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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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What Is the Average Cost of a Hot Air Balloon Ride?
Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your imaginary seatbelts and prepare yourself for a hot-air 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 tall.
So come and experience the buoyant magic of a hot-air balloon ride. Life is too short to keep both feet on the ground constantly.
Key Takeaway
The cost of a hot air balloon ride varies depending on location and company but typically ranges from $250 to $375 per person for a two-hour flight.
Summary
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- Hot air balloon rides are a popular tourist activity.
- The average cost of a two-hour hot air balloon ride is $250 to $375 per person.
- Prices can vary depending on location and company.
- Tips for finding a good hot air balloon company:
- Choose a company with a good website and positive reviews.
- Consider group discounts.
- Be aware of the refund policy.
- Some of the hot air balloon companies mentioned in the article are:
- Napa Valley Balloons ($299+)
- U-Ken-Do Ballooning ($275+)
- Sonoma Ballooning Adventures ($275+)
- Lake Tahoe Balloons ($399+)
- Up And Away Ballooning ($299+)
- Calistoga Balloons ($275+)
- Light Flight Hot Air Balloons, Inc. & Barnstormer Aero ($275+)
Have you ever been amazed by the magical piece that can carry you to heights to see picturesque views? Have you ever considered riding a hot air balloon, but your budget restricted you? Recently, the popularity of hot air balloons has soared, and so has their cost of riding.
On average, a hot air balloon ride lasting about two hours will cost one person $250 to $375. 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 ways to lower it. If you ride in groups, you can take advantage of group deals like Groupon. These will give you 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 is not an intelligent choice. Before you start looking for the actual price of a hot air balloon ride, there are certain things you should know about the experience.
Your first step should be to choose the right company. With so many options, you might get confused about which company is the best for a hot air balloon ride. This article will provide you with every ounce of information you require about the average cost of a hot air balloon ride.
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 a company and its business. Without a website, you cannot identify whether a company is trustworthy.
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.
You can find outstanding reviews and 5-star ratings on top hot-air balloon companies. However, it would be best to be careful of the company with several negative reviews.
Your next step should be contacting the company and clarifying all your queries. After that, you can proceed to the final step, which is making 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 most important thing you should know about is their refund policy. Although your hot air balloon ride may be 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’s examine our selected 31 best hot air balloon companies to help you decide.
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 cannot go without experiencing a hot-air balloon ride with your loved ones.
The introductory price for one passenger is $299, but you can also explore other buying options before purchasing. You have various options, including bike tours at $398, wine tours at $349, private balloon flights at $2,200, and many more.
That is why Napa Valley Balloons is ranked number one on Tripadvisor as California’s best hot-air balloon ride company.
2. U-Ken-Do Ballooning – Cost $275+
Based in northern Vermont, the hot air balloon flies over beautiful Lake Champlain. From the air, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. Take your camera along with you to capture the beautiful moments.
The base cost for an adult hot air balloon ride carrying four passengers is $275. Traveling in groups can be advantageous, as the company discounts 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 excite you when you visit a beautiful country like Sonoma Wine? For obvious reasons, it was a hot-air balloon ride. Besides enjoying the delicious wine, you can take a hot-air balloon ride and experience an exhilarating adventure.
The base cost for a person is $275. This is the standard package; however, you are offered several other options, depending on your preference. For an informative and thrilling experience, you can choose the Charlie’s Acres and Vegan Wine tour at $424.
No one can match 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?
It would help if you were prepared to be amazed by their hospitality. This company is not among the average hot air balloon companies, so you can be assured of enjoying the classic, breathtaking 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, hot air balloon rides might become scary instead of exciting. If height is the problem, the pilot will accompany you on 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 quality time with your loved ones for $2200.
This is perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or marriage proposals. They also offer some unique brew and bike packages. The prices are on their website.
6. Calistoga Balloons – Cost $275+
In competition with Napa Valley Balloons, Calistoga Balloons has come a long way in proving its ability to offer excellent ride service. Their website has everything from great reviews to happy customers to excellent advertising.
