Balloon Rides in Napa Valley, CA 2024-2025

Have you ever dreamt of rising high with the sun? Here's your chance!

Best time: year round (best time: March–May | August–October)

Napa Valley can be easily explored by segway, bike, bus, and even tuk tuk, but none of those options can beat the vineyard and mountain views you’ll enjoy from a fantastic hot air balloon ride. Soaring over Napa Valley at up to around 3,000 feet (914 m) is a one-off experience that should definitely be at the top of your bucket list.

Balloon Rides Hours

Hot air balloon rides usually occur at the crack of dawn, when the winds are the calmest and the lighting is most incredible. A sunrise across the valley will leave you breathless as you float in the air. Each balloon company takes off at a different place throughout Napa Valley. Some of them offer transportation and also provide coffee and tea.

A hot air balloon flight usually lasts three to four hours, with an actual flight duration from around 45 minutes to one hour. This duration includes check-in, balloon inflation, flight, pack-up, and transportation back from the landing site. Afterward, some companies serve a sit-down breakfast. Hot air balloon rides definitely depend on weather conditions. That's why most rides have the option to add on a post-flight with a sit-down brunch.

Napa Valley Hot-Air Balloon Price

Just before you go for a ride, remember that this once-in-a-lifetime experience doesn’t come cheap. Standard flights start at $270 per person (a basket can accommodate 8-20 passengers), and a private flight can cost up to $2,200 or even more.

Best Time To Visit Napa Valley

Napa is ready to meet tourists all year round, with the sweetest time between March and May. This period is usually accompanied by mild weather and moderate crowds. Late summer through mid-fall is excellent as well, but it is usually busy with jacked-up prices because of the harvest season.