Nashville isn’t just about country tunes and honky-tonks; it’s also a city that shines brightest from above. With rolling hills, iconic landmarks, and a skyline that captures the spirit of Music City, a helicopter tour offers a fresh perspective that’s hard to match. Imagine soaring past the Ryman Auditorium, catching a bird’s-eye view of Nashville’s Music Row, or cruising over the Tennessee State Capitol—these sights become even more impressive from the sky. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to see Nashville from a new angle, a helicopter ride adds a memorable touch to your trip.
One of our favorites is the Helicopter Tour of Downtown Nashville, which combines luxury and a quick, rundown of the city’s most famous sights. It’s a private experience perfect for avoiding crowds and focusing entirely on what interests you most. But if you prefer a sunset view or an evening city lights experience, there are options like the 30-minute Nashville Helicopter Tour that let you see Nashville’s skyline glow at dusk. With so many choices, Nashville’s helicopter tours offer something for all—whether you’re a first-timer, a photo enthusiast, or a country music fan.
Quick Overview of Nashville Helicopter Tours
The list below features seven of the best helicopter experiences in Nashville, highlighting variety and value. You’ll find options ranging from quick 15-minute rides perfect for a quick taste of the city, to longer 30-minute tours that include sunset or celebrity homes. Some tours focus on downtown Nashville’s vibrant sights, while others venture into scenic river and mountain views or even the homes of Nashville’s famous stars. All tours are designed to give you a different perspective of Music City, with many receiving top reviews for safety, professionalism, and unforgettable views.
Now, let’s dive into each of these exciting options.
1. Helicopter Tour of Downtown Nashville
At number 1, this 15-minute private helicopter tour offers a luxurious way to see Nashville’s highlights. You’ll take off from Helistar Aviation and fly over iconic landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Music Row. The tour includes a flyover of the Parthenon replica, Vanderbilt University, and the Tennessee State Capitol—all in a quick loop that packs a punch.
What makes this tour stand out is its private setting, perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting a personalized experience. The pilot provides commentary on the sights, making it ideal for those who want both views and info. The reviews reflect its popularity, with many praising the friendly staff and timely service. Guests often mention how this helicopter ride is a luxurious escape from busy bus tours, offering a bird’s-eye perspective that’s hard to beat.
Pricing is around $94 per person, making it an accessible, memorable treat. It’s best for travelers who want a quick overview with the option to extend or customize the experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for a private, scenic flight over Nashville’s top sights—an excellent value for the brief but sweeping experience.
2. Downtown Nashville Helicopter Tour
Number 2 on our list is another 15-minute helicopter ride, priced at about $95 per person. Starting at Tune Airport, this tour emphasizes customization, allowing you to choose which attractions to focus on, such as Broadway, Nissan Stadium, or Fort Negley Park. Your pilot will guide you over the 330-acre Vanderbilt campus, the Civil War fort, and the Titans’ stadium—and you can snap photos during the flight to remember your Nashville adventure.
Guests rave about the personalized route and the noise-canceling headphones that make conversation easy even at altitude. The reviews highlight how this experience offers unmatched views and the chance to see hidden city gems from above. Some mention the friendly pilot humor, making the ride both informative and fun.
For those interested in a more tailored tour or a quick, scenic overview, this flight hits the mark. It’s a great pick for travelers who want a private, flexible experience without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a personalized flight experience with a focus on Nashville’s key landmarks and a flexible itinerary.
3. Helicopter Tour Downtown Nashville TN (approx. 30 min)
Number 3 offers a 30-minute evening helicopter tour costing around $250 per person. This longer flight provides more time to appreciate Nashville’s sunset or city lights—a magical way to see the city glow. You’ll fly over landmarks like the Parthenon, Broadway, and the Nissan Stadium, with views of the hills and rivers surrounding Nashville.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want an upgraded experience with a more comprehensive route. Guests love the flexibility of timing, with options to choose dusk or night flights. The reviews are highly positive, emphasizing how the longer duration allows for more photo opportunities and a more relaxed pace.
The main advantage is the evening ambiance, with beautiful lighting and cooler temperatures. It’s suited for couples on romantic trips or groups celebrating special occasions.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a more relaxed, scenic experience that showcases Nashville’s skyline during the golden hour or night.
