Private Jet Charter Cost Calculator
This private jet charter cost calculator gives an indicative price from typical hourly rates: a light jet costs roughly £2,440 – £3,650 per flight hour, so a return trip of two hours each way for four people comes to about £10,900 – £16,200 including fees and Air Passenger Duty.
Prices vary with the operator, aircraft age, season and whether the jet has to fly empty to collect you.
- Light jet£2,440 – £3,650/hr
- Midsize jet£3,650 – £5,650/hr
- Heavy jet£6,960 – £11,310/hr
Updated November 2026 · Uses 2026/27 APD rates
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How much does a private jet cost per hour?
| Aircraft class | Seats | Typical hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Turboprop or very light jet | 2 – 6 | £1,570 – £2,440 |
| Light jet | 4 – 7 | £2,440 – £3,650 |
| Midsize jet | 6 – 9 | £3,650 – £5,650 |
| Super-midsize jet | 8 – 10 | £5,220 – £7,400 |
| Heavy or large-cabin jet | 10 – 16 | £6,960 – £11,310+ |
These are market planning ranges from mid-2026, published in euros and converted at about £0.87 per euro. A London to Nice flight in a light or midsize jet was estimated at around €7,000 – €10,500 one way. Operators bill “block time” from leaving the stand to arriving at the gate, and many apply a daily minimum of about two hours.
What adds to the cost of a charter
- Positioning: if the aircraft is not based at your departure airport, you usually pay for it to fly there and back empty.
- One-way trips: the jet often has to return empty, so a one-way flight can cost nearly as much as a return.
- Airport and handling fees: landing, parking and ground handling charges vary widely between airports.
- Crew overnight costs: hotels and allowances if the crew waits for you away from base.
- Winter de-icing: can add several hundred euros per departure.
- Fuel surcharges and premium catering.
Air Passenger Duty on private jets 2026/27
| Destination band | Standard rate | Higher rate |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | £16 | £142 |
| Band A (up to 2,000 miles) | £32 | £142 |
| Band B (2,001 – 5,500 miles) | £244 | £1,097 |
| Band C (over 5,500 miles) | £253 | £1,141 |
APD is charged per passenger on flights departing the UK. From April 2026 the higher rate applies to aircraft of 20 tonnes or more with fewer than 19 seats. HMRC has confirmed that from 1 April 2027 the higher rate will also cover private jets above 5.7 tonnes, which takes in most light and midsize jets.
How to reduce private jet charter costs
- Look for empty legs: one-way repositioning flights sold at a discount, with less flexibility on timing.
- Choose an operator based near your departure airport to avoid positioning costs.
- Pick the smallest aircraft that suits your group, luggage and range.
- Compare quotes on the same aircraft type and check what fees are included.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a private jet in the UK?
Typical rates run from about £1,570 an hour for a turboprop to over £11,000 an hour for a heavy jet. A two-hour return trip in a light jet costs roughly £10,900 – £16,200 with fees and APD.
How much is a private jet from London to Nice?
A light or midsize jet was estimated at around €7,000 – €10,500 one way in 2026, before any empty return or extra fees.
Is a one-way private jet cheaper?
Not always. If the jet has to fly back empty you may be charged for both legs. Empty-leg deals are the main way to get a cheaper one-way flight.
Do you pay Air Passenger Duty on a private jet?
Yes, on departures from the UK. It is £32 per passenger for flights up to 2,000 miles at the standard rate, or £142 at the higher rate for large private jets.
Sources and method
We use official UK guidance and recognised formulas, and test each calculator against worked examples. Results are estimates to help you plan, not professional advice. See how we work.