Where to Get Helium Balloons in NYC | Chelsea Walk-In Shop
✦ Walk-In Balloon Shop · Helium Balloons · Chelsea, NYC
Where to Get Helium Balloons in NYC: Our Chelsea Walk-In Shop
Need helium balloons in Manhattan today? Walk into Balloons To Go at 236 West 15th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues in Chelsea. We're open Monday through Saturday, one block from the 14th Street subway, and we've been filling balloons for New Yorkers since 1981.
The Balloons To Go team, ready for Halloween. See our Halloween balloon ideas. 🎃
Address
236 W 15th St
New York, NY 10011
Phone
Hours
Mon–Wed: 10 AM–4 PM
Thu–Sat: 10 AM–5 PM
Sun: Pre-arranged orders only
Subway
A, C, E, L, 1, 2, 3 to 14th Street, then one block north
Orders
$50 minimum · Pickup skips the delivery fee
Walk-Ins
Always welcome. Call ahead for big orders.
Heading over now? We're one block north of 14th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues.
Get DirectionsA Real Balloon Shop in the Middle of Manhattan
Search "balloon store near me" in New York and most results are either online-only sellers or party supply chains with a small helium tank behind the counter. Balloons To Go is a dedicated balloon shop. Balloons are all we do, and we've done it from our Chelsea studio for more than 45 years.
That means a large selection of colors, people who know which balloons hold up best for your occasion, and the same team that builds arches and installations for NYC schools, theaters and corporate events. Whether you need one birthday balloon or a carload for a party, you can walk in, pick what you want, and leave with it ready to go.
Pink "HOPE" balloon décor, made in our Chelsea studio for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 🎗️
What You Can Get at Our Walk-In Shop
- Latex helium balloons: classic party balloons in dozens of shades, from bold primaries to soft pastels. Browse our balloon color chart before you come in.
- Helium balloon bouquets: mixed bunches tied with ribbon for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well wishes, office celebrations and "just because."
- Foil number and letter balloons: big milestone numbers like 1, 21, 30 or 50, plus names and words spelled out in foil.
- Specialty finishes: Reflex, Silk and Neon balloons for a luxe or glowing look. These are specialty items and can cost a bit more.
- Larger pieces for pickup: balloon columns and small setups you can collect yourself instead of paying for delivery.
- Custom printed balloons: logos, names and messages printed on balloons. These need production time, so order ahead.
How to Pick Up Helium Balloons in NYC (The Easy Way)
Pick your colors
Look through our color chart or bring a photo of your party theme. We'll help you match it.
Call ahead for bigger orders
Grabbing a few balloons? Just walk in. Need dozens, foil numbers, or a column? Call (212) 989-9338 or send us your order so it's ready when you arrive.
Walk in and pick up
Come by during shop hours. Pickup is the most affordable way to get balloons in NYC because you skip the delivery fee completely.
Get them home safely
Follow our NYC transport tips below so every balloon makes it to the party.
Want it ready when you walk in? Send us your order and we'll have it waiting.
Order Ahead for PickupCarrying Helium Balloons Around NYC: Tips From Our Team
New York is not an easy city to carry a bunch of balloons through. After decades of watching customers walk out our door, this is what we recommend:
- Taxi or rideshare: the easiest option for anything more than a few balloons. Ask for a larger car if you have a big bouquet.
- Subway: very doable for a small bunch. Keep ribbons wrapped around your hand, avoid rush hour, and watch the closing doors.
- Wind: avenues can turn into wind tunnels. Hold balloons low and close to your body, and keep foil balloons on the inside of the bunch.
- Cold weather: helium shrinks in the cold, so balloons can look a little deflated outdoors in winter. They usually fill back out once they warm up inside.
- Heat and sun: never leave balloons in a hot car or direct sunlight. Heat expands helium and can pop latex balloons.
- Sharp edges: keep balloons away from tree branches, scaffolding and anything sharp. NYC sidewalks have plenty of all three.
How Long Do Helium Balloons Last?
Plan your pickup time around this one. Float time depends on the balloon type, the size and the room conditions, but here's a general guide:
| Balloon Type | Typical Float Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard latex (11") | Usually around 8–12 hours | Same-day parties and events |
| Foil / Mylar | Several days, often longer | Gifts, milestone numbers, letters |
| Large latex (16"+) | Longer than standard latex | Statement pieces and centerpieces |
✦ Our timing tip: pick up latex helium balloons on the day of your event, ideally a few hours before guests arrive. Foil balloons can be picked up a day or two early. Not sure? Ask us when you order and we'll tell you the best time to come in.
Celebrating a milestone: our balloon décor for Reading Is Fundamental's 60th anniversary. 🎈
Walk-In Pickup vs. Balloon Delivery in NYC
Can't make it to Chelsea? We also deliver helium balloons across all five boroughs, from Harlem and Midtown to Brooklyn and Queens, with same-day service available for an additional fee. Here's how the two compare:
| Walk-In Pickup | Delivery | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | No delivery fee | Delivery fee added to order |
| Best for | Bouquets, numbers, small orders | Big orders, arches, setups, surprises |
| Setup | You carry and place them | Our team can set up on-site |
| Timing | During shop hours | Scheduled, plus same-day options |
For a full breakdown of costs, read our honest guide to how much balloon decor costs in NYC. For timing on bigger orders, see how far in advance to book.
Your Neighborhood Balloon Shop in Chelsea
We're in the heart of Chelsea, an easy walk or quick ride from much of downtown and Midtown Manhattan. Our regulars come in from:
Planning something bigger than a bouquet? See what we create in Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens, with delivery and setup across NYC.
236 W 15th St, between 7th and 8th Avenues, one block north of the 14th Street station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy helium balloons in Manhattan?
Balloons To Go is a walk-in balloon shop at 236 W 15th St in Chelsea, between 7th and 8th Avenues. We're open Monday through Saturday, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Can I just walk in, or do I need to order ahead?
Walk-ins are welcome for everyday balloons and bouquets. For large orders, foil numbers, columns or custom printed balloons, call (212) 989-9338 or send your order online so it's ready when you arrive.
What are your hours?
Monday to Wednesday 10 AM–4 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10 AM–5 PM. Sundays are for pre-arranged orders only.
Can I get balloons filled with helium at your shop?
Yes, we inflate balloons with helium right here in the shop. If you're bringing in balloons you bought somewhere else, call us first at (212) 989-9338 and we'll tell you what we can fill that day.
Is there a minimum order?
Our minimum order is $50. If you pick up, there's no delivery fee to add.
How long will my helium balloons float?
Standard latex helium balloons usually float for around 8–12 hours, so pick them up on the day of your event. Foil balloons usually last several days or more.
Do you deliver helium balloons in NYC?
Yes. We deliver across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, with same-day delivery available for an additional fee. For urgent orders, call the shop.
What's the closest subway station?
Take the A, C, E, L, 1, 2 or 3 train to 14th Street. We're one block north on 15th Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues.
Come Pick Up Your Balloons in Chelsea
Walk in for a bouquet, order ahead for something bigger, or have us deliver anywhere in NYC. Questions? Call the shop at (212) 989-9338.
Get Directions Order Ahead See More of Our Work★ 4.8 Google Rating · Balloon Council Certified · Women-Owned · Since 1981
✦ More From Our Studio
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Real InstallationReading Is Fundamental's 60th Anniversary
With love & balloons from Chelsea, New York City 🎈
Women-owned. Community-rooted. 45+ years and counting.