What Is the Average Cost of a Hot Air Balloon Ride?
Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your imaginary seatbelts and prepare yourself for a ride hot air balloon balloon ride. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “A hot air balloon? Isn’t that just a fancy basket attached to an oversized picnic blanket?”
Well, you’re not entirely wrong. But let me assure you, this isn’t your grandma’s picnic. As you ascend into the clouds, you’ll feel like a bird, a cloud, or maybe just really tall.
So come, experience the buoyant magic of a hot air balloon ride. Because life is too short to keep both feet on the ground all the time.
Have you ever been amazed by the magical piece that can carry you to the heights to see the picturesque views? Have you ever thought of riding a hot air balloon, but your budget restricted you? Recently, the popularity of hot air balloons has soared, and so is their cost of riding.
On average, a hot air balloon ride that lasts for about two hours will cost $250 to $375 for one person. The prices usually stay between $250 to $300 per person. However, the cost of riding a hot air balloon varies from location to location.
Whenever the market price for something goes up, you can certainly find some ways to lower the price. You can take advantage of group deals, for instance, Groupon, if you are riding in groups. It will provide you with a discount on the overall price of a hot air balloon ride.
Things You Should Know Before You Go on A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Riding a hot air balloon without knowing the average cost of a ride is not a smart choice. Before you go and start looking for the actual price of a hot air balloon, there are certain things you should know about the hot air balloon ride.
Your first step should be to choose the right company. With so many options, you might get confused as to which company is the best for a hot air balloon ride. As you go through this article, you will get every ounce of information you require to know about a hot air balloon ride’s average cost.
Choosing the Right Company
What is the first thing you would do while looking for a hot air balloon company? Search for their website, right?
An interactive and informative website can provide ample information about the company and its business. If a company doesn’t have a website, you cannot identify whether it is trustworthy or not.
Once you have found an authentic website, look for testimonials or reviews from customers or independent sources. The reviews could also be from a travel agency or Google Reviews.
On most top hot-air balloon companies, you can find outstanding reviews and 5-star ratings. However, you should be careful of the company that has several negative reviews.
Your next step should be to contact the company and clear all your queries. After that, you can proceed to the final step which is to make a purchase. You must keep in mind that prices vary for different companies and locations. Your location might have a higher cost for a hot air balloon ride.
The last and the very important thing you should know about is their refund policy. There are chances that your hot air balloon ride can get canceled. It should be easy to reschedule your flight or get a refund.
Now that you have purchased the flight in a hot air balloon, you should prepare for your flight day.
So, first, let us look at our selected 31 best hot air balloon companies to help you make the decision.
1. Napa Valley Balloons – Cost $299+
Among the most popular hot spots for a hot air balloon ride, Napa Valley Balloons has a long history of excellence. Suppose you have come to California, where you have tried and tested the food and the wine. You just cannot go without experiencing a hot air balloon ride with your loved ones.
The basic price for one passenger is $299, but you can also explore other buying options before purchasing. You have a variety of options to choose from, including bike tours at $398, wine tours at $349 and private balloon flights at $2,200, and so many other options.
That is the reason Napa Valley Balloons ranked number one on Tripadvisor as the best hot air balloon ride company in California.
2. U-Ken-Do Ballooning – Cost $275+
Based in Northern Vermont, the hot air balloon takes flight over the beautiful Lake Champlain. You can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain from the air. Take your camera along with you and capture the beautiful moments.
For an adult, the base cost is $275 for a hot air balloon ride carrying four passengers. If you are traveling in groups, you can be at an advantage. The company offers a discount for bigger groups. For a group of 5 to 8 people, you can pay about $1325 to enjoy the ride for half an hour.
3. Sonoma Ballooning Adventures – Cost $275+
What else can make your visit to a beautiful country like Sonoma Wine more exciting? For obvious reasons, a hot air balloon ride. Besides enjoying the delicious wine, take a hot air balloon ride, and experience the exhilarating adventure.
