Cessna Citation CJ2/CJ2+

Q: How many passengers can the Citation CJ2 carry?

The Citation CJ2 seats up to 6 passengers in a center-club layout, with most operators configuring for 5 to 6. It offers nearly three feet more cabin than the CJ1, making it noticeably roomier for the group.

Passengers	Range	Speed	Charter From	Best For
Up to 7	1,613 nm	481 mph (418 ktas)	$2,500 / hr	Regional & near-Caribbean

Please note that the hourly rate is not the total trip cost. Final pricing includes known fees such as landing and handling, crew, overflight permits, and taxes, plus variable costs like repositioning, de-icing, wait time, and overnights. Contact Hogani Jets for an accurate all-in quote.

The Citation CJ2 is the mid-point of Cessna's CitationJet family, a roomier, longer-legged step up from the CJ1 and the value choice just below the CJ3. Manufactured by Cessna (Textron Aviation), it seats up to 7 passengers with a range of 1,856 miles (1,613 nm) and a cruise speed of 481 mph (418 ktas). Citation CJ2 charter rates run $2,500 to $3,500 per flight hour, with one-way trip pricing from roughly $8,000 to $16,000 depending on route. With nearly three feet more cabin than the CJ1 and a true six-seat club layout, the CJ2 suits regional trips, the near Caribbean, and East Coast corridors. For longer Caribbean legs such as Turks and Caicos or San Juan, the CJ3 or a midsize jet is the better choice.

The Citation CJ2 entered service in 2000 as a larger, faster development of the CJ1, with a longer cabin, greater range, and higher cruise speed. The CJ2+ followed in 2006 with FADEC engines and updated avionics. The type is one of the most popular light jets in the charter fleet, valued for its balance of cabin space, efficiency, and short-runway capability.

Specification	Citation CJ2	Notes
Manufacturer	Cessna / Textron Aviation	First certificated 2000
Aircraft Category	Light Jet	CitationJet 525 family
Passenger Capacity	Up to 7	Typical charter config: 5 to 6 pax
Cabin Length	13.6 ft (4.15 m)	Nearly 3 ft longer than the CJ1
Cabin Width	4.8 ft (1.47 m)	Center-club seating
Cabin Height	4.8 ft (1.47 m)	No stand-up; comfortable seated for the class
Baggage Capacity	70 cu ft (2.0 m³)	Enlarged nose and tail-cone compartments
Max Range	1,613 nm (2,987 km)	At typical charter payload
Max Cruise Speed	481 mph (418 ktas)	Among the faster light jets
Cabin Altitude	7,000 ft at FL350	Comfortable for the class
Cabin Noise	68 dBA	Quiet for a light jet
Engines	Williams FJ44-2C × 2	FADEC-controlled on CJ2+
Typical Runway Required	~3,690 ft takeoff / 2,990 ft landing	Sea level, standard conditions
Rate of Climb	3,800 ft per minute	Quick climb to cruise
Service Ceiling	45,000 ft	Above most weather and traffic
Hourly Charter Rate	$2,500 to $3,500	Mid-range within the CitationJet family

The Citation CJ2 cabin seats up to 6 passengers across a 13.6-foot interior in a center-club layout, with nearly three feet more length than the CJ1. It is a comfortable, practical light-jet cabin for trips up to about three hours.

Headroom is 4 feet 8 inches at the center aisle. Passengers cannot stand upright, but the extra cabin length over the CJ1 makes for a noticeably roomier feel.
Baggage capacity of 70 cubic feet across enlarged nose and tail-cone compartments handles seven passengers with normal luggage, and fits skis or golf bags better than the CJ1.
An enclosed, belted lavatory is standard and can serve as an extra seat with a curtain partition.
Power outlets, folding worktables, and refreshment provisions are standard. Wi-Fi varies by operator, so confirm at booking.

