Citation CJ3 Charter Cost Breakdown
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is a Light Jet aircraft seating 9 passengers with a cruise speed of 416 kt and 2,040 NM range. Charter rates for the Citation CJ3 fall between $3,500 and $5,500 per flight hour.
Your total trip cost depends on flight time, positioning, airport fees, and applicable taxes. The hourly rate covers the aircraft, crew, and fuel for your mission.
What's Included in the Price
Included in Hourly Rate
- Aircraft and professional crew (2 pilots)
- Fuel for your route
- Standard insurance coverage
- Basic cabin provisions (water, snacks)
Additional Costs (Billed Separately)
- Federal Excise Tax (FET): 7.5% on domestic US flights
- Positioning fee: If the aircraft must fly to your departure airport
- Landing & ramp fees: Vary by airport ($100–$1,000+)
- Crew overnight: $400–$800 per night if applicable
- Catering: $200–$2,000+ depending on request
- De-icing: $500–$3,000 in winter months
Sample Trip Costs on the Citation CJ3
Estimated total costs based on average Citation CJ3 charter rates. Actual pricing varies by operator and availability.
| Route | Flight Time | Est. Cost | Airports |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | 2.8h | $12,600 | TEB→MIA |
| Los Angeles → Las Vegas | 1h | $4,500 | VNY→LAS |
| Chicago → Dallas | 2.3h | $10,350 | PWK→ADS |
| New York → Los Angeles | 5.2h | $23,400 | TEB→VNY |
| Miami → Bahamas | 0.8h | $3,600 | OPF→NAS |
Cost vs Similar Aircraft
How does the Citation CJ3 compare to other Light Jet options?
| Aircraft | Hourly Rate | Speed | Range | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation CJ3 | $3,500–$5,500 | 416 kt | 2,040 NM | 9 |
| Phenom 300 | $3,500–$5,500 | 453 kt | 2,010 NM | 10 |
| Hawker 400XP | $3,500–$5,500 | 450 kt | 1,500 NM | 8 |
| Learjet 45 | $3,500–$5,500 | 465 kt | 2,120 NM | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions about charter costs
A Cessna Citation CJ3 charters at approximately $3,500–$5,500 per flight hour. Your total trip cost includes flight time, fuel, crew, positioning, and applicable taxes. Contact The Jet Finder for an all-inclusive quote.
The Citation CJ3 hourly rate ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 depending on the operator, aircraft age, cabin configuration, and market demand. Peak season rates may be higher.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 burns approximately 130 gallons per hour. At current jet fuel prices, fuel alone accounts for roughly $780–$975 per hour of the total charter cost.
The charter rate for a Citation CJ3 is the same regardless of passenger count — up to the 9-seat maximum. With a full cabin, the per-person cost drops to as low as $500 per hour per passenger.
A typical Citation CJ3 charter quote includes the aircraft, professional crew (2 pilots), fuel for the mission, and basic cabin provisions. Additional costs include positioning fees, Federal Excise Tax (7.5%), landing fees, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering.
At an average rate of $4,500/hr and a range of 2,040 NM, a $13,500 budget covers approximately 3 hours of flight time on a Citation CJ3 — enough for routes like New York to Miami or Chicago to Dallas.
Both the Citation CJ3 and Phenom 300 are Light Jet aircraft with similar hourly rates of $3,500–$5,500. Actual pricing differences depend on the specific aircraft, operator, and route. The Jet Finder can compare quotes from multiple operators.
Empty leg flights on the Cessna Citation CJ3 are available when aircraft reposition after charter missions. These can offer 25–75% savings off standard rates. Contact The Jet Finder to check current Citation CJ3 empty leg availability.
Book 48–72 hours ahead for best Citation CJ3 availability. Same-day charters are possible but options may be limited. For peak travel dates, 1–2 weeks advance booking is recommended.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 cruises at 416 knots with a range of 2,040 NM, seating up to 9 passengers. These specs make it well-suited for coast-to-coast US flights.
There are 141 Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft in the FAA registry. The Jet Finder has access to charter operators flying this model across the US and internationally.
No membership required. The Jet Finder operates on a per-trip basis with no annual fees, no commitments, and no hidden charges. Request a Citation CJ3 charter quote and fly.
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