The base cost for a person is $275. This is the standard package; however, you are offered several other options to choose from as per your preference. You can choose the Charlie’s Acres and Vegan Wine tour at $424 for an informative and thrilling experience.
No one can outmatch the world-class service that Sonoma Ballooning Adventures provides. If you ever plan to fly to this wine country, this hot air balloon ride is worth a try.
4. Lake Tahoe Balloons – Cost $399+
What if you get a 2-in-1 package with a hot air balloon ride? Confused? That’s okay, we will explain. If you take a hot air balloon flight with Lake Tahoe Balloons, you will get to end your flight by landing on a boat. Isn’t it cool?
You should be prepared to be amazed by their hospitality. This company is not among the average hot air balloon companies, so be assured to enjoy the classic breath-taking views from the air.
The cost for their Classic Tahoe flight starts at $399 per person. They also offer group charter rides, which can accommodate about forty passengers.
5. Up And Away Ballooning – Cost $299+
If you have a height phobia, then hot air balloon rides might become scary instead of exciting. If the height is the problem, they will accompany you with the flight. All in all, safety is their top priority as they employ experienced and talented pilots.
The cost for their Classic Flight starts at $299 per person. You can also choose their private flight air balloons to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones at $2200.
This is perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or marriage proposals. Apart from that, they also offer some unique brew and bike packages. You can look for the prices on their website.
6. Calistoga Balloons – Cost $275+
In competition with Napa Valley Balloons, Calistoga Balloons have come a long way to prove their ability to offer excellent ride service. You can find everything from great reviews to happy customers to excellent advertising on their website.
The average cost for the hot air balloon ride at Calistoga balloons starts at $275. You can also explore exciting and unique packages on their website. If you would like to have an excellent time in the air, Calistoga balloons aim to provide just that.
7. Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, Inc. & Barnstormer Aero – Cost $275+
With excellent reviews, full-time flying, and years of experience, Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, Inc. & Barnstormer Aero is the oldest and locally owned company. The company is based in Maryland.
Have you ever wondered how old a person can fly in a hot air balloon? Once, a 99-year older person, for the first time, flew on Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, Inc. & Barnstormer Aero. You can comprehend how the company prioritizes the safety of its customers.
Among the various packages, you can go for a champagne charter flight at $275 for one passenger or a special half an hour flight at $175 for one passenger. You are assured to enjoy the picturesque and panoramic views in the air.
8. Yolo Ballooning Adventures – Cost $299+
Yolo here doesn’t mean “you only live once,” but Yolo is, in fact, a very beautiful place in California. Yolo Ballooning Adventures was established to provide a personalized and unique experience to display the beauty of the Yolo country from the air.
In terms of customer service, Yolo Ballooning Adventures stand out among the rest of the companies. You can choose from their post-flight sparkling ciders of champagne and pre-flight beverages. Moreover, you can get your pictures clicked at just $15.
If you find them lacking in options, the breath-taking views and excellent service make up for that.
9. Big Red Balloon – $200pp+
The Journey
Your hot air balloon ride costs $200 per person (up to 4 people) and includes all ground transportation to and from the launch and landing locations aboard our vehicle, a customary champagne toast, and a full sit-down breakfast.
Weight Restrictions: While there is considerable flexibility, the maximum combined passenger weights per couple should not exceed 400 lbs. (181 kg/28.5 stones) or for groups of four, 750 lbs. (340 kg/53.6 stones). If your two people weigh more than 400 pounds, you must book a special sweetheart flight.
For groups of five or more, an extra fee of $100 will be charged for each additional balloon needed to handle your group’s size.
Pregnancy: We urge you to speak with your group’s leader if you or any members are expecting.
10. Rainbow Ryders – Cost $199+
From the great reviews to amazing flights to the beautiful location, Rainbow Ryders can offer everything you need. You can find Rainbow Ryders at several places in Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona.
The starting price for a hot air balloon ride at Rainbow Ryders is just $199 per passenger. For more flying options, you can visit their website and check their packages. You will not return disappointed if you choose them.
