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ATTRACTIONSouth Rim – Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN), Grand Canyon Village

Papillon Helicopters – Grand Canyon

4.6 (3,242 Google reviews)

Papillon is the world’s largest and longest‑running Grand Canyon helicopter operator, flying more than 600 000 guests a year from the South Rim in state‑of‑the‑art EcoStar aircraft for 25‑ to 50‑minute scenic flights over the canyon’s most iconic viewpoints.

Partially accessible

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Trip Snapshot

Best Time to Visit
08:00–10:00 or 15:30–17:30 • Mar–May & Sep–Nov for mild weather and calmer winds
Open
Open now · 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Price Range
$$$$
Parking
Free customer lot at GCN Airport
Ideal For
EcoStar & A‑Star helicopters with climate control, multilingual audio narration & noise‑reducing headsets, complimentary Tusayan hotel shuttle, gift shop & snack bar in terminal, free Wi‑Fi in terminal, restrooms & baby‑changing facilities, free on‑site parking, ADA‑compliant terminal access and boarding assistance
Stay Type
Overnight Stay Available
Reviews from Google
4.6

(3,242 reviews)

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Why Visit Papillon Helicopters – Grand Canyon

Papillon is the world’s largest and longest‑running Grand Canyon helicopter operator, flying more than 600 000 guests a year from the South Rim in state‑of‑the‑art EcoStar aircraft for 25‑ to 50‑minute scenic flights over the canyon’s most iconic viewpoints.

Highlights

Panoramic 180° windows and stadium‑style seating in quiet EcoStar EC‑130 helicopters
Exclusive FAA‑approved landing sites on the canyon floor (select tours)
Multilingual in‑flight narration in up to 13 languages

Description

Founded in 1965, Papillon (“butterfly” in French) pioneered Grand Canyon air tours and today fields one of the world’s largest fleets of sightseeing helicopters. Flights depart year‑round from Grand Canyon National Park Airport, soaring above the South and North Rims, Dragon Corridor, and Colorado River. EcoStar aircraft feature wrap‑around windows, front‑row seating for every passenger, and noise‑cancelling technology that is 50 % quieter than older models. Options range from 25‑minute North Canyon loops to 50‑minute Imperial flights, plus landing adventures that descend 4 000 ft to a private riverside plateau. Complimentary hotel shuttles operate from Tusayan; Las Vegas packages include ground or fixed‑wing transfers.

History

1965
Elling Halvorson launches Papillon to support pipeline construction and begins canyon sightseeing flights.
1982
Becomes first operator granted permission to land on the canyon floor.
1994
Adds Las Vegas–to–Grand Canyon air/ground tour packages.
2001
Introduces multilingual digital narration system.
2015
Celebrates 50th anniversary; fleet surpasses 40 helicopters.
2023
Named “Best Helicopter Tour Company” by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice.

Features

EcoStar & A‑Star helicopters with climate control
Multilingual audio narration & noise‑reducing headsets
Complimentary Tusayan hotel shuttle
Gift shop & snack bar in terminal
Free Wi‑Fi in terminal
Restrooms & baby‑changing facilities
Free on‑site parking
ADA‑compliant terminal access and boarding assistance

Getting There

Car: 15 min drive from Grand Canyon Visitor Center via AZ‑64 to GCN Airport. Shuttle: Free Papillon vans collect from Tusayan hotels with advance notice. Bus: Groome Transportation runs daily Flagstaff–Tusayan service; transfer to hotel shuttle. Air: Fixed‑wing transfers from Las Vegas (Boulder City) available on select packages.

Insider Tips

Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.

01Good to know

Book the first flight of the day for the calmest air and best chance of on‑schedule departure.

02Be prepared

Request front seats during check‑in; they’re assigned by weight balance, not booking order.

03Local tip

Bring a light jacket

cabin air‑conditioning can feel cool even in summer.

04Save time

Noise‑cancelling headsets have auxiliary jacks; bring a 3.5 mm adapter if you want personal audio.

05Stay connected

Weight over 300 lbs (136 kg) requires purchase of an extra seat

plan accordingly.

Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.

View Planning Guides

Photography Opportunities

  • Wear dark, non‑reflective clothing to reduce window glare.
  • Use a wide‑angle lens (24–35 mm) for sweeping canyon shots.
  • Sit on the left side for best views of the Colorado River on outbound flights.

Quick Information

Hours

Open8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Hours may change. Please call ahead to confirm before you visit.

Best Time to Visit08:00–10:00 or 15:30–17:30 • Mar–May & Sep–Nov for mild weather and calmer winds

ParkingFree customer lot at GCN Airport

FacilitiesEcoStar & A‑Star helicopters with climate control, multilingual audio narration & noise‑reducing headsets, complimentary Tusayan hotel shuttle, gift shop & snack bar in terminal, free Wi‑Fi in terminal, restrooms & baby‑changing facilities, free on‑site parking, ADA‑compliant terminal access and boarding assistance

What to BringCarry a government‑issued photo ID and dress in layers; cabin temperatures are controlled but the canyon floor can be hotter. Cameras and phones are welcome—no bags allowed on board (free lockers provided).

What to WearDress in layers; cabin temperatures are controlled but the canyon floor can be hotter.
Contact Information
3568 Airport Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
You are hereSouth Rim – Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN), Grand Canyon Village

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