Baggage note for the Citation CJ2: The 70 cubic foot capacity comfortably handles six passengers with normal luggage and most sports gear. For larger groups or longer Caribbean legs, the CJ3 offers more range and similar baggage.

Cessna introduced the Citation CJ2+ in 2006 as an updated variant of the original CJ2. Both are standard in the current charter fleet. The differences are worth understanding when selecting an aircraft.

Specification	Citation CJ2	Citation CJ2+
Year Introduced	2000	2006
Range	1,613 nm	1,613 nm (effectively identical)
Max Cruise Speed	481 mph (418 ktas)	481 mph (418 ktas)
Engines	Williams FJ44-2C	Williams FJ44-3A-24 with FADEC
Avionics	Collins Pro Line 21	Collins Pro Line 21 (single-pilot certified)
Charter Pricing	$2,500-3,500 / hr	$2,500-3,500 / hr
Availability	High	High, newer airframes

For most CJ2 charter routes the performance difference between CJ2 and CJ2+ is negligible. The CJ2+ adds FADEC engine control and single-pilot certification. If a CJ2+ is available at a similar price, it is generally the preferred option.

The Citation CJ2 performs best on regional and near-Caribbean routes within its 1,613nm range. These represent its most common charter missions.

Route	ICAO Codes	Est. Time	Notes
Miami to Nassau, Bahamas	KOPF to MYNN	~45 min	Ideal short hop for up to 6 pax.
Miami to the Exumas	KOPF to MYEF	~1h 10m	Near-Bahamas, within comfortable range.
New York to Miami	KTEB to KOPF	~2h 50m	A core CJ2 transcontinental-lite run.
Miami to Havana region	KOPF to MUVR	~1h	Short Caribbean hop for 5 to 6 pax.
New York to Chicago	KTEB to KPWK	~2h	East Coast to Midwest corridor.

The CJ2's 1,613 nm range covers the East Coast, the near Bahamas, and most US regional pairs, but stops short of longer Caribbean legs such as Turks and Caicos or San Juan. For those, the CJ3 or a midsize jet is the better fit.

Citation CJ2 charter rates run $2,500 to $3,500 per flight hour. Total one-way trip pricing depends on route distance, positioning, and demand.

Route	Est. One-Way Price	Notes
Miami to Nassau, Bahamas	$10,000 - $13,000+	A core short-hop CJ2 use case.
Miami to the Exumas	$10,000 - $13,000+	Near-Bahamas leg.
New York to Miami	$13,000 - $18,000+	Transcontinental-lite, within CJ2 range.
New York to Chicago	$11,000 - $14,000+	East Coast to Midwest.
Miami to Turks and Caicos	Use CJ3	Beyond comfortable CJ2 range; step up to the CJ3.

The $2,500 to $3,500 hourly rate for a Citation CJ2 charter covers core operational costs. Additional fees and services are quoted separately on every trip, which is important to understand when comparing total trip prices.

Aircraft operation: fuel, crew, and maintenance are included in the hourly rate.
Two certificated pilots: required for all CJ2 charter operations.
Federal excise tax and segment fees: federally mandated, quoted separately.
Positioning costs: charged if the aircraft must reposition to your departure airport.
International handling fees: these apply on Bahamas and other international hops.

When buyers cross-shop the CJ2, the two most common comparisons are the Citation CJ1 and the Citation CJ3, its siblings either side in the Citation Jet family. The CJ1 is the smaller, shorter-legged entry-level option; the CJ3 is the longer-range, Caribbean-capable step up.

The table below shows where each fits.

