Charter route · Southeast
Chicago → Tampa
KPWK → KTPA · 888 nm · 2h 30m typical block · $25,000–$35,000 midsize jet
888 nm
Distance
2h 30m
Block time (midsize jet)
$25,000–$35,000
Typical one-way estimate
12
Operators at the endpoints
The Chicago–Tampa run covers 888 nautical miles, typically flown on a midsize jet in about 2h 30m block time from KPWK to KTPA.
Tampa peaks Year-round — strongest demand around winter and spring and summer and fall. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in season; slots and ramp space at KTPA 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 | 3h 39m | $11,000–$15,500 |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 4–7 | 2h 35m | $18,000–$25,500 |
| Midsize JetTypical | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | 2h 30m | $25,000–$35,000 |
| Super-Midsize Jet | Citation Longitude, Challenger 350 | 8–12 | 2h 23m | $28,500–$40,000 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G550, Global 6000 | 12–19 | 2h 21m | $40,000–$56,000 |
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
Rated operators on this route
Operators based at either end fly it without positioning an aircraft first — often the sharpest quotes.
Based near Chicago
04 / Answers
Chicago to Tampa: what fliers ask
How long is the flight from Chicago to Tampa?
The trip covers about 888 nautical miles. Plan on roughly 2h 30m block time on a midsize jet — a light jet runs about 2h 35m, a heavy jet about 2h 21m. Block time includes taxi and climb, not just cruise.
How much does a private jet from Chicago to Tampa cost?
One-way estimates run $25,000–$35,000 on a midsize jet, the class most travelers book at this distance. Across the whole rate card the spread is $11,000 (turboprop) to $56,000 (heavy jet). Real quotes move with dates, positioning, and demand.
Which airports do private jets use between Chicago and Tampa?
Departures typically use KPWK, KMDW, KDPA, KUGN; arrivals use KTPA, KPIE. When KTPA is slot-restricted or weathered in, nearby alternates include KMCF, KLAL, KSRQ, KISM.
What size aircraft is right for Chicago to Tampa?
At 888 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 Tampa?
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.