Helicopter hire is the fastest, most flexible way to travel between central London and destinations across the UK and Europe. Flying privately from London Heliport in Battersea — the capital’s only licensed central heliport — lets you skip congested roads and airport queues entirely, departing on your schedule rather than a timetable. Whether you need a same-day return to a racecourse, an airport transfer to connect with a private jet, or a discreet flight to a country estate, this guide covers what helicopter hire costs, which aircraft are available, the most popular routes, and exactly how to book.
What is helicopter hire?
Helicopter hire — also called helicopter charter — means reserving an aircraft exclusively for your party, with a commercial pilot, for a one-way or return journey of your choosing. Unlike a scheduled flight, the helicopter is yours alone: you set the departure time, the route, and the passenger list. From Battersea, our twin-engine helicopter charter service operates throughout the UK and offers direct access to Europe, all flown under a Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator’s Certificate.
How much does helicopter hire cost?
The cost of hiring a helicopter depends on the distance flown, the aircraft type, the number of passengers, and any landing fees at the destination. As a guide, short transfers within southern England typically start from a few thousand pounds, while longer journeys or larger VIP aircraft cost more. Below are real example prices for popular routes from London Heliport:
- Battersea to Luton Airport — from £3,850 + VAT (Agusta 109 Grand, one way)
- Battersea to Le Manoir, Oxford — from £3,475 + VAT (Eurocopter EC135, one way)
- Battersea to Bath — from £4,950 + VAT (Agusta 109 Grand, one way)
- Battersea to Brighton — from £6,500 + VAT (Agusta 109 Grand, same-day return)
- Battersea to Royal Ascot — from £6,500 + VAT (AS355 Twin, same-day return)
- Battersea to Silverstone — from £9,800 + VAT (AS355 Twin, day return)
Prices vary by date, time and availability, and some destinations carry landing fees. For an exact, all-inclusive figure with no hidden charges, see our full helicopter hire prices page or speak directly with our flight operations team.
Types of helicopter you can hire
We specialise exclusively in twin-engine aircraft, chosen for their safety, reliability and comfort over central London. Our helicopter fleet covers everything from agile five-seat transfers to spacious eight-seat VIP cabins:
- Eurocopter AS355 Twin Squirrel — a versatile, proven twin carrying up to 5 passengers, ideal for racecourse day-returns and regional transfers.
- Agusta 109 Grand — a fast, refined 6-seat executive helicopter, popular for business travel where speed and cabin comfort matter.
- Airbus H145 D3 — a spacious 8-seat VIP aircraft for larger groups travelling in comfort.
Popular helicopter hire routes from London
Helicopters dramatically cut travel times from central London. A flight that replaces a two-hour drive often takes 20–30 minutes in the air. Among the most requested routes:
- Helicopter to Royal Ascot — around 25 minutes, landing close to the racecourse.
- Helicopter to Silverstone — the fastest way to reach the British Grand Prix without the notorious circuit traffic.
- Helicopter charter to Paris — direct access to Europe from the heart of London.
- Country hotels and estates — landing at approved private sites across the UK.
Helicopter transfers to airports and private jets
One of the most valuable uses of helicopter hire is connecting central London with the UK’s private jet terminals. Our helicopter airport transfers link Battersea to airports such as Farnborough and Biggin Hill in minutes, enabling seamless jet-to-city transfers. A transfer from Luton to Battersea, for example, takes around 23 minutes by air, compared with 90 minutes or more by road.
Helicopter hire for events and corporate travel
Private helicopters are a favourite for major sporting fixtures, corporate hospitality and time-critical business travel. From horse racing and polo to motorsport, our event helicopter charter service gets guests in and out quickly while road traffic is at a standstill. For executives, flying by helicopter between meetings, airports and venues recovers hours of productive time in a single day.
How to book your helicopter hire
Helicopter charters can sometimes be arranged within a few hours, though booking 24–48 hours ahead is recommended to secure aircraft, especially during major events. Our operations team will confirm the best aircraft for your route, arrange any landing permissions, and provide a fixed quote. To get started, request a tailored quote or call our team, available 24/7, on +44 20 7781 8094.
All our helicopters operate under an Air Operator’s Certificate and are regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, flown by experienced commercial pilots and fully insured.
Helicopter hire FAQs
How far in advance should I book a helicopter?
Flights can sometimes be arranged within hours, but 24–48 hours’ notice is best for guaranteed availability, particularly around events such as Ascot or Silverstone.
How many passengers can a helicopter carry?
Our fleet carries from 5 passengers on the AS355 up to 8 on the Airbus H145 D3, with the Agusta 109 Grand seating 6.
Can a helicopter land at a private estate or hotel?
Yes. Helicopters can land at approved private sites including estates, hotels and golf courses. Our team arranges the necessary permissions and confirms the site meets safety requirements.
What luggage can I bring?
Capacity is more limited than a private jet, but each passenger can usually bring a small suitcase or soft bag. We’ll confirm exact limits when booking.
