Owning a helipad in GTA 5 is one of the many luxuries available to players looking to elevate their in-game experience. Whether you’re trying to store helicopters, show off your collection of air vehicles, or simply want a more stylish way to travel across Los Santos, purchasing a helipad is a solid investment. While GTA 5 gives players a wide range of property choices, buying a helipad comes with its own set of steps, requirements, and benefits that players should understand before making the purchase. In this guide, we’ll explain how to buy a helipad in GTA 5 and make the most out of it in both Story Mode and GTA Online.
Where to Buy a Helipad in GTA 5
Story Mode: Purchasing from the Map
In the single-player campaign of GTA 5, the helipad is a purchasable property similar to other assets like the golf course or cab company. To buy a helipad, you’ll need to visit a specific location on the map where it is available for sale.
- Location: The primary helipad available in Story Mode is the Vespucci Helipad, located near the Puerto Del Sol Marina on the western coast of Los Santos.
- Price: Vespucci Helipad costs $419,850 in-game currency.
Only certain characters can purchase the helipad. In Story Mode, you must be playing as Michael or Franklin, as Trevor is not able to buy this specific property. Walk up to the ‘For Sale’ sign at the property while playing as an eligible character and follow the prompt to buy it.
Online Mode: Buying via Maze Bank Foreclosures
In GTA Online, players have a wider range of customization and property options, including the ability to purchase facilities that come with helipads. However, helipads in the traditional sense (like Vespucci Helipad) are not purchasable separately in Online mode.
Instead, you gain access to helipads through other property purchases, such as:
- CEO Offices (with optional rooftop helipads)
- High-end Apartments with roof access
- Nightclubs and Facilities (some offer aerial access)
To buy one of these properties in GTA Online, open your in-game internet browser, go to the Maze Bank Foreclosures or Dynasty 8 Executive website, and choose the property with a helipad option.
Benefits of Owning a Helipad
Helicopter Storage
When you buy the Vespucci Helipad in Story Mode, you gain access to two helipad spots where you can store helicopters. Any helicopter you land there and exit will be automatically saved to that spot, allowing you to retrieve it at any time.
Helicopter Purchases
After owning the helipad, you can purchase helicopters directly from websites like Elitas Travel or Warstock Cache & Carry using your in-game smartphone or computer. The purchased helicopters will be delivered to your helipad automatically.
Fast Travel and Exploration
Owning a helipad allows you to access a helicopter whenever you want, making exploration faster and more flexible. You can avoid heavy traffic, take scenic routes across the city, or reach mission locations quickly.
How to Use the Helipad After Purchase
Saving a Helicopter
After you’ve purchased the helipad, you can fly any helicopter to it and land on one of the marked spots. Exit the aircraft, and it will be stored automatically if there’s an available slot. When you return later, the saved helicopter will be available for immediate use.
Buying Helicopters
With the helipad owned, you can now visit the in-game internet browser:
- Open your phone and go to the internet.
- Visit theElitas TravelorWarstock Cache & Carrywebsite.
- Select a helicopter and complete the purchase.
Once bought, the helicopter will appear on your helipad shortly. Some helicopters may take time to arrive, so give it a few moments before checking again.
Accessing Helicopters
To use a saved helicopter, simply return to your helipad and walk up to the aircraft. Press the appropriate button to enter and fly. Your character will automatically pilot the helicopter as long as you are not under attack or restricted by mission parameters.
Tips for Managing Your Helipad
Keep It Organized
Since you can only store two helicopters at the Vespucci Helipad in Story Mode, make sure you choose which ones you really want to keep. If you land a third helicopter, it will overwrite one of the saved ones.
Watch Out for Damage
If you bring a damaged helicopter to the helipad, it will be saved in that condition. Make sure your aircraft is in good shape before storing it to avoid surprises later when you try to fly it again.
Insurance (GTA Online)
In GTA Online, helicopters stored through hangars or CEO properties can be insured. This means if they get destroyed, you can recover them by calling the insurance company via phone. Make sure you always insure high-value helicopters.
Alternatives to Buying a Helipad
Stealing Helicopters
If you’re short on cash, you can steal helicopters from locations such as hospitals, police stations, or helipads across the map. These won’t be saved unless you own a helipad, but they can be useful for one-time use or exploration.
Using Pegasus
Once you’ve bought a helicopter via the in-game websites, it may be stored through Pegasus Lifestyle Management. In Story Mode and Online, you can call Pegasus to have your aircraft delivered to the nearest helipad. However, these aircraft are not stored at your personal helipad unless you physically land them there.
Saving Up for the Helipad
Story Mode Money Tips
To afford the $419,850 cost in Story Mode, complete main missions, rob stores, or invest in stocks through the BAWSAQ or LCN Exchange. Missions like The Big Score can give you millions, allowing you to buy all properties including the helipad easily.
GTA Online Money Tips
In Online mode, earn money through heists, VIP missions, or CEO work. These are efficient ways to afford properties with helipad functionality.
- Complete Cayo Perico or Diamond Casino heists
- Engage in vehicle warehouse import/export missions
- Run businesses like Nightclubs, Bunkers, or MC operations
Learning how to buy a helipad in GTA 5 can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you’re navigating the story or carving out a criminal empire in GTA Online, having access to air travel and storage adds mobility and style. In Story Mode, the Vespucci Helipad is your go-to destination. In Online, the process is a bit more integrated through other property purchases. Either way, once you have access to your own helicopter pad, the skies of Los Santos are yours to rule.