Comparing the Cessna Grand Caravan and King Air 200 Turboprops
When it comes to chartering an aircraft for regional flights, two popular options stand out: the Cessna Grand Caravan and the Beechcraft King Air 200.

Each of these turboprops were upgrades to their original base model, the King Air 200 (Model B200) following the Super King Air 200, while the Grand Caravan (Cessna 208B) was an upgrade to the original Cessna 208.
Both models are also renowned in the on-demand market for their reliability and versatility, but they cater to slightly different needs based on passenger capacity, range, and operational capabilities.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help travelers choose the right aircraft for their next journey.
Cabin & Comfort
The Grand Caravan is a single-engine turboprop designed to transport up to 9 passengers in a utilitarian yet comfortable cabin, with configurations available to seat up to 12. The Caravan’s cabin is slightly wider by nearly a foot, and its spacious interior is ideal for short regional trips, with ample room for passengers and their luggage (340 cubic feet on the 208B compared to 55 cubic feet on the B200).
The King Air 200, on the other hand, is a twin-engine turboprop that accommodates up to 9 passengers, like the Caravan, but offers a more refined cabin experience; known for its executive seating and improved noise insulation, the King Air 200 delivers a higher level of comfort, making it a preferred choice for business travelers or those looking for a premium experience.
Range & Performance
The Grand Caravan is built for shorter hops, with a range of approximately 1,000 – 1,200 nautical miles, with a cruising speed of 186 mph. It is particularly well-suited for accessing remote or rugged destinations, thanks to its ability to take off and land on short, unimproved airstrips.
The King Air 200 offers a longer range of approximately 1,580 nautical miles and a faster cruising speed of 333 mph, making it ideal for slightly longer trips or those requiring quicker travel times. The aircraft is optimized for a balance of speed, range, and operational efficiency.
Versatility
The Grand Caravan is a highly versatile aircraft, often used for a variety of missions, including cargo transport, adventure travel, and regional passenger service. Its ability to land on rough terrain and water (with modifications) makes it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and operations in challenging environments, and a popular light aircraft for small cargo charter operations.
The King Air 200, while less rugged than the Caravan, excels in versatility for business and leisure flights, providing superior performance for regional flights and offering the ability to operate from smaller airports while still delivering a premium in-flight experience.
Operating Costs
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan generally has lower operating costs due to its single-engine design and fuel efficiency, carrying an hourly charter rate of around $1,300 – $1,600 per hour*. This makes it an attractive charter option for budget-conscious travelers or missions requiring frequent stops.
The King Air 200, while slightly more expensive to operate, offers greater speed and range, which can translate into time savings—an important factor for business charters or those with tight schedules. Charter costs on the King Air 200 come out to around $1,800 – $2,000 an hour*.
Summary
Choosing between the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B and the Beechcraft King Air 200 ultimately depends on your travel priorities.
If you need a cost-efficient aircraft for short regional flights or remote destinations, the Grand Caravan 208B is an ideal choice.
However, if comfort, speed, and extended range are your priorities, the King Air 200 offers better capabilities for your charter flight.
Both aircraft excel in their respective niches, ensuring private travelers can find the perfect fit for their journey. Interested in charter a private flight on the Cessna Grand Caravan, King Air 200, or similar turboprop? Contact one of our Advisors or submit a request for a free charter quote.
* Hourly charter rates displayed are based on market averages and vary based on a factors such as make and model of aircraft; routing, scheduling/availability, fuel prices and more, and do not include certain fees such as hangar charges when required, overnight parking, daily minimums, taxes, international handling fees, catering, ground transportation, or de-icing. Please submit a request for a free charter quote with all-inclusive pricing