Savvy travelers know that the ultimate way to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is by helicopter. Why? Speed, comfort, and price, of course.

Mileage

Many people don't realize that Las Vegas is 120 miles from the West Rim and that it takes a helicopter only 45 minutes to reach it. The South Rim is a different story. It's 270 miles from The Strip and takes a 45-minute airplane flight to Grand Canyon Airport, whereupon you transfer to your helicopter.

West Rim

The West Rim is hugely popular with Las Vegas day-trippers for these reasons: 1) The tour only takes half a day; 2) flights go to the bottom of the Canyon; and 3) it's home to the fabulous Grand Canyon Skywalk. Most West Rim tours include pick up and drop off at your Las Vegas resort hotel, plus a light snack, Champagne toast, or lunch. The best departure time is in the morning, which helps to ensure that you return to Vegas in the early afternoon. It's also smart to leave early in case your flight needs to be rescheduled due to weather.

Grand Canyon West is the only place where you can fly to the bottom of the Canyon, and you can upgrade this package to add a rafting trip down the Colorado River. The other main attraction is the Skywalk. Known as the "Glass Bridge," this horseshoe-shaped structure extends 70 feet beyond the rim, lifting you 4,000 feet the River.

South Rim

The South Rim trip, which includes hotel pick up and drop off, is worth the extra effort because it's home to the Park's world-famous views. The flight from Las Vegas lands at Grand Canyon Airport, where you'll transfer to your to your helicopter. There aren't any bottom-landing heli tours here. Instead, you will get fantastic aerial views of Hermit's Rest, Mather Point, Dragoon Corridor, the North Rim and more. Upgrades include an airplane flight to Glen Canyon Dam for a day of incredible river rafting.

Comfort

Most Las Vegas tour companies are now flying EcoStar helicopters, an aircraft built from the ground up for sightseeing. To begin with, cabin size is 25 percent larger than a conventional helicopter's. This extra space allows these helis to be designed with stadium-style seats and 180-degree wraparound windows that guarantee every seat is the best in the house. Temperatures at both rims can be extreme but are no match for the EcoStar's climate-control system. Further, these helicopters are quiet due to being equipped with a Fenestron tail rotor that has proven to reduce noise by up to 50 percent. The fixed-wing Vistaliner airplane, which travelers from Las Vegas must fly to reach the South Rim, are also modified for sightseeing, featuring over-sized windows, plush seats, and select aerodynamics that deliver a smooth, silent flight.

Price

The biggest helicopter companies in the U.S. operate in Las Vegas, including Papillon, Maverick, and Sundance. This means there are plenty of tours to the Grand Canyon West and the South Rim from which to choose. The market is competitive, too, and you are bound to find some great deals. Because it's the largest operator, Papillon Helicopters offers the best prices and promotions. Their best West Rim tour is the Grand Celebration and their top South Rim one is the Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. Maverick and Sundance have positioned themselves as high-end providers of tours and their prices are higher than Papillon's. That said, Maverick offers the most custom trips and wedding packages. Tour prices for Grand Canyon West and the South Rim are similar, and range from $250 to $425-plus per person. Upgrades, such as river rafting, horseback riding, and ATV trail riding, increase your price per person and are best booked ahead of time as adding these upgrades during the tour will be sold at a premium. To get rock-bottom price on these tours, book online.

Summary

Las Vegas helicopters are a quick and satisfying way to visit the Grand Canyon. Flights take 45 minutes by heli to Grand Canyon West; the South Rim requires a 45-minute airplane flight before you transfer to your helicopter. Expect to spend a half-day on these trips. The aircraft used on these routes offer plenty of comfort: Helicopters are climate-controlled, and feature stadium-style seating and wraparound windows. The airplane on the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon portion of the South Rim trip is similarly equipped. Prices for West Rim and South Rim air tours are similar, but Papillon Helicopter's trips are the cheapest, especially if purchased on the company's website. The only thing left to consider when taking a Las Vegas helicopter ride is the sights and activities. Decide this and you are on your way to an incredible adventure.