A helicopter beats a car when the road leg is long, congested or unpredictable and a small group is travelling. A car suits short hops, bulky luggage, solo travellers and tight budgets. In short, the further the journey and the more your time is worth, the stronger the case for a helicopter.
Charter-A Ltd is a UK private jet and helicopter charter company, and we arrange both kinds of journey, so we have no reason to push one over the other. This guide sets out the trade-offs honestly, using the times we publish on our own pages. If you want the transfer service itself, see our helicopter transfers in London page.
How much time does a helicopter transfer actually save?
The saving depends on how bad the road is, and that is what makes it hard to compare. A helicopter flies a near straight line at a steady speed. A car is at the mercy of the motorway, the time of day and the last few miles into town.
Our own pages give some clear examples. From Luton Airport to Battersea Heliport, the road into central London takes at least 35 minutes, while the helicopter takes about 22 minutes. From Battersea to Farnborough Airport the helicopter takes 12 minutes, against 45 minutes to well over an hour by road depending on traffic on the A3.
| Journey | By helicopter | By road or rail | Source page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luton Airport to Battersea | About 22 minutes | At least 35 minutes | Luton transfer page |
| Battersea to Farnborough Airport | 12 minutes | 45 minutes to over an hour | Flight times page |
| London to Birmingham | 40 minutes | Two to three hours by road | Flight times page |
| London to Manchester | 60 minutes | Over two hours by the fastest train | Flight times page |
| Central London to Goodwood | Under 30 minutes | Two hours by road | Helicopter charter cost page |
Our full table of helicopter flight times from London covers more destinations. All times are approximate and depend on routing, air traffic control and weather.
When is a helicopter clearly the better choice?
The helicopter wins when several of the following apply at once. One factor alone rarely settles it, but three or four together usually do.
- The road leg is long or unpredictable: airport-to-city runs at peak times, or cross-country trips where the motorway decides the schedule.
- You are connecting to a private jet: the helicopter can be positioned next to the jet, so passengers and luggage move across without a terminal.
- You want to land near the destination: a hotel, an estate or a venue, rather than a station or car park.
- Your day has several stops: our charter page notes that you can visit multiple locations in one day.
- There are three to five of you: the cost is shared and the time saved is multiplied.
The jet connection is where a helicopter is most compelling. At Luton, once the private jet arrives at the remote terminal, the helicopter waits beside it for you and your luggage. If you need the detail, our Luton helicopter transfer page explains the arrangement, and the Farnborough equivalent is on our Farnborough helicopter transfers page.
When is a car the more sensible option?
There are plenty of journeys where a car is the right answer, and we would rather say so than sell you a flight you do not need.
- The distance is short. Over a few miles, start-up, boarding and the transfer to and from the heliport can eat the time saved.
- You are travelling alone and cost matters most. Our cost page is direct on this point: for a single traveller, helicopter charter will typically cost more than first class rail.
- You have a lot of luggage. Space in a helicopter is limited and depends on the type. Large cases, sports kit or a full set of luggage for a big family are easier by road.
- Your timing falls outside the heliport hours. Battersea’s standard hours are Monday to Friday 07:30 to 19:30 and weekends and bank holidays 08:00 to 18:00, with extended hours by prior arrangement.
- It is dark and your landing site is not set up for it. Many private sites accept landings only in daylight.
Daylight is the factor people overlook most often in winter. In December the sun sets in London at about 15:55, so a 30-minute flight has to leave by about 15:10. Our free helicopter daylight landing calculator shows the latest take-off for your date.
How do the costs compare?
A car is cheaper in almost every straight comparison of fares. The honest question is what the saved time is worth to you, and whether the cost is shared across several passengers.
Our helicopter charter cost page gives indicative hourly rates: light helicopters for two to three passengers from £900 to £1,500 per flight hour, executive helicopters for four to six passengers from £1,500 to £2,500 per hour, and larger executive helicopters carrying six to eight passengers from approximately £2,500 per hour. They are indicative, not a quote, and we price your actual route, date and numbers.
The page also says that for groups of three to five, helicopter charter can compare favourably once the time saved, the door-to-door convenience and exclusive use of the aircraft are counted. Our quote covers the aircraft, pilot, fuel, route planning and coordination, and we explain any extra fees, such as landing fees, upfront.
Can you combine a helicopter and a car?
Often the best answer is both. A helicopter covers the long middle of the journey, and a car handles the last mile. Battersea Heliport sits close to Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Westminster, all within 10 to 15 minutes by chauffeur, and the services listed for the heliport include chauffeur transfer.
The reverse also works. If you land at an airport by private jet, a helicopter can take you into London while a car collects your larger luggage, which is a sensible split when the aircraft cannot carry everything. Tell us what you are bringing and we will advise on how to divide the load. Our comparison of private jet, helicopter or turboprop covers the wider choice of aircraft.
How do you decide for your own journey?
Ask yourself four questions. How long would the road take on a bad day? Is anyone waiting for you at the other end? How many are travelling, and how much are they carrying? Will it be light when you land?
If the answers point towards a long, uncertain road leg, a small group and modest luggage, the helicopter is usually worth pricing. If they point the other way, take the car and keep the money. In between, ask us for a quote and compare it with your own estimate for the road.
Frequently asked questions
Is a helicopter transfer faster than a car in London?
Usually, yes, on longer or congested journeys. From Luton to Battersea the helicopter takes about 22 minutes against at least 35 minutes by road, and Farnborough is 12 minutes against 45 minutes or more. On very short journeys the saving shrinks, so we price both honestly.
Is a helicopter transfer much more expensive than a car?
Yes, a car is cheaper in most straight comparisons. Our cost page gives indicative rates from £900 to £1,500 per flight hour for light helicopters, and notes that for groups of three to five the time saved can make a helicopter compare favourably. We quote your actual route before you decide.
Can I bring as much luggage by helicopter as by car?
No. Luggage space in a helicopter is limited and depends on the type of aircraft. Soft bags stow best. If you have a lot of luggage, tell us when you enquire and we choose a suitable helicopter, or suggest sending the larger items by car.
Does a helicopter transfer work with a private jet?
Yes. When your private jet arrives, the helicopter can be positioned next to it so you and your luggage move straight across. We use the same handlers as the jet, so the helicopter parks beside it ready for the onward journey.
What if the weather stops the helicopter flying?
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing. We watch the forecast before your flight and talk to you early if the timing looks tight, so you can decide whether to move the departure or arrange a car instead.
Can I book a helicopter at short notice?
Often. Transfers can be arranged at short notice. At Luton, if a helicopter is available, we can have a helicopter and pilot on the way within 30 minutes. For other routes, our charter page recommends 24 to 48 hours, with same-day flights possible depending on availability.
Weighing up a helicopter against the road? Tell us the route and we will price your helicopter transfers in London alongside the alternatives. Use our contact page or call our 24-hour desk on +44 20 7781 8094.