11. Adventure Balloon Rides – Cost $299+
Since 1975, Adventure Balloon Rides have been ruling the industry of hot air ballooning. They are the most valued, established, and trusted hot air balloon ride companies across the world. The pilots are experienced and the most talented in the industry.
Competing with Napa Valley in terms of diverse packages, they also offer several options to choose from. You can select from the regular flight that lasts for about 45 minutes to the Private charter flight that lasts for about 75 minutes as per your preference.
Flying in Temecula, CA, you will have the best time of your life in the air with Adventure Balloon Rides.
12. Enchanted Balloon Tours – Cost $375+
What is more enticing than to enjoy the sunrise and sunsets in the air while riding in a hot air balloon? Enchanted Balloon Tours will surely make you feel enchanted with their safe and customer-friendly rides. This one is a smaller hot air balloon ride company based in southern New York State.
You are provided with three packages. The base cost for an adult starts at $375 on a balloon flight for one hour. Enjoy the enchanted hot air balloon ride while hearing the crazy and unique experience from the pilots and crew itself.
13. Black Hills Balloons – Cost $375
You cannot always visit every place when you are traveling to the United States. One such place is Black Hills, South Dakota; it is one of the hidden gems in the United States. And what’s more adventurous than viewing the place from the air?
The pricing for a single rider for a hot air balloon starts at $375. Although it’s a bit expensive, it is worth a try. You will never forget the experience ever in your lifetime.
14. Orlando Balloon Rides – Cost $199+
If you are traveling with family, Orlando Balloon Rides is your best choice. This is one of the affordable hot balloon ride companies you can find in the United States. Even the kids between the ages of 6-14 can enjoy the ride safely.
Orlando Balloon Rides also organizes the events. No matter what the occasion is, Orlando Balloon Rides got everything covered for you. They can accommodate large groups easily.
Starting at $199 for an adult and $125 for a child between 6-14 age, you can also discover other package options on their website.
15. LANCASTER BALLOON RIDES – Cost $275+
With the United States Hot Air Balloon Team, you have the options to choose from the different scenic and historic locations. The company offers a ride from Gettysburg to Lancaster to all over the east coast. However, the prices will vary for different locations.
The base cost for a hot air balloon ride is $275 for one person. Additionally, you can select from the private flights and group flights according to your needs. If you are looking to enjoy a more romantic experience, there are numerous options.
16. Taos Balloon Rides – Cost $300
Another interesting place to visit in New Mexico after Albuquerque is Taos. You can enjoy the beautiful views of this place with Taos Balloon Rides. The flights fly over the Rio Grande Gorge, which offers magnificent and spectacular views.
Taos Balloon Rides offer a perfect spot to click astounding pictures. Photographers can take note of this place for their next professional gig.
The starting price for an adult for a hot air balloon ride is $300. The Taos Balloon Rides also offer vouchers and discounts for military personnel and veterans. So, enjoy every moment till it lasts.
17. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures – Cost $325+
The Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures is situated in Nashville TN. The service lasts all days of the week as long as Tennessee’s weather is calm and serene.
During the flight, you will have the opportunity to view the mountains’ astonishing views around Nashville. Silently drifting over the countryside, you can also watch the wildlife from the air.
The cost of the hot air balloon rides starts at $325. With such amazing pricing, the company also offers gift cards as a birthday present for your loved ones.
18. Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon – Cost $355+
The size of the company doesn’t determine the quality of the ride and experience they can offer. Being small in size, Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon offers dynamic views of Ohio’s beautiful city from the air.
With the starting price at $355 per passenger, Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon also offers many riding options. On top of it, they also offer wedding packages. They will arrange all the decorations along with attaching the “Just Married” sign on the basket.
If you are looking for a place to stay while you are there, Gentle Breeze will also help you. They have everything to offer to everyone in their services.
19. Vegas Balloon Rides – Cost $299+
The city of Vegas is known as the happening city that is always bright with lights and has busy streets. You can find a hot air balloon ride at any time of the year. Instead of losing your money at a casino, try spending it in the Vegas Balloon Rides for a lifetime experience.
