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Compare your Grand Canyon helicopter tour operators: Papillon, Maverick & more
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Contents
Take off with the best: Your operator comparison
Operator
Founded
Fleet (Helicopter type)
Departure points
Experience types
Ideal for
Book your tour
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
1965
Airbus EC130 ECO-Star, Bell 407
Las Vegas, Boulder City, South Rim, Grand Canyon West
Sightseeing, canyon floor landings, Skywalk & rafting combos, sunset flights
Families, first-timers, adventure seekers
Maverick Helicopters
1995
ECO-Star EC130B4 (luxury, custom interiors)
Las Vegas Strip, South Rim
Sightseeing, rim landings, sunset flights, private charters
Couples, luxury travelers, photographers
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines
1927
Twin Otter Vistaliner, Cessna Grand Caravan
Boulder City, South Rim, Grand Canyon West
Airplane sightseeing, combo flights (air + heli + hummer), day trips
Budget travelers, families, first-time flyers
Departure points: Where your Grand Canyon flights will take off from
Boulder City Terminal
Las Vegas Strip Terminal
South Rim Terminal
Grand Canyon National Park Airport
Grand Canyon West
Address: Airport Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States | Find on Maps
Getting there:
- By bus: Take a Greyhound or FlixBus from Las Vegas to Boulder City, or hop on the National Park Express shuttle from the Strip. Most rides take about 45 mins.
- By car: Drive south from the Las Vegas Strip via I-515 S/US-93 S toward Boulder City; the journey takes about 35 mins. Parking is available at the terminal.
Recommended tours:
- From Las Vegas: Day Trip to Grand Canyon National Park via Airplane plus Guided Hummer Tour
- 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane and Ground Tour
- 70- min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour with Helicopter Canyon Floor Landing & Pontoon Boat Ride
- From Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Airplane & Ground Tour
- From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour & Black Canyon Raft with Champagne & Picnic
Address: 6075 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States | Find on Maps
Getting there:
- By bus: Take the Deuce or RTC Route 119 to the Mandalay Bay stop, then walk 10 mins south to Maverick Helicopters.
- By car: Drive south along Las Vegas Blvd or take I-15 S to Exit 33 for Russell Road. Parking is available at the terminal.
Recommended tours:
- West Rim Helicopter Tour with Las Vegas Strip Views
- 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Las Vegas Strip Views
- 12-min Las Vegas Strip Highlights Night Helicopter Tour
- 40-min Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour
Address: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps
Getting there:
- By bus: The Tusayan Shuttle connects Grand Canyon Visitor Center with the South Rim Terminal during peak season.
- By car: From Grand Canyon Village, drive south on AZ-64 toward Tusayan. The terminal is just 10 mins away with free parking on-site.
Recommended tours:
- Classic Helicopter Tour
Address: 1542 Liberator Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps
Getting there:
- By bus: Take the National Park Shuttle to Tusayan, which stops near the airport entrance.
- By car: Drive south from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center via AZ-64 S; the airport is about 7 miles (10 mins) away.
Recommended tours:
- Luxury Helicopter Tour with Comfort Seating
Address: 5006 Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States | Find on Maps
Getting there:
- By bus: There’s no direct public bus to Grand Canyon West heliport. You can get here via a guided shuttle or tour transfer from Las Vegas.
- By car: Drive east from Las Vegas via US-93 S and Pierce Ferry Rd, then follow Diamond Bar Rd to the Grand Canyon West terminal (about 2.5 hours).
Recommended tours:
- 15-min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour plus Canyon Floor Landing, Boat Ride with Optional Skywalk
See what fits your style
Traveler type
Best operator for you
Go for
Value seeker
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Affordable tours with flexibility.
Luxury traveler
Maverick Helicopters: ECO-Star aircraft, premium interiors, direct Strip departures.
Adventure seeker
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Multi-adventure combos with rafting, boats, and Skywalks.
Photographer
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines: Large windows for aerial photography.
Family or group traveler
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters: Group-friendly and affordable.
Couples
Maverick Helicopters: Romantic private flights with champagne upgrades.
Short-on-time visitor
Maverick Helicopters: Direct Strip departures.
First-time flyer
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines: Smooth airplane experiences.
Frequently asked questions about Grand Canyon helicopter tour operators
What’s the main difference between Papillon and Maverick Helicopters?
Papillon is known for offering the widest range of Grand Canyon helicopter tours at great value, including landings, rafting, and combo experiences. Maverick Helicopters, on the other hand, focuses on premium comfort and small-group experiences, perfect for travelers who want a more luxurious flight.
Which operator departs directly from the Las Vegas Strip?
Both Maverick and Papillon operate select flights from the Las Vegas Strip Terminal, making them convenient for visitors staying on the Strip. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines departs from Boulder City, about 35 minutes away, but offers hotel transfers for most tours.
Which operator offers the best value for families?
Papillon and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines are both excellent for families, thanks to their wide range of affordable and family-friendly tours. Scenic Airlines’ airplane tours are particularly popular with parents traveling with young children, as the cabins are spacious and the flights are smooth.
Are all three operators FAA-certified?
Yes, Papillon, Maverick, and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines are all certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Each operator maintains rigorous safety standards, experienced pilots, and modern fleets designed for sightseeing comfort.
Do these operators provide hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, most tours include round-trip transfers from major Las Vegas hotels. Papillon and Scenic Airlines generally offer shuttle service to the Boulder City Terminal, while Maverick includes direct hotel pickup for Strip departures.
Which operator is best for first-time flyers?
Papillon is a great choice for first-time visitors who want a classic Grand Canyon helicopter experience at a reasonable price. Maverick offers a premium, quieter ride that’s perfect for those who might be nervous about flying.
Which operator is best for photographers?
Maverick’s ECO-Star helicopters are designed with wraparound glass for 180-degree views, making them perfect for photography. Papillon offers longer flight routes and more landing options, giving photographers diverse perspectives of the canyon.
Do any tours include the Grand Canyon Skywalk or river landings?
Yes. Papillon offers several helicopter and combo tours with Grand Canyon Skywalk access, canyon floor landings, and even rafting on the Colorado River.
Which is best for budget travelers?
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines is the top pick for budget-conscious travelers or groups, as airplane tours are generally more affordable per person.