How Much Does Jet Fuel Cost for Private Jets?

Understanding Jet Fuel Costs in Private Jet Travel

One of the most common questions about private jet travel is how much jet fuel costs. As a trusted charter provider, Global Charter knows that fuel pricing plays a key role in flight planning and total travel cost.

As of September 2025, jet fuel averages $6.00–$6.70 per gallon globally. In the U.S., it’s around $6.25 per gallon, while in the U.K., it’s about $6.85 per gallon (£3.20 per liter). Wholesale prices hover near $89–$90 per barrel, though retail FBO prices include markups for handling, taxes, and location. These rates provide a helpful benchmark, but what do they actually mean when operating a private jet?

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Key Takeaways:

• Jet fuel for private jets currently averages $6.00–$6.70 per gallon globally.
• Fuel consumption ranges from 60–90 gallons per hour for light jets up to 400–600 gallons per hour for long-range jets.
• Hourly fuel costs range from $120–$190 for  light jets to $850–$1,280 for long-range aircraft.
• Fuel prices fluctuate based on location, seasonal demand, global oil markets, and local taxes.
• Choosing the right aircraft size and strategic refuelling locations can reduce fuel costs by up to 70%.

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How Much is Jet Fuel for a Private Jet Per Hour?

Unlike commercial airlines, where fuel costs are distributed among many passengers, charter flights carry only a small group of travelers. As a result, fuel use per hour becomes a key factor in determining the hourly cost of a private jet hire.

The amount of fuel burned per hour varies significantly depending on the size and class of the aircraft. A very light jet like the Eclipse 500 burns around 70 gallons per hour, which at current prices results in approximately $438 per hour in fuel cost. At the other end of the range, a large cabin jet such as the Gulfstream G550 can burn between 447 and 500 gallons per hour, resulting in a fuel cost between $2,794 and $3,125 per hour.

Midsize jets like the Citation XLS Plus typically burn around 210 gallons per hour, costing close to $1,313 per hour. Super midsize jets such as the Challenger 350 use approximately 300 gallons an hour, which translates to about $1,875 in hourly fuel cost.

Private Jet Fuel Cost Per Hour by Aircraft Category

Here’s a breakdown of average hourly fuel costs by aircraft class:

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These ranges reflect averages. Actual consumption may vary slightly based on altitude, speed, weight, and weather conditions.

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How Much Fuel Do Private Jets Burn Per Hour?

Fuel consumption varies by aircraft type, but average rates offer a helpful guide for planning. The Phenom 300 burns about 140 gallons per hour, while the Citation XLS Plus uses around 210 gallons. The Challenger 350 consumes roughly 300 gallons, making it efficient for longer domestic routes.

For long range travel, the Gulfstream G550 typically burns 447 gallons per hour, and the Dassault Falcon 8X can use up to 490 gallons. The Global 6000 consumes approximately 478 gallons per hour, while the Citation X+ burns about 380 gallons hourly. Actual burn may differ slightly depending on flight conditions and passenger load.

Understanding these consumption rates helps estimate total fuel costs for any flight. A two-hour flight in a midsize jet consuming 210 gallons per hour would use 420 gallons total, costing approximately $2,625 in fuel at current prices.

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Fuel Use on Typical Charter Flights

To better understand real-world costs, let us look at two common charter flight routes.

A New York to Miami flight covers approximately 1,100 nautical miles and takes between two and a half to three hours, depending on the aircraft type:

• A light jet would consume around 1,200 gallons, which would cost approximately $2,500
• A midsize jet might use 2,200 gallons, totaling around $4,700 in fuel expenses
• A large cabin jet could burn as much as 4,000 gallons, which equals about $8,600

For a longer international route such as New York to London, an ultra long range jet like the Falcon 8X may use between 5,500 and 6,500 gallons of fuel. At a rate of $2.14 per gallon, the total cost for fuel alone ranges from $11,700 to $13,900.