Vegas Balloon Rides specializes in their early morning flights. Try to book the ride to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Additionally, they include special and exciting offers during the winter season.
For an adult, the starting price is $145. However, you can avail of a discount if you have children along with you between 6-14 years of age.
20. Northern Light Balloon Expeditions – Cost $350+
We can accommodate all group sizes because we fly both smaller (7 passengers) and larger (14 passengers) balloons. The exact number of passengers in each balloon varies depending on the weight of the passengers. There are compartments for the bigger balloons.
Although you can specify the size of balloon you want to fly in, we can’t guarantee it.
We don’t fly balloons with more than 14 passengers since we think our guests will have a less enjoyable time.
Our aircraft exceed FAA and balloon industry requirements and are the newest and finest maintained in the region. Our ground crew and support staff are of the highest level, and all of our pilots are highly experienced, FAA licensed experts.
Your trip will be safe and pleasurable thanks to the crew’s general professionalism, enabling
21. California Dreamin’ – Cost $238+
There is no better option than to choose California Dreamin’ to enjoy the beautiful lights in Del Mar, California, and Temecula. Unlike other hot air balloon ride companies, they offer great and convenient pricing.
No need to worry if you haven’t had the time to do breakfast before your morning flight; California Dreamin’ got it covered as the morning flights come with amazing breakfast. On request, you can also ask for customized banners for birthday or anniversary without any charges.
The prices vary from weekdays to weekends. On weekdays, the starting price is $168 per person, and on weekends, it is $198 per person.
22. Over the Rainbow– Cost $250
There is nothing more soul-stirring than being 2,000 feet high in the air and watching the beautiful green Washington state from your naked eyes. To experience the astonishing views of Washington State, you should try the hot air balloon ride from Over the Rainbow.
The weather of Washington State keeps wavering; therefore, they schedule your rides in advance. In terms of pricing, there are a variety of packages which you can choose as per your requirements.
23. Seattle Ballooning – Cost $325
You might be taking a hot air balloon ride once in your life, so why don’t you make it luxurious with Seattle Ballooning. Being the number one competition to Over the Rainbow in Seattle aims to offer an enthralling experience to its customers.
Being luxurious, it is a bit more expensive than Over the Rainbow. However, the place is beautiful to visit and worth a try.
24. Life Cycle Balloons – Cost $395+
Texas is a city where everything is so big and luxurious. Why not look at them from the sky and enjoy the captivating view with Air Texas Balloon Adventures. It is a hot air balloon ride made for bigger experiences.
The hot air balloon ride company offers rides in the Houston, Texas area. You will get everything you need from this smaller company. Make sure to check the prices on the website before you make a purchase.
25. Balloon Miami – Cost $250+
Miami, Florida, offers the best and astonishing views of the beaches of Miami, the Everglades, the Atlantic Ocean, and many more. There is no doubt that you will have a heavenly experience.
Balloon Miami is the best hot air balloon ride company in Florida. The pricing is also great for an area like Miami.
Your Pilot
Captain Aaron Farber:
Capt. Aaron is a Miami native who is a very skilled and experienced pilot. He is not only a Commercial Lighter-Than-Air pilot, but he is also a certified Commercial Fixed Wing pilot with Instrument, Multi-Engine, and seaplane ratings as well. As a Miami native with extensive knowledge of the local area – he will ensure that your experience with Balloon Over Miami is both a safe and memorable one!
This is a family-oriented experience – that includes a great champagne celebration (a tradition that dates back to the first manned balloon flight in 1783), with light food, after the flight. Fly with Balloon Over Miami, where every flight experience is a peaceful view of the world below.
26. Scenic Wind Balloon Tour – Cost $375
Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to ride an air current above the earth? Hot air ballooning may be amazing, serene, yet exciting, and for many people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can get a general understanding of what hot air ballooning is about from the pages that follow.
