A light jet does this nonstop.
On a typical day you're looking at about $16,000 to $21,500 one way in a light jet, with 2 hr 55 min in the air between Midway and Opa-locka. The rest of this page covers what moves that number, which airports to use at each end and the trade-offs between jet sizes.
How much does a private jet from Chicago to Miami cost?
Charter is priced per aircraft. Four people or one, the number on the quote doesn't change.
| Jet size | Typical aircraft | Seats | One way | Per person, 6 flying |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light jetUsual pick | Phenom 300, Citation CJ3 | 6–7 | $16,000–$21,500 | from about $2,700 |
| Midsize jet | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60 | 7–8 | $18,000–$23,000 | from about $3,000 |
| Super-midsize jet | Challenger 350, Gulfstream G280 | 8–9 | $21,000–$27,000 | from about $3,500 |
| Heavy jet | Gulfstream G450, Falcon 2000 | 10–14 | $25,500–$34,500 | from about $4,200 |
Ranges for 2026 with typical fees. The quote you get will move with your date and with how many aircraft are free nearby.
Check the real price for your date
What moves the price
The date comes first. Art Basel Miami Beach in early December is the most expensive week of the year to fly in.
Then positioning: if the closest available jet is parked somewhere else, the time it takes to reach Midway ends up on your bill.
Winter weekends are the peak, as people escape the Chicago cold.
What isn't in the hourly rate
What tends to appear on the final invoice:
- Airport and private terminal charges at both ends (MDW and OPF).
- De-icing in winter at Midway. Worth asking about if you fly between December and March.
- If the jet stays in Miami for your return, you pay for the crew's hotel and meals.
Simplest fix: ask for an all-in price in writing. Every fee is explained in our guide to charter fees.
How long is the flight?
These are typical times in calm air between Midway and Opa-locka. Wind and air traffic can move them either way.
| Jet size | Time in the air | Nonstop? |
|---|---|---|
| Light jet | about 2 hr 55 min | Yes |
| Midsize jet | about 2 hr 45 min | Yes |
| Super-midsize jet | about 2 hr 40 min | Yes |
| Heavy jet | about 2 hr 35 min | Yes |
1,177 miles (1,023 nautical miles) between Midway and Opa-locka, in a straight line.
Which airports to use
Leaving Chicago
Most flights leave from Midway (MDW), about 9 miles from the Loop. Other options: Chicago Executive (PWK).
Arriving in Miami
- Opa-locka (OPF), about 12 miles from Miami Beach in a straight line. Where most private traffic into Miami goes. Customs available for international legs.
- Miami Executive (TMB), about 21 miles from Miami Beach in a straight line. Southwest of the city. Closest option for Coral Gables, Pinecrest and Kendall.
Which jet do you need?
Most people book a light jet here. A midsize mainly buys you headroom and space for bulky luggage.
Good to know on this route
- Opa-locka is the usual arrival for Miami Beach and downtown.
- In winter, de-icing at Midway can add time and cost on the departure.
- The winter season runs roughly November to April.
Ways to bring the price down
- Book the return together: a round trip on the same aircraft is often cheaper than two one-way flights.
- Move by a day: shifting just one day away from a holiday or event often lowers the quote.
- Look for empty legs: repositioning flights sold at a discount. The timing is fixed and they can disappear at short notice.
- Fly midweek: Fridays and Sundays are the busiest days, so a Tuesday or Wednesday departure often costs less.
New to charter? The step-by-step booking guide explains what to send, what to check and when to book for Miami.
Get a quote for Chicago to Miami
No cost, no obligation. A charter partner can send you actual aircraft and an all-in price.
Questions
How much is a private jet from Chicago to Miami?
About $16,000 to $21,500 one way in a light jet. Midsize jet: $18,000 to $23,000. Super-midsize jet: $21,000 to $27,000. Heavy jet: $25,500 to $34,500. Dates, positioning and fees decide where you land in the range.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Miami?
About 2 hr 55 min in a light jet, airport to airport, for 1,177 miles.
Which airports do private jets use for Chicago to Miami?
Most flights leave Midway (MDW) and land at Opa-locka (OPF). Alternatives include Chicago Executive (PWK), Miami Executive (TMB).
Can I find an empty leg on this route?
It happens, especially in busy seasons. An empty leg is a one-way repositioning flight sold at a discount; the catch is that you fly on its schedule, not yours.
How do I know the operator is safe?
The operator should hold an FAA Part 135 certificate. Many also carry ARGUS or Wyvern ratings, which are worth asking for.
Other routes
How we estimate prices
We estimate time from the distance and typical cruise speeds, and price from all-in hourly ranges checked against published charter prices. It's a guide, not an offer. The details are on the calculator page.