The average cost for a hot air balloon ride at Calistoga Balloons starts at $275. On their website, you can explore exciting and unique packages. If you would like to have an excellent time in the air, Calistoga Balloons aims 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-old 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 take a champagne charter flight for $275 or a particular half-hour flight for $175 for one passenger. You are assured to enjoy 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.
Regarding customer service, Yolo Ballooning Adventures stands out among the other 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 options, the breathtaking views and excellent service compensate for that.
9. Big Red Balloon – $200pp+
Your hot air balloon ride costs $200 per person (up to 4 people). It includes all ground transportation to and from our vehicle’s launch and landing locations, a customary champagne toast, and a full sit-down breakfast.
Weight Restrictions: While considerable flexibility exists, the maximum combined passenger weights per couple should not exceed 400 lbs. (181 kg/28.5 stones) or 750 lbs. (340 kg/53.6 stones) for groups of four. You must book a special sweetheart flight if your two people weigh over 400 pounds.
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 the amazing flights to the beautiful location, Rainbow Ryders offers everything you need. It is located in 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, visit their website and check their packages. You will not be disappointed if you choose them.
11. Adventure Balloon Rides – Cost $299+
Since 1975, Adventure Balloon Rides has ruled the hot-air ballooning industry. They are the most valued, established, and trusted hot air balloon ride companies worldwide. 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. You can select from the regular flight that lasts about 45 minutes to the Private charter flight that lasts 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 enjoying the sunrise and sunsets in the air while riding in a hot-air balloon? Enchanted Balloon Tours, a smaller hot-air balloon ride company based in southern New York State, will surely enchant you with its safe and customer-friendly rides.
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.
13. Black Hills Balloons – Cost $375
You cannot always visit every place when traveling to the United States. One such place is Black Hills, South Dakota, 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+
Orlando Balloon Rides is your best choice if you are traveling with family. This is one of the most affordable hot balloon ride companies in the United States. Even kids between 6 and 14 can enjoy the ride safely.
Orlando Balloon Rides also organizes events. No matter what the occasion, Orlando Balloon Rides has everything covered. They can easily accommodate large groups.
Other package options are also available on their website, starting at $199 for an adult and $125 for a child between the ages of 6 and 14.
15. LANCASTER BALLOON RIDES – Cost $275+
You can choose from different scenic and historic locations with the United States Hot Air Balloon Team. The company offers rides from Gettysburg to Lancaster 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 private flights and group flights according to your needs. Numerous options exist for a more romantic experience.
16. Taos Balloon Rides – Cost $300
Another interesting place to visit in New Mexico after Albuquerque is Taos. Taos Balloon Rides offer beautiful views of this place. The flights fly over the Rio Grande Gorge, which offers magnificent views.
Taos Balloon Rides is a perfect spot to take astounding pictures. Photographers should consider this place for their next professional gig.
The starting price for an adult hot air balloon ride is $300. Taos Balloon Rides also offers vouchers and discounts for military personnel and veterans. So, enjoy every moment while it lasts.
17. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures – Cost $325+
The Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures is situated in Nashville, Tennessee. 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 birthday presents for loved ones.
18. Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon – Cost $355+
The company’s size doesn’t determine the ride quality and experience it offers. Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon is small but offers dynamic views of Ohio’s beautiful city from the air.
With a starting price of $355 per passenger, Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon offers many riding options. They also offer wedding packages. They will arrange all the decorations and attach the “Just Married” sign to 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+
Vegas is known as a 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 money at a casino, try spending it on a Vegas Balloon Ride for a lifetime experience.
Vegas Balloon Rides specializes in early morning flights. Try to book a ride to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Additionally, they offer special and exciting offers during the winter season.
The starting price for an adult is $145. However, you can avail of a discount if you have children between 6 and 14 years of age.
20. Northern Light Balloon Expeditions – Cost $350+
We can accommodate all group sizes because we fly 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 balloon size 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 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 tremendous and convenient pricing.
