It’s no secret that a Las Vegas Helicopter Tour is the cherry on top to any sin city getaway! Between the lights of the strip and the canyons surrounding you, an aerial view is a must.
Before you book the first tour you see on Viator, check out this complete list of the best Las Vegas Helicopter Tours, no matter the occasion (or budget).
When my fiancé and I went to Vegas recently, we went all out and booked a helicopter experience for our last night in town. Let me tell you – it was one of the best nights we ever had! If you want to feel like a VIP and get the best view of Las Vegas, you must book one of these excursions.
I’ve got a list of the Top 8 Las Vegas Helicopter Tours by occasion and destination. All recommended tours are accessible or include pick-ups from most hotels on the strip.
Top 8 Las Vegas Helicopter Tours
1. Best Night Flight for Couples
The first Helicopter Tour experience on my list is the Romantic Las Vegas VIP Helicopter Night Flight with Eiffel Tower Dinner offered by 5 Star Helicopter Tours. This is on the top of my list because it is the one we decided on during our last trip to Vegas and it was amazing!!
Included in this helicopter tour is VIP pick up from any hotel on the strip, a 3 course dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, a 15 minute helicopter night flight, and a souvenir photo!
The cost of this experience is $349.99 per person. Yes, that’s a good chunk of change for only 15 minutes in the air, but the views are immaculate and the dinner was to die for.
Think about this; if you decide to not gamble in Las Vegas for just one night, you may have the extra cash for this experience!
We booked this excursion through Viator. On Viator, you can reserve your flight time and then all your transportation and dinner reservations are booked beforehand by the company! You don’t have to do a thing 🙂
Dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant
A giant Mercedes Benz bus was our mode of transportation from our hotel, The Cosmopolitan, to the Paris hotel where we would enjoy dinner!
We checked in at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant and were told our table would be ready within 30 minutes. We didn’t mind waiting – Jonnie put in $20 at a slot machine and walked away with $300. That took care of the brunt of his ticket!
Once it was time for dinner, we were taken up the elevator and ushered to our seat. I was given a red rose and we truly felt like movie stars. We were seated in a lovely booth with an incredible view of the Bellagio fountains. At this point, I told Jonnie “This was so worth it!”.
We were greeted by our very attentive server and ordered some drinks from an expansive wine collection.
Note: Drinks are not included in the price of the experience, so we did have to pay for the two glasses of French wine we both consumed. (Also worth it!)
We were given a choice of 2 different salads, and 2 different entrees. Jonnie ordered the salmon and I ordered the Filet Mignon. When I say it was the best filet of the whole trip, I am NOT lying. It was absolutely delicious.
There are lots of amazing celebrity chef restaurants in Vegas, and the Eiffel Tower certainly holds a candle to those!
We both received their famous Creme Brûlée as dessert and OMG it was my favorite dessert of the whole trip. And the best part, you get dinner and a show: the Bellagio Fountains!
We were given plenty of time to enjoy the dinner and were instructed to be back at the pick-up location outside the Paris Hotel about an hour and half later. We took about a 10 minute ride to 5 Star Helicopter Tour’s location and began the (easy) process of getting ready for our flight.
Night Flight Over Las Vegas Strip
The staff at 5 Star Helicopters was fantastic! We were swiftly weighed, given a safety briefing, and were able to use complimentary lockers to hold our belongings during our flight. Before we knew it, we were ushered to the tarmac!
Our flight was with a total of 6 people. Based on weights, you are either placed in one of the 2 seats in the front row, next to the pilot, or in one of the 4 second row seats.
We were seated on the left-hand back row. Luckily, the path that the flight takes orients the strip on the left side so we were able to see everything. Of course, the front row seats are the best. If we were seated on the right rear side, I might have felt a bit cheated of the view.
The flight was a total of 15 minutes, with incredible views the entire time.
Once we safely landed, we returned back to the building and received a souvenir photo of us in front of a green screen of the helicopter. Not quite as good as getting an actual photo with the helicopter but, since it was at night, the lighting probably wouldn’t have been that great anyways.
Overall – this experience was amazing. I’m glad we booked it because we truly felt like VIPs for the night!!
2. Most Popular Grand Canyon Tour – Western Rim
While many love the quick thrill of seeing an aerial view of the strip, it’s no secret that the most popular Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas is one to the Grand Canyon! The most popular and top-rated tour is Papillon Grand Canyon West Tour, starting at $589/per person.
Depending on which side of the Canyon you want to visit, driving from the strip is anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Car and bus tours are super popular day trips while exploring Vegas but that’s exactly what they are – full day trips. If you are looking to squeeze the Grand Canyon into your trip, taking a helicopter ride straight there is the perfect way!
