A London helicopter flight from Battersea follows the River Thames, so you pass Chelsea Bridge, Battersea Power Station, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf within a few minutes. The exact route is set by air traffic control on the day.
The route along the Thames
Helicopters flying across central London use designated routes that follow the river, which keeps them away from the densest streets. From the London Heliport, flights heading east pass over these landmarks in roughly this order:
- Chelsea Harbour and the Battersea and Chelsea bridges
- Battersea Power Station and Battersea Park
- Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge
- The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, with Westminster Abbey nearby
- The London Eye and the South Bank
- Waterloo Bridge, Somerset House and Blackfriars
- St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge
- Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
- Canary Wharf, Greenwich and the Thames Barrier
Heading west
Flights heading west follow the river through Wandsworth, Putney and Hammersmith towards Kew and Richmond, where the city gives way to parks and the river meanders. Further out are Hampton Court and Windsor.
How the route is chosen
The route is not fixed in advance. Air traffic control sets it on the day, depending on other traffic, the weather and restricted areas such as the airspace around the Royal palaces. Height is set by air traffic control too. Read more in flying a helicopter over central London.
Best times to fly
- Morning: flights are often calmer.
- Late afternoon and dusk: the low sun lights the river, and the city lights come on. See night flying by helicopter in London.
- Clear days: visibility matters more than the temperature; ask us about the forecast on the day.
Booking a London flight
Our London helicopter tours page explains the sightseeing flights from Battersea. For a flight to somewhere else, with a view on the way, see helicopter flight times from London.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see on a London helicopter flight?
Typically the Thames and its bridges, Battersea Power Station, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, depending on the route.
Does the helicopter follow a fixed route?
No. Air traffic control sets the route on the day, depending on other traffic, weather and restricted airspace.
What is the best time of day for a London helicopter flight?
Many people choose late afternoon, when the low sun lights the river, or dusk, when the city lights come on. Clear visibility matters most.
Where does a London helicopter flight start?
At the London Heliport in Battersea, on the south bank of the Thames.
Plan your flight
Want to see London from the air? Tell us the date and number of passengers and we will reply with a price for a sightseeing flight. Our charter team is available 24 hours a day.