Miami is the winter capital of American private aviation. From November to April the corridor from the Northeast runs like a shuttle service, Art Basel turns Opa-Locka into a static display of Gulfstreams, and the city's three executive airports absorb traffic that would swamp any commercial hub.
The market's depth is the traveler's advantage: fierce operator competition keeps Florida pricing sharp, and the constant repositioning between Miami, New York and the Caribbean produces some of the most reliable empty-leg supply anywhere.
Airports and FBOs
Miami-Opa Locka Executive (OPF) is the flagship — Fontainebleau Aviation’s terminal sets the standard for Florida FBOs, 15 minutes from Miami Beach. Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) serves Broward at often lower handling fees, and Palm Beach International (PBI) covers the island. All three clear international arrivals.
Timing, seasons and events
Art Basel (early December), Thanksgiving, Christmas–New Year and Presidents Day are peak crunches — book 3–4 weeks out and expect top-of-range pricing. May–October is soft season: rates drop meaningfully and empty legs from the Northeast multiply.
Popular routes to Miami
| Route | Distance | Flight time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | 1,092 mi | 2h 41m | $8,000 |
| Miami → New York | 1,092 mi | 2h 41m | $8,000 |
Flying from somewhere else? Estimate your route to Miami from any of 75+ airports.
Flying private to Miami: FAQ
How much does it cost to fly private to Miami?
From New York: $12,000–24,000 on light-to-midsize jets, $30,000+ on heavies. From Chicago: $18,000–28,000. From LA: $40,000–60,000 nonstop on a super-midsize. Winter peaks price at the top of each range.
Which Miami airport is best for private jets?
Opa-Locka (OPF) for Miami Beach, Brickell and the Design District; Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) for Broward and often lower fees; Palm Beach International (PBI) for Palm Beach. None involve MIA’s congestion.
When is the cheapest time to fly private to Miami?
May through October. Demand softens, operators compete for repositioning work, and northbound/southbound empty legs are plentiful — flexible dates can save 40% or more.