Dubai has one of the most iconic skylines, and while you can admire it from the top of Burj Khalifa, a helicopter tour offers another unique way to see it. While both offer spectacular views, the experience, price, duration, and perspective differ.
Dubai From Above - What Each Experience Offers
Burj Khalifa, holding a remarkable record as the tallest building in the world, offers unmatched views from the top, but from a fixed, elevated viewpoint. A helicopter ride, on the other hand, offers a moving aerial perspective as you fly past Dubai’s coastline and famous landmarks. Therefore, a helicopter tour vs Burj Khalifa views comparison ultimately comes down to the type of experience you want.
As a Burj Khalifa visitor, you can access its top floors starting at AED 189 and enjoy a distinctive higher observation experience for up to an hour or more. A helicopter tour provides a more thorough tour, taking you alongside attractions such as Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, and the Burj Khalifa itself.
Beno offers various exciting packages starting at AED 710 per person, with flights ranging from 12 to 30 minutes long.
How Much Does a Helicopter Tour in Dubai Cost?
The price of a helicopter ride Dubai experience depends on the duration and route you choose. Beno currently offers four main helicopter packages.
Starting at AED 710 per person, this brief tour takes you around Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, across Burj Khalifa, and the remarkable skyscrapers in Business Bay. Accommodating up to 5 guests, this is an ideal package for first-timers.
This tour offers aerial views of Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the World Islands, and Downtown Dubai, starting at AED 945 per person, for up to 5 guests.
With this helicopter trip, witness never-before-seen views of Dubai’s remarkable wonders, featuring Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, the World Islands, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. Also get a glimpse into history and Old Dubai with views of the Old Souk and Dubai Creek, starting at AED 1,299 per person.
- The Grand Tour – 30 Minutes:
A detailed 30-minute tour that covers a wider selection of Dubai landmarks, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the World Islands, Ain Dubai, Dubai Creek and Dubai Frame. This can be availed by up to 5 guests at AED 1,770 per person.
With Beno, book an exclusive helicopter tour to make your special occasions extraordinary, such as birthdays, proposals, or anniversaries. Celebrating it high in the clouds is an experience one can never forget.
How Much Are Burj Khalifa Tickets?
For travellers comparing the cost of the two experiences, Burj Khalifa ticket prices can vary depending on the level, time slot, and ticket type.
Depending on your preference, you can avail:
- General At the Top access to Levels 124 and 125 (456m high), starting at AED 189
- Premium access to Level 148 (555m high), starting at AED 399
If you're specifically searching for the Burj Khalifa 124 floor tickets price, the standard Levels 124 and 125 experience is generally the more accessible option. For those looking for the Burj Khalifa 148 floor tickets price, Level 148 comes at a higher cost because it includes access to the premium observation experience at 555 metres.
Additionally, if you are looking for a unique viewing experience in a premium setting, try The VIP Lounge, the world’s highest lounge located in the Burj Khalifa, allowing you to enjoy the views with delicious food and beverages. This experience starts at AED 769. Prices can vary according to availability, peak periods, and ticket categories, so it is recommended that you check the latest rates before booking.
Which Gives Better Views of Dubai?
Each experience is unique on its own. When choosing Burj Khalifa, you get an incredible panoramic view of the glamorous city, especially around the Downtown area. However, this is a fixed view, and for someone wanting to experience a broader perspective while moving across different attractions, a helicopter tour Dubai is an exciting adventure to try.
If you are wondering which experience offers better views for photography and content, then they are both excellent opportunities. The observation deck at Burj Khalifa allows you to capture stunning snaps of Downtown Dubai and the surroundings.
A helicopter ride gives you constantly changing scenery. You can photograph Palm Jumeirah's distinctive shape, the coastline, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa from the air. Beno also allows personal photography and video during its helicopter experiences. For travellers creating social media content, the moving aerial perspective can add a completely different dimension to their Dubai photos and videos.
Which Is More Suitable for a Special Occasion?
For special celebrations or anniversaries, a helicopter ride can create a more private setting. Beno offers private helicopter bookings for special occasions, with bespoke routes and additional arrangements available on request.
The Burj Khalifa, meanwhile, works well if you want to combine sightseeing with a wider Downtown Dubai itinerary. You can visit the observation decks and continue your day around Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, and nearby attractions.
Should You Choose a Helicopter Tour or Burj Khalifa?
If you wish to enjoy appealing city views on a budget-friendly package, then the Burj Khalifa's standard observation experience generally has a lower starting cost. But if you are into thrilling adventures and would like to see multiple famous Dubai landmarks from a soaring height, then choose a helicopter ride for a more expansive perspective.
In conclusion, the two experiences don't provide the same thing. The Burj Khalifa lets you experience Dubai from inside its most famous architectural landmark, while a helicopter ride lets you see that landmark as part of Dubai's wider skyline.
Did this get you wondering if you can do both? Then yes, absolutely. In fact, combining the two can give you two completely different perspectives of Dubai. You can visit Burj Khalifa to view the city from the highest observation points one day, and then take a helicopter tour on another day for unmatched views of Dubai’s coastline, the Palm, Marina, and other world-famous attractions.
This is particularly appealing for first-time visitors who want to experience Dubai's most iconic attractions from both ground-based and aerial perspectives.
FAQs
- Is the Burj Khalifa tour worth it?
Yes, viewing the city while standing atop the world’s tallest building is worth it, especially for first-time visitors.
- Is a helicopter tour more expensive than Burj Khalifa?
Yes, a helicopter tour is significantly more expensive as it offers a comprehensive, broader tour and views of Dubai.
- How much does a helicopter tour cost in Dubai?
Beno's helicopter tours currently range from AED 710 per person for a 12-minute tour, and around AED 1,770 per person for the 30-minute Grand Tour.
- Is a helicopter tour worth it?
While helicopter packages are generally expensive, it is worth it if you wish to enjoy aerial views of the city that are otherwise inaccessible from the ground.
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