There’s no need to worry if you haven’t had time to eat breakfast before your morning flight; California Dreamin’ has you covered, as the morning flights come with amazing breakfast. On request, you can also request customized banners for birthdays or anniversaries without any charges.
The prices vary from weekdays to weekends. On weekdays, the starting price is $168 per person; on weekends, it is $198 per person.
22. Over the Rainbow– Cost $250
Nothing is 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.
Washington State’s weather is constantly changing; therefore, they schedule your rides in advance. In terms of pricing, there are a variety of packages, which you can choose according to your requirements.
23. Seattle Ballooning – Cost $325
You might be taking a hot-air balloon ride once, so why don’t you make it luxurious with Seattle Ballooning? As the number one competitor to Over the Rainbow in Seattle, Seattle Ballooning aims to offer an enthralling experience to its customers.
Because it is luxurious, it is a bit more expensive than Over the Rainbow. However, the place is beautiful and worth a visit.
24. Life Cycle Balloons – Cost $395+
Texas is a city where everything is big and luxurious. Why not look at it 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 astonishing views of the beaches, the Everglades, the Atlantic Ocean, and more. It is undoubtedly 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 a Commercial Lighter-Than-Air pilot and a certified Commercial Fixed-Wing pilot with Instrument, Multi-Engine, and seaplane ratings. As a Miami native with extensive knowledge of the local area, he will ensure that your experience with Balloon Over Miami is both safe and memorable!
This family-oriented experience includes an excellent 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 and serene, yet exciting, and for many people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The following pages can help you get a general understanding of hot air ballooning.
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 on nights on weekends from late March to early August.
All flights are only available on weekends from August through October. Don’t hesitate to contact us to reserve a ride, visit us, or join our crew.
There are times when you visit a place and don’t like it. But watching those places from 2,000 feet might change your view. Scenic Wind Balloon Tours offers hot-air balloon rides over Iowa and Nebraska’s Council Bluff and Omaha areas.
It is yet another tiny company offering hot air balloon rides at awesome rates. Moreover, you can enjoy their excellent group rates if you are coming in groups. You can tell from afar that the company has some magnificent balloons.
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 flights with other people to ample group accommodation, the company offers a variety of options that satisfy everyone’s needs. Its motive is to provide its customers with an awe-inspiring and breath-taking experience of a lifetime.
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 them. One such company is the Lake Geneva Balloon Company, the pillar of Lake Geneva’s tourist business.
Lake Geneva offers panoramic views; watching them from the sky would be enthralling. Make sure you carry your camera with you to capture the views.
Apart from the views, the company offers numerous ride options. The pricing is fair according to the packages.
29. Balloons Over Georgia – Cost $350+
Balloons Over Georgia has grown from the smallest to the largest hot air balloon ride company in the United States. Their website provides information about their origin and history of success.
The pricing is exceptionally fair and discounts active military personnel, veterans, first responders, and seniors significantly. No other company provides so many discounts on a ride.
30. Fair Winds Balloon Flights – Cost $289+
If you plan to visit Colorado in the summer, Fair Winds Balloon Flights offers great summer sales. Due to the weather in Colorado, hot-air balloon rides are allowed from May to November.
If you want to experience the wondrous views of the mountains surrounding Denver, check out the prices on their website. The starting price is $209 per person.
31. Your Balloon – No Cost (Free)
Having a hot air balloon means you can ride it anytime and don’t need to pay anyone. Therefore, it is free.
In yet another real-world scenario, owning a hot-air balloon is quite expensive. It would help if you were prepared to spend about $20,000 to $50,000 on one. However, this is the only cost of purchase. You will also have to spend on a trailer, fan, fuel, a drive to the launch site, and repairs.
All in all, everything will cost money.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. 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 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.
You heard it right; this is not for those with a thin wallet or faint heart!
While that may sound like you’re 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 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 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 your company and location choice. Therefore, you must choose wisely which company can provide you with the best adventure and pricing experience.
If you are fond of hot air balloons, you can consider spending a considerable amount of money to buy one. Otherwise, a one-time experience through these companies is a great choice.
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