Best Helicopter Tours in Vegas for Every Budget

Key Highlights:

The Best Value: Strip Night Flights take about 12–15 minutes and cost roughly $95–$129. They are the highest impact for the lowest price.
The “Bucket List” Pick: Grand Canyon Landing Tours fly you over the Hoover Dam and land on the canyon floor for a champagne picnic (Approx. 4 hours total).
The Luxury Choice: Maverick Helicopters uses only “EcoStar” aircraft (larger windows, quieter ride) and operates from a terminal right on the Strip.
Pro Tip: Always book a Sunset or Night Flight for the most dramatic visuals. You can often request a Front Seat upgrade for about $30–$60 at check-in.

There is nothing like the sensation of the ground slipping away as you soar over the neon heart of Sin City. Whether you are hunting for a quick thrill over the Strip or a bucket-list journey to the Grand Canyon, helicopter tours in Las Vegas offer a perspective you simply can’t get from a hotel balcony.

I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the valley from every angle, and I can tell you that seeing the Fountains of Bellagio or the massive glowing eyeball of the Sphere from the cockpit is a genuine “pinch-me” moment. In this guide, I’ll help you navigate the best routes, the top-rated companies, and the honest truth about which flight is actually worth your hard-earned vacation cash.

Top Helicopter Tours in Las Vegas for Every Budget

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Vegas doesn’t do anything small, and its helicopter industry is no exception. Most tours fall into two distinct categories: quick city loops or half-day adventures into the deep desert.

1. The Las Vegas Strip Night Flight

This is the classic “intro” tour. You’ll lift off near the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and loop around the entire Strip, passing the Luxor pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, and the Stratosphere.

Why it’s a hit: It’s fast, affordable, and gives you the best aerial views of the MSG Sphere’s ever-changing exterior.
The Cost: Prices usually range from $95 to $130 per person.

Direct Answer: The Las Vegas Strip Night Flight is the most popular helicopter tour for first-time visitors. Lasting about 15 minutes, this aerial tour showcases the neon skyline, the Bellagio Fountains, and the High Roller wheel from a panoramic perspective.

2. Grand Canyon West Rim Landing Tour

If you have a free morning, this is the ultimate adventure. You’ll fly over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before descending 3,500 feet to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for a champagne toast.

Why it’s worth it: Flying inside the canyon walls is a transformational experience that a bus tour simply cannot replicate.
The Cost: Expect to pay $550 to $730 per person once fuel surcharges and landing fees are factored in.

Comparing the Best Helicopter Companies in Vegas

There are several operators, but two names consistently lead the pack for safety and service.

Feature	Maverick Helicopters	Papillon Helicopters
Location	Directly on the Strip (near Mandalay Bay)	Just off-Strip (Tropicana Ave) or Boulder City
Aircraft	All EcoStar 130s (Luxury)	Mix of AStars and EcoStar 130s
Price Point	Premium ($$$)	Budget-Friendly ($$)
The Vibe	VIP, often includes luxury shuttle transfers	Largest operator, great for volume and availability

Friend-to-Friend Tip: If you have “sticker shock,” look at Papillon. They fly more people than anyone else and usually offer the lowest rates. If you want a more romantic, high-end experience (like for an anniversary or proposal), Maverick is the gold standard for service.

Night vs. Day: Which Vegas Flight is Better?

This is the big debate, and each time of day offers a completely different “wow” factor.

Daylight Tours: These are the undisputed winners for Grand Canyon trips. You want sunlight to see the vibrant reds, oranges, and the green Kaibab Forest. In the city, daylight allows you to see the intricate detail of the architecture and the surrounding Mojave mountains.
Sunset/Night Tours: These are the winners for the Strip. Seeing the neon lights pulse and the beam of the Luxor shooting into space is purely cinematic.
The “Magic Hour”: A sunset departure for the Grand Canyon that returns to the Strip at twilight is the “holy grail” of helicopter tours. You get the best of both worlds, though you’ll typically pay a $30–$50 premium for this slot.

Summary & Final Pro Tip

If you want the best possible view, request the front seat. While pilots assign seating based on weight for balance, you can often “guarantee” a front seat for an extra $50–$60 (availability permitting). It puts you right next to the pilot with glass literally under your feet—it’s easily the best seat in the house.

❓ FAQ: Helicopter Tours Vegas

Are helicopter tours safe?

Absolutely. Las Vegas operators have some of the highest safety standards globally. Major companies are FAA-certified and use state-of-the-art aircraft designed specifically for sightseeing.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Due to aircraft balance, passengers are weighed at check-in. Most companies have a per-seat limit (often 275–300 lbs). If you exceed this, you may need to purchase an additional seat for safety.

What should I wear?

What should I wear?
Dress for the destination. If you’re landing in the Grand Canyon, it can be 10 degrees warmer than the Strip. Wear dark-colored clothing to minimize window reflections in your photos, and don’t forget sunglasses!

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