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How fast is an air taxi?

The air taxis on this page list speeds from about 60 to 200 mph. Here’s what each company says, what one has flown in tests, and how that compares with a helicopter. We checked every source on October 20, 2026.

How fast do the companies say they fly?

These are each company’s own figures, highest first:

Top speed, cruise speed, and design speed aren’t the same measure. So treat this list as a rough guide, not a ranking. None of these figures comes from an FAA type certificate.

How fast have they flown in tests?

Few companies publish test speeds. Archer does. In August 2025, it said a piloted Midnight flew about 55 miles in 31 minutes at speeds above 126 mph. Test flights the week before reached nearly 150 mph. That flight took off and landed on a runway, like an airplane. Company-stated. Source: Archer, August 18, 2025.

Why are some air taxis faster than others?

Mostly, it’s the wing. Joby’s propellers point up for takeoff, then tilt forward so the wing carries the aircraft in cruise. Joby says the tilt happens between 45 and 90 knots (about 52–104 mph). Company-stated. Source: Joby technology page.

The two slowest aircraft on the list fly on rotors alone. SkyDrive says spreading the lift across many rotors makes hovering efficient, while designs with a wing and fewer rotors are better for long cruising but use more power to hover. Company-stated. Source: SkyDrive SD-05 page. What is eVTOL? explains the three common layouts.

How much time could a flight save?

The companies have published these trip estimates:

These are flight times only. Getting to and from the landing site adds to the trip. First announced air taxi routes lists the planned routes, and How far can an air taxi fly? covers range.

Is an air taxi faster than a helicopter?

It depends on the aircraft. Bell lists a maximum cruise speed of 133 knots (about 153 mph, 246 km/h) for its Bell 407GXi helicopter. Joby’s stated top speed is higher. Wisk’s stated cruise speed is lower, and SkyDrive’s and EHang’s are lower still. Source: Bell 407 page. Air taxi vs. helicopter compares noise, seats, cost, and rules.

Is there a speed limit in the sky?

Yes. In the U.S., no aircraft may fly faster than 250 knots (288 mph) below 10,000 feet unless the FAA allows it. Below 2,500 feet near an airport with a control tower, and under the airspace around the busiest airports, the limit is 200 knots (230 mph). Every speed on this page is below both. Source: 14 CFR 91.117.

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