Best Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas

Amy Pieterse profile image
Amy PieterseTravel WriterUpdated on: April 11, 2024

Take your experience of one of the earth’s greatest creations to new heights with Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas. Departing from Sin City, you’ll take off in a comfortable helicopter for bird’s-eye-views of this natural wonder.

In this article, we compare the best helicopter tours by type. Broken down according to the local tour operators, we’ll highlight our top picks and further options arranged from lowest to highest price.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

Which rim of the Grand Canyon do you visit?

Helicopter flights from Las Vegas tour the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, located approximately 130 miles from Las Vegas.

Alternatively, if you wish to visit the South Rim, you can take a helicopter tour from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. From here, you can also go on a helicopter tour of the North Rim.

Read more about Grand Canyon helicopter tours here.

Which helicopter tour outfitters operate out of Las Vegas?

There are three main helicopter tour operators that offer flights from Las Vegas to the West Rim: Papillon Helicopters, Maverick Helicopters, and 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours.

Types of Grand Canyon helicopter tours available from Las Vegas

Types of helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

Helicopter tours are among the most popular types of Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. There are two main kinds of helicopter tours that you can take:

  1. Helicopter tours that fly over over the Grand Canyon
  2. Helicopter tours that land in the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon helicopter flyover tours

Flyover tours typically adhere to the following itinerary:

  • Hotel pickup in Las Vegas
  • Fly over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead/Fortification Hill/Black Canyon
  • Fly over West Rim
  • Return to Las Vegas with hotel drop-off

See our comparison below:

5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Top TourScanner Pick: Luxury West Rim Helicopter Tour

Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour

Fly between the walls of the Grand Canyon on this tour, and soar over the Las Vegas Strip at the end. Light refreshments are included.

Why we chose this tour: Highest rated by travelers, best value for money

Price: $499
Discounts: $449 for early departure
Duration: 90-min flight, 3 hours total

Papillon Helicopters

West Rim Aerial Tour

West Rim Aerial Tour

Be awed by views of the Skywalk during this helicopter flight, and take advantage of the option to upgrade your tour to include a flight over the Las Vegas Strip.

Why we chose this tour: Professional services 

Price: From $469
Add-ons: Vegas upgrade (+$100)
Duration: 70-min flight, 4 hours total

Golden Eagle Helicopter Tour

Golden Eagle Helicopter Tour

On this diverting helicopter tour, you’ll enjoy music that has been choreographed to the flight while admiring sights like Guano Point and Eagle Point. You can also benefit from multilingual narration.

Why we chose this tour: Entertaining experience 

Price: From $499
Duration: 70-min flight, 4 hours total

Compare flyover tours

Tour OperatorPriceHighlightsDuration
5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter ToursFrom $449
  • 90-min flight
  • Flyover Las Vegas strip incl.
3 hours
Papillon HelicoptersFrom $469
  • 70-min flight
  • Optional Vegas flyover upgrade
4 hours
Papillon HelicoptersFrom $499
  • 70-min flight
  • Multilingual narration 
4 hours

Helicopter tours with Grand Canyon landing

Tours that land in the Grand Canyon typically follow this itinerary:

  • Hotel pickup in Las Vegas
  • Fly over Hoover Dam/Lake Mead/Fortification Hill
  • Land on the canyon floor for champagne picnic/land on West Rim for free time
  • Return to Las Vegas with hotel drop-off

See our comparison below:

Papillon Helicopters

Top TourScanner Pick: West Rim Champagne Toast Tour

Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour with Champagne Toast

Descend 4,000 feet below the West Rim for a delicious champagne picnic. Take advantage of the optional upgrades, from sunset tours to Vegas flyovers.

Why we chose this tour: Variety of upgrades available 

Price: From $569
Add-ons: Sunset Tour from $609, Vegas Upgrade from $669, Vegas Sunset from $709
Duration: 70-min flight, 4.5 hours total

VIP at the Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk

During this tour, you’ll fly over the Grand Canyon and descend into its depths before returning to the rim. Then, enjoy free time to visit Guano Point, Eagle Point and the Skywalk (at an additional cost).

Why we chose this tour: Free time at West Rim

Price: From $539 in off-season, $609 in peak season
Add-ons: Skywalk admission (+$35)
Duration: 70-min flight time, 7 hours total

Sunset Landing Helicopter Tour

Sunset Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Floor Landing and Strip

Drink champagne and snack on a light picnic on the floor of the Grand Canyon as the sun goes down — the perfect time for some photography.

