Charter route · Southeast
Chicago → Charleston
KPWK → KCHS · 668 nm · 1h 58m typical block · $19,500–$27,500 midsize jet
668 nm
Distance
1h 58m
Block time (midsize jet)
$19,500–$27,500
Typical one-way estimate
6
Operators at the endpoints
The Chicago–Charleston run covers 668 nautical miles, typically flown on a midsize jet in about 1h 58m block time from KPWK to KCHS.
Charleston peaks Mar–May, Sep–Nov — strongest demand around spring and fall. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in season; slots and ramp space at KCHS tighten around holidays and major events.
Cost by aircraft class
| Class | Typical aircraft | Seats | Block | One-way est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 | 6–9 | 2h 50m | $8,500–$12,000 |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 4–7 | 2h 02m | $14,000–$20,000 |
| Midsize JetTypical | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | 1h 58m | $19,500–$27,500 |
| Super-Midsize Jet | Citation Longitude, Challenger 350 | 8–12 | 1h 53m | $22,500–$31,500 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G550, Global 6000 | 12–19 | 1h 51m | $31,500–$44,000 |
Estimates only — class rate card × block time on great-circle distance +8% routing, the same math as the cost estimator. Real quotes vary with dates, positioning, and demand.
Airport options
Chicago, IL
- Chicago Executive AirportPrimaryKPWK
- Chicago Midway International AirportKMDW
- Dupage AirportKDPA
- Waukegan National AirportKUGN
Nearby alternates
Chicago destination guide →Rated operators on this route
Operators based at either end fly it without positioning an aircraft first — often the sharpest quotes.
04 / Answers
Chicago to Charleston: what fliers ask
How long is the flight from Chicago to Charleston?
The trip covers about 668 nautical miles. Plan on roughly 1h 58m block time on a midsize jet — a light jet runs about 2h 02m, a heavy jet about 1h 51m. Block time includes taxi and climb, not just cruise.
How much does a private jet from Chicago to Charleston cost?
One-way estimates run $19,500–$27,500 on a midsize jet, the class most travelers book at this distance. Across the whole rate card the spread is $8,500 (turboprop) to $44,000 (heavy jet). Real quotes move with dates, positioning, and demand.
Which airports do private jets use between Chicago and Charleston?
Departures typically use KPWK, KMDW, KDPA, KUGN; arrivals use KCHS. When KCHS is slot-restricted or weathered in, nearby alternates include KNBC, KHXD, KOGB, KSSC.
What size aircraft is right for Chicago to Charleston?
At 668 nm, most charters book a midsize jet (Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR, 7–9 seats). Larger cabins fly it faster with more room; smaller classes trade comfort for price.
Are there empty-leg flights from Chicago to Charleston?
Empty legs on this route are posted by operators as repositioning flights come up — they clear in hours, not days. Watch the empty-legs board or set an alert to catch the next one.