Specification	Citation CJ2	Citation CJ1	Citation CJ3
Passengers	Up to 7	Up to 6	Up to 7
Range	1,613 nm	1,328 nm	1,875 nm
Cruise Speed	481 mph (418 ktas)	437 mph (380 ktas)	480 mph (417 ktas)
Cabin Length	13.6 ft	11.9 ft	15.0 ft
Baggage	70 cu ft	60 cu ft	70 cu ft
Hourly Rate	$2,500-$3,500	$2,500-$3,500	$2,500-$3,500
Best Use Case	Light jet. Regional, near-Caribbean	Light jet (step down). Short hops, value	Light jet (step up). Caribbean-capable

The Citation CJ2 is most frequently chartered on East Coast, regional, and near-Caribbean routes. Links below connect to relevant route and destination pages.

Miami to Nassau, Bahamas: a core short-hop route for the CJ2.
Miami to the Bahamas: the near islands are well within CJ2 range.
New York to Miami: a comfortable CJ2 transcontinental-lite run.
Bahamas private jet charter: a popular CJ2 destination region.

Hogani Jets coordinates each Citation CJ2/CJ2+ charter through licensed Part 135 operators. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft directly. Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier whose crew, maintenance, and operations remain under that carrier's independent operational control, with certifications and safety records reviewed as part of every booking.

Relationship	Aircraft	When to Consider
Step Down	Citation CJ1	Entry-level, 6 pax, shorter range. The value option for short hops.
Step Up	Citation CJ3	More range (1,875 nm), faster. The Caribbean-capable workhorse.
Top of Family	Citation CJ4	Most range (2,165 nm), 8 pax. Step up for longer trips.
Modern Sibling	Citation M2	Smaller, modern light jet; newer avionics, 7 pax max.
Step Down	Phenom 100	Very light jet for 5 pax and shorter trips at lower cost.

Ready to book a Citation CJ2/CJ2+ private jet charter or check availability? Contact Hogani Jets for a tailored quote.

Call +1-855-660-0573 or email charter@hoganijets.com, and our team will coordinate the right aircraft and operator for your trip.

Reviewed by Matt Hogan — Founder, Hogani Jets & Aviation Specialist.

How much does it cost to charter a Citation CJ2?

Citation CJ2 charter rates run $2,500 to $3,500 per flight hour. One-way trip pricing ranges from about $8,000 for short Bahamas hops to $16,000 for runs like New York to Miami. Pricing varies by route, positioning, and season.

How many passengers can the Citation CJ2 carry?

The Citation CJ2 seats up to 7 passengers in a center-club layout, with most operators configuring for 6 to 7. It offers nearly three feet more cabin than the CJ1, making it noticeably roomier for the group.

What is the range of the Citation CJ2?

The Citation CJ2 has a range of 1,613 nautical miles (1,856 miles) at typical charter payload. This covers the East Coast, the near Bahamas, and most US regional city pairs nonstop, but not longer Caribbean legs such as Turks and Caicos or San Juan.

What is the difference between the Citation CJ2 and CJ2+?

The Citation CJ2+ was introduced in 2006 with FADEC-controlled Williams FJ44-3A-24 engines and updated Collins Pro Line 21 avionics that allow single-pilot operation. Range and speed are effectively identical. The CJ2+ typically prices at the upper end of the light-jet charter range.

How does the CJ2 compare to the CJ1 and CJ3?

The CJ2 sits in the middle of the Citation Jet family. It is larger and longer-legged than the entry-level CJ1 (1,328 nm, 6 pax), and a value step below the Caribbean-capable CJ3 (1,875 nm). For trips up to about three hours with up to six passengers, the CJ2 is an efficient, roomy choice.

Can the Citation CJ2 land at short-runway airports?

Yes. The CJ2 needs about 3,690 feet of runway at sea level under standard conditions, opening many smaller airports that midsize jets cannot use, which is valuable for regional and island routes.

Is the Citation CJ2 still available for charter?

Yes. The CJ2 and CJ2+ are among the most common light jets in charter fleets and a popular, efficient option for regional and near-Caribbean trips.

Is Hogani Jets a direct air carrier?

No. Hogani Jets is an air charter broker and does not own or operate aircraft. All Citation CJ2 charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers, who maintain full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.

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