What Affects the Cost of Private Jet Fuel

• Location: Fuel prices vary widely depending on the airport. Major hubs often offer competitive rates due to high volumes and supplier competition, while remote airports and island destinations are more expensive because of transportation and storage limitations.
• Seasonal Demand: Prices fluctuate throughout the year. Summer, holiday periods, and spring break typically see higher costs due to increased private travel, while winter months generally bring lower fuel prices.
• Oil Market Conditions: Jet fuel is refined from petroleum, so global oil prices directly influence costs. Geopolitical events, refinery maintenance, or supply chain disruptions can create sudden price changes.
• Taxes and Fees: Federal, state, local, and international taxes and surcharges add to the base fuel cost. In the United States, the federal excise tax is 0.244 dollars per gallon, while international duties vary by country.

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Strategies to Reduce Private Jet Fuel Costs

One of the most effective ways to manage fuel costs is selecting the right aircraft for each trip. A midsize jet burns 40 to 50 percent less fuel than a large cabin jet on routes under 1500 nautical miles, while a light jet can cut consumption by 60 to 70 percent on flights under 500 miles. Strategic fuel stops also make a difference, as prices vary widely between airports. Choosing lower cost refueling locations and using planning software to balance savings with flight time can generate substantial reductions. Managing weight adds further efficiency, since every 100 pounds increases fuel burn by about 1 to 2 percent. Reducing excess baggage, limiting catering, and distributing passenger weight properly all help minimize unnecessary consumption.

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Flexibility and flight optimization provide additional opportunities to lower expenses. Flying outside peak periods, using secondary airports, or adjusting departure schedules often results in more competitive pricing. Working with air traffic control to request direct routings, efficient altitudes, and continuous descent approaches also improves fuel efficiency. Together, these strategies ensure private jet travelers control costs without compromising comfort or convenience.

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Fly Smarter and Greener with Global Charter

At Global Charter we are dedicated to making private jet travel more sustainable. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying the luxury and convenience of private aviation by exploring Global Charter’s Carbon Offset Program. If you are interested in eco friendly options check out our blog on the most fuel efficient private jets. Experience greener travel without sacrificing comfort or style. To deepen your understanding of the fuels that power private jets visit our detailed guide on the types of jet fuel. Stay informed and make choices that reflect your values and travel needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Jet Fuel Costs

How much does it cost to fill a private jet?

‍A light jet with a 250 gallon tank costs around 1563 dollars.A midsize jet with a 500 gallon tank costs about 3125 dollars.A large cabin jet with a 1200 gallon tank costs roughly 7500 dollars.An ultra long range jet with a 3000 gallon tank can exceed 18750 dollars.

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Why is jet fuel more expensive than car gasoline?

Aviation fuel requires stricter refining and testing.
Private operators purchase smaller volumes and do not qualify for bulk airline discounts.
Fixed base operators add handling, storage, and service fees.
Airports with premium locations often charge more due to higher operating costs and limited competition.

At present, jet fuel averages 6.25 dollars per gallon, which is about 70 to 80 percent higher than automotive gasoline that sells for 3.50 to 4.00 dollars per gallon.

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What are the typical fuel costs for a two hour flight?

A light jet consumes 280 to 520 gallons, costing between 1750 and 3250 dollars.
A midsize jet consumes 400 to 700 gallons, costing between 2500 and 4375 dollars.
A large cabin jet consumes 800 to 1200 gallons, costing between 5000 and 7500 dollars.

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What about Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is increasingly available at major airports. It costs about 8.86 dollars per gallon, which is roughly 40 percent more than conventional fuel, but it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent.

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Plan Your Flight with Confidence

Jet fuel costs are a key factor in private jet pricing and trip planning. Global Charter provides access to a global fleet for any journey whether short regional flights or complex international trips. We manage every detail from aircraft selection to flight logistics and fuel transparency so you can focus on your destination.

Request a quote today to get a custom estimate and learn how fuel costs impact your private jet charter.