4. Nashville: Downtown Helicopter Tour
Number 4 is a 30-minute tour priced at $185, offering a more immersive aerial view of Nashville’s downtown. This experience includes flying over the Nashville skyline, beyond into scenic hills and rivers, with commentary on landmarks like the Parthenon, Vanderbilt University, and Broadway.
This tour distinguishes itself with its climate-controlled cabin and optional VIP champagne upgrade, ensuring comfort even in warmer months. Past travelers appreciate the smooth ride and the chance to see both major sights and natural scenery. The review score of 4.8 out of 5 reflects the overall satisfaction.
It’s especially suited for visitors who want a luxurious, comfortable experience with the flexibility of longer flight times and the chance to toast the moment. The tour’s itinerary provides a beautiful balance of city highlights and scenic landscapes.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a comfortable, extended flight that combines city sights with scenic views, ideal for special occasions.
5. Nashville: Downtown Helicopter Experience
Number 5 offers a 15 to 30-minute flight for about $95, with a focus on learning about Nashville’s sights through narration. The upgraded VIP options include champagne, making it a perfect romantic activity or a memorable gift.
The experience is best suited for those who want to see the city from above and enjoy informative commentary. The helicopter passes over Vanderbilt University, Fort Negley, and Nissan Stadium, offering a well-rounded view of Nashville’s landmarks. Reviews note the friendly pilot and the amazing perspectives provided.
This tour works well for shorter time windows but still provides a thorough overview. It’s an excellent pick for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of luxury.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a short yet informative helicopter experience with optional extras for added indulgence.
6. Nashville “Homes of the Stars” Helicopter Tour
Number 6 is a 30-minute tour costing $199 per person, focusing on celebrity homes across Nashville. You’ll see houses of Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock, and more, plus a glimpse of the Tennessee State Prison where movies like “The Green Mile” were filmed.
The tour combines luxury with star-spotting, making it perfect for country fans or anyone interested in Nashville’s famous residents. The reviews highlight the enthusiastic pilot and close-up views of celebrity properties. Some mention that while the homes are the main draw, you’ll also enjoy views of Nashville’s natural beauty and downtown skyline.
It’s best suited for travelers who want a glamorous, star-focused experience, or those curious about Nashville’s celebrity culture. The tour’s highlight is its exclusive access to Nashville’s elite neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for celebrity enthusiasts looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of star-spotting from the sky.
7. Scenic River & Nature Helicopter Tour from Nashville
Finally, number 7 is a 30-minute scenic flight around the Cumberland River and middle Tennessee for $199. This tour emphasizes natural landscapes, with views of hills, valleys, and the chance to see bald eagles.
Ideal for nature lovers and those wanting a peaceful flight away from urban sights, this experience offers breathtaking scenery and an opportunity to photograph wildlife and remote landscapes. Passengers appreciate the smooth takeoff and landing, and reviews often mention how the friendly pilot makes nervous flyers comfortable.
This tour is less about city landmarks and more about capturing the natural beauty of the surrounding region. It’s best for travelers wanting a relaxing outdoor-focused experience or those interested in birdwatching.
Bottom Line: Suitable for nature enthusiasts seeking stunning landscape views and a calm, peaceful helicopter ride.
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Nashville
When selecting a helicopter experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and what sights interest you most. If you want a quick overview of downtown Nashville, the 15-minute private tour or the experience with the celebrity homes are excellent choices. For those celebrating a special occasion, a longer sunset or evening tour offers more dramatic views.
If luxury and comfort are priorities, the Nashville: Downtown Helicopter Tour offers a climate-controlled cabin and optional champagne. For nature lovers, the scenic river tour provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Booking early, especially for popular sunset or weekend slots, guarantees availability and the best experience.
Final Thoughts
Nashville’s helicopter tours offer a fantastic way to see the city from above, whether you’re after cityscapes, celebrity mansions, or natural scenery. If you’re pressed for time, the shorter 15-minute rides provide a quick but memorable glimpse. For a more immersive experience, the longer sunset or celebrity home tours deliver extra detail and comfort.
For travelers planning ahead, booking early assures you get the time slot and experience you want. No matter which tour you choose, flying above Nashville is sure to be a highlight of your trip, providing a perspective that’s as unique as Music City itself.