Citation I Charter Cost Breakdown
The Cessna Citation I is a Very Light Jet aircraft seating 6 passengers with a cruise speed of 350 kt and 1,200 NM range. Charter rates for the Citation I fall between $2,500 and $4,500 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 I
Estimated total costs based on average Citation I charter rates. Actual pricing varies by operator and availability.
| Route | Flight Time | Est. Cost | Airports |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | 2.8h | $9,800 | TEB→MIA |
| Los Angeles → Las Vegas | 1h | $3,500 | VNY→LAS |
| Chicago → Dallas | 2.3h | $8,050 | PWK→ADS |
| New York → Los Angeles | 5.2h | $18,200 | TEB→VNY |
| Miami → Bahamas | 0.8h | $2,800 | OPF→NAS |
Cost vs Similar Aircraft
How does the Citation I compare to other Very Light Jet options?
| Aircraft | Hourly Rate | Speed | Range | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation I | $2,500–$4,500 | 350 kt | 1,200 NM | 6 |
| HondaJet | $2,500–$4,500 | 422 kt | 1,223 NM | 6 |
| Citation CJ1 | $2,500–$4,500 | 389 kt | 1,300 NM | 6 |
| Phenom 100 | $2,500–$4,500 | 390 kt | 1,178 NM | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions about charter costs
A Cessna Citation I charters at approximately $2,500–$4,500 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 I hourly rate ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on the operator, aircraft age, cabin configuration, and market demand. Peak season rates may be higher.
The Cessna Citation I burns approximately 80 gallons per hour. At current jet fuel prices, fuel alone accounts for roughly $480–$600 per hour of the total charter cost.
The charter rate for a Citation I is the same regardless of passenger count — up to the 6-seat maximum. With a full cabin, the per-person cost drops to as low as $583 per hour per passenger.
A typical Citation I 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 $3,500/hr and a range of 1,200 NM, a $10,500 budget covers approximately 3 hours of flight time on a Citation I — enough for routes like New York to Miami or Chicago to Dallas.
Both the Citation I and HondaJet are Very Light Jet aircraft with similar hourly rates of $2,500–$4,500. 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 I 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 I empty leg availability.
Book 48–72 hours ahead for best Citation I 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 I cruises at 350 knots with a range of 1,200 NM, seating up to 6 passengers. These specs make it optimized for regional and short-haul missions.
There are 10 Cessna Citation I 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 I charter quote and fly.
Request Charter Pricing
Every flight is different. Contact our aviation team for a specific, all-inclusive quote based on your route, dates, and aircraft preference.