For short UK trips of up to a couple of hundred nautical miles, a helicopter is usually the better choice because it flies from central London to the doorstep of your destination. A private jet is faster in the air and carries more people, so it is better on longer journeys and for bigger groups.
The two compared
| Helicopter | Private jet | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it lands | Heliports, airfields and approved private sites, including central London | Airports with runways, usually outside cities |
| Door to door | Often quickest on short trips | Quicker in the air, but add transfers to and from the airport |
| Best distances | Short and medium trips, up to a couple of hundred nautical miles | Longer trips |
| Passengers | Up to five to seven on our flights | From a few to a dozen or more, depending on the jet |
| Luggage | Limited by weight; soft bags fit best | More generous |
| Weather | More sensitive to cloud base and wind near the ground | Less sensitive in the air but needs airport conditions |
Where the helicopter wins
- Central London to a racecourse, country house or event venue, where the destination has no airport nearby.
- Journeys where the airport transfer would take longer than the flight, as from central London to Heathrow, Northolt or Biggin Hill.
- Trips with several stops in one day.
See helicopter flight times from London for the times.
Where the jet wins
- Longer journeys, such as London to Scotland or Europe, where speed matters more than the landing site.
- Larger groups or lots of luggage.
- Flights where an airport is close to both ends.
Using both
Many travellers combine the two: a private jet between airports, then a helicopter into central London from the airport. That is what our airport transfers are for. For flights by private jet, see the Charter page and our sister company’s private jet service.
A worked example: London to Manchester
The 145 nautical miles to Manchester Barton take roughly 60 to 80 minutes by helicopter. A jet would be faster once airborne but flies between airports, so you add the journey to the London airport and from the Manchester one. Read the details in London to Manchester by helicopter.
Frequently asked questions
Is a helicopter cheaper than a private jet?
On short trips a helicopter is usually cheaper, because it is a smaller aircraft with lower running costs. On longer trips a jet can be more cost-effective per mile.
Which is faster, a helicopter or a private jet?
A jet is faster in the air, but a helicopter can save time overall on short trips by flying from central London to the destination directly.
How many passengers does a helicopter carry compared with a jet?
On our flights, up to five to seven. Private jets carry from a few passengers to a dozen or more, depending on the aircraft.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many travellers fly a private jet between airports and a helicopter into central London.
For longer journeys by private jet, see private jet charter with Charter-A.
For the airport leg of a jet journey, see chauffeur airport transfers from Executive Global Travel.
Plan your flight
Not sure whether a helicopter suits your trip? Tell us the route and we will advise and reply with a price. Our charter team is available 24 hours a day.