500 Charter Cost Breakdown
The Eclipse 500 is a Very Light Jet aircraft seating 4 passengers with a cruise speed of 370 kt and 1,125 NM range. Charter rates for the 500 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 500
Estimated total costs based on average 500 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 500 compare to other Very Light Jet options?
| Aircraft | Hourly Rate | Speed | Range | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $2,500–$4,500 | 370 kt | 1,125 NM | 4 |
| 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 Eclipse 500 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 500 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 Eclipse 500 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 500 is the same regardless of passenger count — up to the 4-seat maximum. With a full cabin, the per-person cost drops to as low as $875 per hour per passenger.
A typical 500 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 1,125 NM, a $10,500 budget covers approximately 3 hours of flight time on a 500 — enough for routes like New York to Miami or Chicago to Dallas.
Both the 500 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 Eclipse 500 are available when aircraft reposition after charter missions. These can offer 25–75% savings off standard rates. Contact The Jet Finder to check current 500 empty leg availability.
Book 48–72 hours ahead for best 500 availability. Same-day charters are possible but options may be limited. For peak travel dates, 1–2 weeks advance booking is recommended.
The Eclipse 500 cruises at 370 knots with a range of 1,125 NM, seating up to 4 passengers. These specs make it optimized for regional and short-haul missions.
There are 6 Eclipse 500 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 500 charter quote and fly.
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Every flight is different. Contact our aviation team for a specific, all-inclusive quote based on your route, dates, and aircraft preference.