 45 minutes long, enough time to see a few notable landmarks. And if you’re looking to soar a little further away from the city, we have some tours for you as well, more on that later.
Philadelphia: Helicopter Ride – Delaware River & Skyline
See the city from a bird’s-eye view with this private helicopter tour of Philly. You can choose a 5-, 20-, or 30-mile tour to see various iconic city landmarks.
These tours start at the MyFlight Tours Philadelphia Center and pass architectural and natural monuments. You’ll see landmarks like the North Philadelphia and Belmont Plateau before soaring above Downtown and the Rocky Steps.
On the return, enjoy views of the Delaware River and the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border from the sky.
What we liked: Great if you don’t want to spend the whole day in the sky.
- Thrilling helicopter ride
- Aerial views of the Delaware River, bridges, and parks
- Professional pilot
- $25 per rider evening surcharge
- Transportation to or from the departure point
- Personal expenses
Extend your flight and make unforgettable memories as you soar across the iconic skyline of Philly. Look down at the Schuylkill River, the Belmont Plateau, the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, and Palmyra Cove Park.
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More Fun Helicopter Rides Near Philadelphia
If you enjoy being in the sky and want a longer or more exciting experience, we’ve compiled a few interesting helicopter tours from Philadelphia.
New York Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline Tour
Take a day trip from Philly to New York in less than two hours to experience New York City’s iconic skyline from above on this thrilling nighttime helicopter tour. Soar over illuminated landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and the bustling George Washington Bridge, all in a shared flight with fellow travelers.
Tours are available Monday to Sunday and fly over many of the city’s landmarks. Choose a departure time that fits your schedule for an unforgettable aerial adventure.
What we liked: Great if you want a new glimpse of New York without spending the whole day on a tour.
- Shared helicopter flight with live pilot narration
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Climate-controlled cabin
- Souvenir photos
Baltimore Helicopter Tour Over Downtown Landmarks
Baltimore is less than a two-hour drive, making it the perfect day trip for a helicopter ride. Soar high above the city in this 5-mile flight, seeing M&T Bank Stadium, Oriole Park, and Transamerica Tower (Baltimore’s tallest building) from above.
You can upgrade your flight to 12 or 20 miles for an extended tour. These longer tours allow you to see landmarks such as the historic Fort McHenry and downtown skyscrapers. Live narration makes the dramatic skyline even better.
What we liked: Seeing the entire NYC skyline from a unique bird’s-eye perspective and capturing iconic landmarks in minutes.
- Aerial views of city landmarks
- Professional pilot
- All safety equipment
- Live pilot narration
- Photos
- Transportation
- Gratuities
FAQs About Philadelphia Skyline Tours
Still have a few questions about helicopter rides in Philadelphia? Here are the most-searched items on the internet.
How much does a helicopter ride cost in Philadelphia?
Helicopter rides in Philadelphia range from $75 to $600 per person. Short 15-minute spins start around $80. 30–45-minute tours cost $250 – $325. Private couples flights? Think $500 to $650. Prices vary by operator and duration.
How Much Does It Cost To Have a Ride in a Helicopter?
A helicopter ride typically costs $75 to $400. Quick city flights are cheaper. Full scenic loops push higher. Shared trips cost less than private helicopter flights.
Are Private Helicopter Tours Worth the Money?
Yes. It is well worth it for surprises, special occasions, birthdays, or a fun treat for yourself while visiting. You’ll get calm views, no crowds, and possibly custom paths (depending on your tour type). It is ideal for romantic or bucket-list trips.
Specification: Compare the Best Helicopter Ride Philadelphia Prices for 2026
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GetYourGuide traveler –
Short waiting time for the flight. The staff was courteous, nice and friendly. The helicopter has six seats, three in the direction of flight, two against the direction of flight and one next to the pilot (which the lightest gets; you will be weighed on site). Impressive view. Despite the short flight time, it was excellent value for money.
Dave_C –
My son got to fly shotgun The head phones were clear and communication from staff was dirrect and easy to follow.. my only regret is that the flight is too short.
GetYourGuide traveler –
Totally worth it. Best experience ever and best way to see the city. Sunset time is perfect to see the changing lights of skyscrapers and buildings. The Duration is enough, you get the chance to see everything. Likely we were only 4 and we were at the sides, but I wonder if the seats in the middle are as good as the ones near the windows. Only flaw of the helicopter were the windshields that could have been cleaner..
Michael –
The experience itself is superb: flying over Manhattan is a privilege that is a sort of high point of a stay in New York. Everything went well: no waiting time, from reception to take-off everything went smoothly. The pilot was quite nice, but unfortunately operating a little too much on automatic tourist guide mode without humor or real interest in his passengers… In short, we had the impression. From someone a little jaded which is a shame for the price of the service and while all the other interlocutors met before had great fishing!