Bosphorus Helicopter Tour, 30-Minute Private Flight
Overview
Bosphorus Helicopter Tour, 30-Minute Private Flight
Istanbul is one of the largest and most famous cities in the world, and there is no better way to take it in than from the air. On this helicopter tour you see the skyline that made the city famous and the marks left by the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Flying Over Two Continents
With a history spanning thousands of years and views over both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world's most iconic cities, and your guide on board explains everything you see. Before take-off you receive a full briefing and all safety procedures are followed.
A Once in a Lifetime Flight
It is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Istanbul Private Helicopter Tour over Bosphorus
In just 30 minutes you see one of the world's oldest and most iconic cities, the capital of great empires, from above.
Enjoy a bird's-eye view as you fly over the rooftops of the city. Before take-off you are briefed on the safety rules.
Look out for Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks in a city that spans two continents, and discover Istanbul from a completely new perspective.
Your guide meets you at your hotel, the airport or the cruise port and takes you to the heliport. The flight passes over highlights such as:
- The Historic Peninsula
- Topkapi Palace
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Blue Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Golden Horn
- Galata Tower
- Taksim Square and Gezi Park
- Dolmabahce Palace
- St. Anthony's Church
- Besiktas Stadium
- Maiden's Tower
- Uskudar and Kadikoy piers
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Bosphorus Bridge
- Yildiz Park
- Galatasaray Stadium and more of modern Istanbul
A professional guide flies with you and explains the monuments and districts below.
The flight ends where it started, and you are then taken back to your hotel, the airport or the cruise port, as you prefer.
Important Notes
- The helicopter has 5 seats. With a guide on board it suits a family of up to 4. If you are more than 4, please ask us about flying without a guide or a larger helicopter.
- The flight itself lasts 30 minutes. With hotel pickup and drop-off, allow about 2 hours in total.
- A professional guide normally flies with you. If you would prefer to fly without a guide, just let us know.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Private Tour
- ✓Licensed Tour Guide
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Helicopter Flight
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
- ✕Personal Expenses
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.
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Bosphorus helicopter tour: what you need to know
This is a private 30-minute helicopter flight over Istanbul, from $800, with a licensed guide on board pointing out the palaces, mosques, bridges and both continents below. Your guide meets you at your hotel, the airport or the cruise port and takes you to the heliport by private van, and brings you back afterwards. A full safety briefing is given before take-off.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Flight time | 30 minutes |
| Total time | About 2 hours including hotel pick-up and drop-off |
| Price | from $800 |
| Type | Private flight, only your group |
| Seats | 5 seats; with a guide on board, up to 4 passengers |
| Included | Helicopter flight, licensed guide, private van transfers |
| Not included | Tips, personal expenses |
How much is a helicopter tour in Istanbul?
Our private Bosphorus flight starts at $800, which covers the 30-minute flight, the guide and the private transfers to and from the heliport. Because the helicopter is private, the price is for your group, not for one seat on a shared flight. Here is how it compares with our other ways to see the city from a different angle:
| Experience | View | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| This flight | Istanbul from the air, 30 minutes, private | $800 |
| Bosphorus private yacht for up to 12 | The palaces from the water, by the hour | $299 per hour |
| 2-hour private Bosphorus yacht cruise | Yacht with a licensed guide | $600 per group |
| VIP luxury Istanbul tour, 2 days | S-Class, guide, yacht; helicopter can be added | $1,500 |
| VIP Istanbul tour with S-Class and private yacht | One VIP day; helicopter can be added | $1,800 per group |
What will you see from the helicopter?
| Area | Landmarks |
|---|---|
| Historic Peninsula | Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar |
| Golden Horn and Galata | The Golden Horn, Taksim Square, Gezi Park |
| Bosphorus | Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, the Maiden's Tower, Yildiz Park |
| Asian side | Kadikoy and Uskudar piers |
In half an hour you see how the city really fits together: the old peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus dividing Europe from Asia, and the bridges joining them. It is a perspective you cannot get from any rooftop.
How many people can fly?
The helicopter has five seats. With a guide on board, it suits a family or group of up to four. If you are more than four, ask us about flying without a guide, which frees a seat, or about a larger helicopter.
Is the helicopter tour safe?
Before take-off you receive a full briefing and all safety procedures are followed. Flights depend on the weather; if conditions are not safe on your day, the flight does not go ahead and we look at another time during your stay. Tell us about any medical conditions or pregnancy when you book.
When is the best time for a helicopter flight over Istanbul?
Clear days give the best visibility, and they are most common from late spring to early autumn. Morning and late afternoon light is softer for photos than midday. Winter can bring crisp, very clear days too, but also more weather cancellations, so if your stay is short, book early in your trip to leave room for a second chance.
Is it good for proposals and special occasions?
Yes. A private flight over the Bosphorus is a memorable way to propose or celebrate an anniversary or birthday. If you want to fly without the guide for more privacy, just tell us.
What should you wear and bring?
Dark clothing reduces reflections on the windows in your photos. Bring your camera or phone with a wrist strap, sunglasses, and your passport in case it is requested at the heliport. Keep bags small; there is little space on board.
How do you book?
Choose your date on this page and send the form, or message us on WhatsApp with the number of passengers and your hotel, airport or cruise port. We confirm the flight time in writing and you pay only after confirmation. For more ideas see our Istanbul tours and our Turkey tour packages.
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