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A helicopter is the most memorable way to see Las Vegas. You can float over the lit-up Strip at night in about 15 minutes, or spend half a day flying out to the Grand Canyon and landing on the canyon floor. The hard part is choosing: prices run from about $150 to well over $700, and tour names don’t always make clear what you actually get.
This guide explains the main types of Las Vegas helicopter tours, what they typically cost in 2026, and how to pick the right one.
Las Vegas helicopter tours at a glance
| Tour type | Flight time | Total time | Typical price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip night flight | About 12–20 min | About 1.5 hrs hotel to hotel | About $100–200 |
| Grand Canyon West, air only | About 45 min each way | 3.5–4 hrs | About $300–550 |
| Grand Canyon West with landing | About 45 min each way, plus 20–40 min on the canyon floor | 4–5 hrs | About $500–750 |
| Grand Canyon + Skywalk or boat combos | Varies | 5–6 hrs | About $600–850 |
| Private charter | Your choice | Your choice | Usually $1,800+ per flight |
Prices are typical published rates in 2026 and change by season, time of day and booking site. Always check the live price before you book.
1. Strip night flights: the best value
If you want the “wow” moment without giving up half a day, this is it. Night flights take off from a helipad near the Strip, loop over the casinos, fountains and downtown lights, and land again in roughly 15 minutes. Most packages include hotel pickup, and some add a champagne toast before the flight. It’s the cheapest way to fly and the easiest to fit around shows and dinner.
Best for: couples, first-timers, tight schedules and budgets under $200.
A quick, unforgettable flight over the Strip after dark, usually with hotel transfers included. Book a slot just after sunset for the best light.
2. Grand Canyon West Rim: the bucket-list trip
Helicopter tours from Las Vegas go to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is on Hualapai Tribe land. The South Rim – the national park most people picture – is too far for a standard helicopter day trip from Las Vegas. On the way, most routes pass over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam area, and many return along the Strip.
You have two main choices:
- Air-only: you fly over and into the canyon without landing. It’s cheaper, shorter and less likely to be cancelled for weather.
- Landing tours: the helicopter descends to the canyon floor, where you spend about 20–40 minutes on the ground. Many include a light snack or champagne. This costs roughly $100–200 more than air-only, and most people who can afford it say it’s worth it.
The classic Las Vegas helicopter experience: fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam area, then land deep in the Grand Canyon. Choose a morning departure for the calmest weather.
All the scenery of the canyon flight without the landing. A good option if you are short on time, on a budget, or have mobility limits.
3. Skywalk and sunset combos
Some packages combine the helicopter flight with entry to the Grand Canyon Skywalk – the glass bridge that extends out over the canyon at the West Rim – or with a boat ride on the Colorado River. Others are timed for sunset, so you fly back over the Strip as the lights come on. These cost more, but they turn the day into the whole Grand Canyon West experience. Note that personal photography isn’t allowed on the Skywalk itself.
Helicopter flight plus Skywalk admission at Grand Canyon West, for travellers who want to see the canyon from the air and from the glass bridge.
Who operates Las Vegas helicopter tours?
The two biggest operators are Papillon, which has flown Grand Canyon tours since 1965 and runs the largest fleet, and Maverick Helicopters, known for its fleet of Airbus EC130 helicopters with wide panoramic windows and forward-facing seats. Several smaller operators offer more boutique flights. Booking sites such as GetYourGuide and Viator resell tours from these operators, often with flexible cancellation and sometimes at lower weekday prices than booking direct.
Whoever you fly with, look for an operator certified under FAA Part 135, the rules that govern commercial air tour and charter flights.
Tips before you book
- Book a morning flight for the Grand Canyon. Summer afternoons bring storms and wind, which cause cancellations and bumpier flights.
- Book a slot just after sunset for the Strip. You get the last glow in the sky plus all the lights.
- Be honest about weight. Operators balance the helicopter by passenger weight. Many cap passengers at about 250–300 lb and charge a “comfort seat” fee above a set weight.
- Check what’s included. Look for hotel pickup, landing fees and any fuel surcharge. Some tours add fees on top of the advertised price.
- Choose flexible cancellation. Weather cancellations happen. Most booking sites offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before many tours.
- Bring a light jacket and closed-toe shoes if you’re landing in the canyon, and plan to tip the pilot ($10–20 is customary).
FAQ
How much is a helicopter ride in Las Vegas?
A Strip night flight usually costs about $100–200 per person. Grand Canyon tours range from about $300 for air-only to $500–750 for tours that land on the canyon floor.
How long is a Las Vegas helicopter tour?
Strip flights last about 12–20 minutes in the air and around 1.5 hours including hotel transfers. Grand Canyon tours take about 3.5–6 hours in total.
Do Las Vegas helicopter tours go to the South Rim?
Standard helicopter tours from Las Vegas go to the West Rim. Seeing the South Rim in a day usually means a plane-and-helicopter combination or a long drive.
Is the Grand Canyon landing worth it?
For most people, yes. Standing on the canyon floor is the highlight of the trip, and it typically adds only about $100–200 to the price.
Are helicopter tours safe?
Commercial air tours in the US are regulated by the FAA. Choose an established operator certified under Part 135, follow the safety briefing, and don’t push to fly in poor weather.
Related reading
- Best flying experience gifts: skydiving, helicopter rides and more
- New York helicopter tours: prices, doors-off flights and how to choose
- From helicopters to eVTOLs: 80 years of vertical flight
- The Bell 206 JetRanger, the classic tour and training helicopter
- What tour and other helicopter pilots earn
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, inclusions and operators change; confirm details on the booking page before you buy.