Quick answer
- Flight-only tours: from $419 per person, about 3.5–4.5 hours hotel to hotel.
- Landing + boat: land about 3,200 feet below the rim and ride the Colorado River, from $699.
- Where they fly: to Grand Canyon West; landings are only allowed on Hualapai land, not in the national park.
- Good to know: seats are assigned by weight for balance; flights can be rescheduled in high wind.
Types of Grand Canyon helicopter tours
| Tour type | Price from | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight from Las Vegas to the West Rim | $419 | 3.5–4.5 hrs | Seeing it all in half a day |
| Flight + canyon-floor landing + boat | $699 | 6–7 hrs | Bucket-list trip, special occasions |
| Coach to the rim + short helicopter ride there | About $250–$420 | 10–12 hrs | A taste of flying on a coach day |
| Las Vegas Strip night flight | About $100–$150 | 12–15 min | City lights, not the canyon |
Is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour worth it?
If you have one day in Las Vegas, yes: you see Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Mojave Desert and the canyon from the air, and you do not spend 10 hours on a bus. If budget matters most, a West Rim coach tour gives you more time at the canyon for much less.
Landing tours: what happens below the rim
On a landing tour the helicopter descends about 3,200 feet (975 m) to the canyon floor on Hualapai land. Packages often add a short pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River and a champagne toast. Helicopters may not land inside Grand Canyon National Park, so every landing tour from Las Vegas goes to the West Rim.
Seats, weight and what to wear
- Passengers are weighed at check-in and seated for balance, so no seat is guaranteed; a front seat can often be requested for about $60.
- Passengers over about 300 lb (136 kg) usually need to buy an extra seat. We confirm the operator's rule before you pay.
- Wear dark clothing to cut window reflections in photos.
- Children from age 2 need their own paid seat; rules for infants vary by operator.
Weather and cancellations
Flights run in most weather but are rescheduled or cancelled for strong wind, storms or low cloud. If the operator cancels, you get a new time or a full refund. Check the live conditions on our home page before you book.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?
Flight-only tours start around $419 per person; tours that land on the canyon floor with a boat ride start around $699.
How long is the helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon?
Under an hour each way to the West Rim; the whole tour takes about 3.5 to 7 hours depending on landings.
Do Grand Canyon helicopters land at the bottom?
Yes, but only at the West Rim on Hualapai land. Landings are not allowed inside Grand Canyon National Park.
Is there a weight limit for Grand Canyon helicopter tours?
Yes. Everyone is weighed for balance, and passengers over about 300 lb (136 kg) usually buy an extra seat. We confirm the operator's rule before you pay.
Are Grand Canyon helicopter tours safe?
Accidents are rare. Tours are flown by FAA-certified operators on fixed routes with experienced pilots, and flights are cancelled when wind or weather is not suitable.
Which companies fly Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas?
The largest are Papillon and Maverick, flying from Boulder City and the Las Vegas Strip. We confirm the operator and departure point before you pay.
Are there sunset helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon?
Yes, some flights leave in the late afternoon to land at the West Rim around sunset. Ask for a sunset departure in your request.