Why we chose this tour: Free time on Grand Canyon floor at sunset

Price: $709
Duration: 90-min flight time, 4 hours total

5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Eagle Point Rim Landing

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Eagle Point Rim Landing

This highly-rated helicopter tour lands at Eagle Point, giving you time on the West Rim to go exploring or even experience the thrilling Skywalk (at your own cost).

Why we chose this tour: Free time at West Rim

Price: $599
Duration: 90-min flight, 4.5 hours total

Bonus: Valley of Fire Sunset Landing

Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight with Sunset Valley of Fire Landing

While this tour doesn’t land in the Grand Canyon, you’ll still soar over West Rim before a one-of-a-kind landing in the Valley of Fire State Park. Here, you’ll enjoy a champagne toast as the sun sets.

Why we chose this tour: Valley of Fire landing

Price: $649
Duration: 100-min flight time, 4 hours total

Maverick Helicopters

Top TourScanner Pick: Private Bluff Sunset Tour

Grand Canyon Sunset Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas

Enjoy the most luxurious helicopter tour possible with this sunset ride that lands on a private bluff in the Grand Canyon. Relish the beauty and seclusion of this spot with champagne and snacks. Take off in time to witness the sunset and the Las Vegas Strip at twilight.

Why we chose this tour: Land on a private bluff at sunset

Price: $675
Duration: 90-min flight, 4.5 hours total

Deluxe Private Bluff Landing

Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas

On this tour, you’ll enjoy the enviable experience of a champagne picnic on a private bluff 3,000 feet below the West Rim. Indulge in drinks and light snacks beneath a traditional ramada shelter.

Why we chose this tour: Highest rated by travelers, land on a secluded bluff

Price: $598
Duration: 90-min flight time, 4 hours total

West Rim Tour

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

With this Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you can choose between a champagne picnic beside the Colorado River in the morning or at sunset, or a tour that lands by Eagle Point and includes the Skywalk.

Why we chose this tour: Range of tour package options

Price: $649
Add-ons: Skywalk package (at no additional cost but excluding food or drinks), Sunset flight (+$30)
Duration: 3.5-5 hours

Dual Landing Indian Territory Tour

Dual Landing Indian Territory Tour
credit to Maverick Helicopters

During this helicopter excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to land 3,500 feet below the West Rim for a champagne picnic, before making a second landing at Grand Canyon West. You’ll have 2.5 hours to explore Guano Point, Eagle Point and the Skywalk.

Why we chose this tour: Land at top and bottom of Grand Canyon West

Price: From $739
Add-ons: Skywalk (+$25)
Duration: 90-min flight time, 7.5 hours total

Compare landing tours

Tour OperatorPriceHighlightsDuration
Papillon HelicoptersFrom $569
  • 70-min flight
  • Upgrade to Vegas/sunset tours
4.5 hours
Maverick Helicopters$598
  • 90-min flight
  • Private bluff landing
4 hours total
5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours$599
  • 90-min flight
  • Free time at West Rim
4.5 hours
Papillon Helicopters$609
  • 70-min flight
  • Free time at West Rim
7 hours
5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours$649
  • 100-min flight
  • Valley of Fire sunset landing
4 hours
Maverick Helicopters$649
  • Option to include Skywalk
  • Upgrade to sunset flight
3.5 hours
Maverick Helicopters$675
  • 90-min flight
  • Private bluff landing at sunset
4.5 hours
Papillon Helicopters$709
  • 90-min flight
  • Grand Canyon floor at sunset
4 hours
Maverick HelicoptersFrom $739
  • 90-min flight
  • Land at top and bottom of Grand Canyon West
7.5 hours

TourScanner Tip! We do our best to keep these prices up-to-date, but prices can change by the month, the week or even the day.

Best time for a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon

  • Sunset is the best time for a helicopter tour and photo opportunities, given the golden light that shines across the Grand Canyon.
  • Midday is also an excellent time to see the canyon due to the fewer shadows.
  • In summer, an early morning flight is recommended for cooler weather. It also gives you the opportunity to miss the peak crowds if you land at the West Rim.

What you need to know before your Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas

  • To balance the aircraft, helicopter tours have weight limits, typically around 250-300 lbs per person. If you weigh above this, you will be required to purchase an additional seat. This can be done at check-in, but it’s best to consult your booking page beforehand to be prepared.
  • All passengers 18 and above must provide a photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
  • An additional fuel surcharge of around $30 is expected on most Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas if it is not already included on your tour price.
  • Your tour may be canceled if you experience bad weather on the day. In this case, the operator may offer an alternative date or a full refund.
  • It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as well as to bring sunglasses.
  • Service animals are not allowed on helicopter tours per FAA regulations.

Happy flying!

Author
Amy Pieterse profile image
Amy PieterseTravel WriterUpdated on: April 11, 2024