In the Omaha/Council Bluffs greater metro area, we provide Hot-Air Balloon rides for any occasion for a shared journey of up to seven persons. Flights are only possible in the nights on weekends from late March to early August.
All flights are only available on weekends from August through October. Please get in touch with us if you want to reserve a ride, come check us out, or even join our crew.
There are times when you visit a place and don’t like it in the first place. But, watching those places from 2,000 feet height might change your view. Scenic Wind Balloon Tours offers hot air balloon ride over the Council Bluff and Omaha area of Iowa and Nebraska.
It is yet another small company for a hot air balloon rides with awesome rates. Moreover, if you are coming in groups, you can enjoy their excellent group rates. You can tell from afar that there are some magnificent balloons in the company.
27. Rohr Balloons – Cost $299+
One of the best hot air balloon ride companies in the Dallas area, Rohr Balloons, has years of experience in this industry. If you prefer Dallas over Houston, this is your best choice.
From private flights for couples and shared flight with other people to large group accommodation, the company offers a variety of options that satisfy everyone’s needs. Its motive is to provide an awe-inspiring and breath-taking experience of a lifetime to its customers.
28. Lake Geneva Balloon Company – Cost $320
If you can find a well-established hot air balloon ride company with amazing online reviews and safety records, you can never go wrong with that company. One such company is the Lake Geneva Balloon Company that is the pillar of Lake Geneva’s tourist business.
Lake Geneva offers panoramic views, and watching them from the sky would be so enthralling. Make sure you carry your camera with you to capture the views.
Apart from the views, the company has numerous options in terms of rides. The pricing is fair according to the packages.
29. Balloons Over Georgia – Cost $350+
Balloons Over Georgia have come far from being the smallest company to become the largest hot air balloon ride company in the United States. You should read about their origin and history of success on their website.
The pricing is exceptionally fair, and it offers a great discount to active military personnel, veterans, first responders, and seniors. There is no other company that provides so many discounts on a ride.
30. Fair Winds Balloon Flights – Cost $289+
If you are planning to visit Colorado in the summers, Fair Winds Balloon Flights offers great summer sales during the period. The hot air balloon rides are allowed from May to November due to the weather of Colorado.
If you want to experience the wondrous views of mountains surrounding Denver, you should check out the prices from their website. The starting price is $209 per person.
31.Your Own Balloon – No Cost (Kind of Free)
To have your hot air balloon means that you can ride it anytime, and you don’t need to pay anyone. Therefore, it is free of cost.
In yet another real-world, to own a hot air balloon is quite expensive. You should be prepared to spend about $20,000 to $50,000 on a hot air balloon. However, this is the only cost of purchase. You will have to spend on a trailer, fan, fuel, and drive to the launch site and repairs.
All in all, everything will cost money.
This video has been included for its clarification of the topic matter. Credit goes to ITV News
Final Thoughts
Are you ready for a real “uplifting” experience? Well, a hot air balloon ride is just the ticket! But unless you’re a Lannister paying your debts, you might want to consider the cost before you start floating away from your financial responsibilities. The price of a hot air balloon ride can range anywhere from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the location and duration of the flight.
Yes, you heard it right; this is not for those with a thin wallet or faint of heart!
Now, while that may sound like you’re literally letting your money fly away, remember that you’re paying for an unforgettable experience. Imagine floating high in the sky, looking down on the world like some sort of sky god (or just a very tall person). This is the stuff of bucket lists and Instagram envy.
So, if you’re willing to dish out a few Benjamins, a hot air balloon ride could be the high-flying adventure you’ve been dreaming of. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to feel like the star of their own whimsical indie film, even if it’s just for an hour or so? So start saving up, because that hot air balloon won’t ride itself!
Riding a hot-air balloon entirely depends on the choice of your company and location. Therefore, you need to wisely choose which company can provide you with the best experience in terms of adventure and pricing.
If you are fond of a hot air balloon, you can think of spending a huge amount of money to buy one. Otherwise, a one-time experience through these companies is a great choice.