This tour will take you to the Western Rim of the Canyon. The Western Rim is a quieter area of the Grand Canyon with fewer tourists than the Southern Rim. It is also closer to Las Vegas and accessible directly by helicopter.
This tour is a total duration of 3.5 – 4 hours and includes:
- Round trip hotel transportation
- 90 minute round trip helicopter flight to Grand Canyon Western Rim
- Canyon landing (with time to explore)
- Champagne and refreshments at the Canyon floor
- Amazing views each way!
Not only do you get to land inside the canyon, you will get views of the Hoover Dam, Colorado River, and Lake Mead on the way!
This is a must-do for those that want to see and experience the Grand Canyon and are able to hack the almost $600 price tag per person. I always say experiences are worth more than any material item, so go for it on your next Vegas vacay!
3. Best South Rim Grand Canyon Tour (bus and helicopter)
For sightseers that are looking for a full-day experience with both a bus and helicopter tour, this Grand Canyon South Rim Deluxe Bus and Helicopter Tour, starting at $320/per person is for you! This tour is offered by Canyon Tours!
Board a large bus and take in all the views as you travel the 4.5 hours to the Grand Canyon Southern Rim. You’ll enjoy lunch along the way as your knowledgeable driver takes you into Arizona and across the Hoover Dam Bypass.
Once you reach the Southern Rim, you will board a helicopter and enjoy a 30 minute ride, over the deepest and widest part of the Grand Canyon. After your flight, you’ll get time to explore Bright Angel Lodge, a unique and historical post with a gift shop in Grand Canyon Village.
After exploring, you’ll take your motor coach back to your hotel, with a stop for dinner on the way.
This tour is a total duration of about 14 hours and includes:
- Round trip hotel pick up in a luxury motor coach with AC
- Bus travel to Grand Canyon South Rim via Route 66 and the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge
- 30 minute Helicopter Ride
- Time to explore and shop at Bright Angel Lodge
- Lunch and a pitstop for dinner (fast food)
This tour is great for those that want a full day experience to the more lively Southern Rim. Those that book this tour should enjoy guided bus tours, group settings, and fast food 🙂
4. Most Affordable Helicopter Tour of the Strip
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If you are in Vegas and just want to check a helicopter flight off your bucket list (and you’re on a bit of a budget!) this Viator Exclusive Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight with Optional VIP Transportation starting at just $99 per person is a great choice!
You might be thinking that picking a budget helicopter ride isn’t the smartest choice, but it is possible to enjoy a basic helicopter experience with all the necessary precautions and none of the luxury add-ons.
Vegas is all about going full out… adding caviar, upgrading to the suite, adding the bottle of champagne! But sometimes, the add-ons aren’t in the budget. This Viator Helicopter tour gives you everything you need for a mind-blowing night flight over the strip without the extra costs.
At the base price of $99 per person, this tour is a 12-15 minute flight over the Vegas strip at night. Take in the sights of the Luxor, Eiffel Tour, Bellagio Fountains and more – all from a bird’s eye view.
Transportation to the take-off terminal is not included, but upon arrival you receive complimentary water and participate in all safety precautions needed.
Upgrades that can be added for additional cost:
- VIP Transportation from Hotel
- Dinner Before Your Flight
This is a great choice for those looking for a night flight over Vegas within a budget!
5. Best Red Rock Canyon Helicopter Tour
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is an absolutely beautiful State Park, just 25 miles from the strip! If you are looking for a beautiful canyon helicopter experience that is closer to Las Vegas and isn’t a full day, this Red Rock Helicopter & Landing Tour offered by GC Flight is for you.
Starting at $229 per person, this 2.5 hour experience will give you incredible views from (in my opinion) the area’s most underrated Canyon!
Included in the experience:
- A shuttle to the Las Vegas Airport Terminal from your hotel
- 15 minute helicopter ride to Red Rock Canyon
- Landing on a private plateau – take in the gorgeous formations of the Red Rock Canyon with champagne in hand!
- 30 minutes to explore and take photos at the Canyon
- 15 minute return flight where you can see an aerial view of the strip
This is a fantastic tour. You’ll get the views of Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon for a pretty reasonable price!
6. Best Valley of Fire Helicopter Tour
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If you have interest in seeing the Mojave Desert AND you want a longer helicopter flight, this Las Vegas Valley of Fire Landing Helicopter Tour from 5 Star Helicopter Tours is for you!
Starting at $329 per person, this 2.5 hour experience is truly like no other. You’ll take off from 5 Star Helicopter’s Las Vegas Heli-Port (just minutes from the strip) and begin your flight to the Mojave Desert.
The flight is fully narrated by your pilot/tour guide, with a total flight duration of 50 minutes! This is one of the longest helicopter flight tours out there.
You will safely land in a private area in the Valley of Fire State Park where you’ll have 30 minutes to explore. This park is famous for gorgeous red sand stone rock and ancient petroglyphs (carvings and drawings in the stone!).
Once you re-board the helicopter, you’ll take the stunning trip back to the city, with incredible views all the way. This tour is great for those looking for a unique adventure and a longer flight!
You can also upgrade this tour to a twilight departure time. You’ll see the sun begin to set from the Valley of the Fire and the city lit up at night for your return flight – just $69 extra per person.
7. Best Full Day Adventure – Helicopter and Pontoon Tour
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This next tour is for the true adventurers out there! Experience all modes of transportation in this epic Grand Canyon Skywalk Getaway with Heli and Boat Tour offered by Papillon tours.
This experience is next-level and, because of that, the price tag is a bit high. At $789 per person, this totally immersive experience is only available upon request from Papillon tours.
This tour takes you to the amazing Grand Canyon Western Rim. You’ll have VIP access to the famous Skywalk, a pontoon boat ride down the Colorado River, and incredible views from a helicopter!
Included in this 7 hour experience is:
- Hotel transportation to Papillon’s Boulder City Terminal
- Round trip helicopter ride to Grand Canyon (70 mins total) with views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Colorado River
- Landing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon
- Pontoon Boat Cruise down the Colorado River
- Helicopter Flight ascending to the Western Rim
- Shuttle Service to Eagle Point (home of the Skywalk)
- VIP, front of the line access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk
- Souvenir photo at the Skywalk
- Return Helicopter Flight to Terminal
- Shuttle back to Las Vegas Hotel
This tour is for those that are looking for a truly unmatched experience. While I haven’t done this tour, it is for sure on my bucket list. If you’ve got the budget and the time, I’d highly recommend checking out this experience.
8. Best Wedding Helicopter Tour
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If your Vegas trip itinerary includes the word “elope”… skip Elvis and check out this Las Vegas Helicopter Wedding Ceremony offered by 5 Star Helicopter Tours.
But on a serious note, if you and your fiancé are open to a unique wedding experience, this Las Vegas Helicopter tour could be the one for you! You will exchange your vows while flying over the incredible lights and sights of sin city – what is not to love?
While this is customizable through 5 Star Helicopter’s complimentary Wedding Coordinator, the basic package includes:
- Private VIP transportation from your Las Vegas Hotel
- Wedding Flowers and Boutonniere
- VIP Wedding Room at the Terminal prior to your flight
- Complimentary Photographer, Minister, and Wedding Coordinator
- 75 Photos on the Tarmac
- 12 minute night flight over Las Vegas
Pricing wise, this starts at $2700 for the couple and $1350 per each additional guest. (Maximum 6 Guests)
If you are looking for a unique wedding, this experience from 5 Star Helicopter Tours is the best one out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Helicopter Tour worth it?
Yes – a Las Vegas Helicopter Tour is definitely worth the movie! Nothing in this world is free and if going on a helicopter is on your bucket list, then do it! You can take tours anywhere from $99 to $999… just read this post to find out which one is for you 🙂
Is a Helicopter Tour Safe?
Yes, helicopter tours are safe. All companies linked in this post use the utmost safety precautions. Malfunctions/crashes are extremely rare. However, there is always risk when flying in a helicopter as there are when in a car, train, plane, etc.
How long is a Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas?
Night flight loop of the strip: 12-15 minutes
Flight to Grand Canyon (Western Rim): 45 minutes each way (90 min total)
Flight to Grand Canyon (Southern Rim): Helicopter tours are usually not able to fly direct to the South Rim as it is far away, but there are bus and helicopter tour packages available!
Flight to Red Rock Canyon: 15 minutes each way (30 min total)
Flight to Valley of Fire: 25 minutes each way (50 min total)
Where can I find the best deals on Helicopter Tours?
The list provided in this post offer the best deals for each type of tour. Viator is a great place to find every kind of helicopter tour imaginable and will sometimes run promotions.
You can also find some deals on Groupon. However the prices may not be all that much better than just booking directly.
What should I wear for a Helicopter Tour?
If you are attending a night flight over the strip, you can wear pretty much whatever you want! When we went on our flight, it was after dinner. I was wearing a dress and heels and there was no problem with that!
If you are taking a flight to a national park, wear clothes that you would wear hiking so that you can enjoy the outdoors. Also, those tours are longer flights so be sure to wear something comfortable and weather appropriate. The seats and belts are usually smaller than an airplane seat, so keep that in mind if you are wearing layers.
Should I Tip the Helicopter Pilot?
Gratuities are technically optional but yes, you should tip the Helicopter pilot. The standard is $20 per tour.
And there you have a complete guide to the Top 8 Helicopter Tours that depart from Las Vegas. Each one is unique and will create memories that will last a lifetime!
Stay Fancy 🙂
