Ever wonder how the super-wealthy get around? Turns out, it’s not all champagne and caviar — though, there’s plenty of that, too. From super yachts to inexpensive sedans, there’s a million ways for billionaires to get around.
Also here are some things the top billionaires have in common.
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Private Jets
According to Jettly, there are now over 15,000 private jets in the U.S. alone, up from just 3,000 at the start of the millennium.
So why do billionaires prefer private jets? Hint: It’s about more than just avoiding other people. These planes can land at tiny airports with short runways, getting their owners to exclusive spots like St. Barts or right to the base of the Telluride ski slopes.
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But this convenience comes with a jaw-dropping price tag. The most extravagant private jets can cost up to $600 million — like Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Airbus A380, which reportedly features a concert hall and space to park his Rolls-Royce. These short hops come with a massive carbon price tag. Case in point: Elon Musk’s infamous 20-minute flight that covered a mere 12 miles — a journey that would have been a quick drive.
Helicopters
For city-hopping, nothing beats a helicopter. The ultra-rich spare no expense here either, with options like the $27 million Sikorsky S-92 Executive (the same model used for Marine One) or the Bell 525 Relentless with smartphone-controlled windows and a limousine-style privacy divider.
Want something with a bit more style? The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition brings automotive luxury to the skies with an interior that would make James Bond jealous.
Superyachts
Nothing says “I’ve made it” quite like a massive yacht. This past summer, the Mediterranean was practically a billionaire parking lot, with Jeff Bezos cruising around on his 417-foot Koru and David Geffen lounging on his 454-foot Rising Sun.
These floating mansions burn through cash faster than they burn fuel — and they burn a lot of fuel. A single trip from France to the Caribbean gulps down about $100,000 worth of gas. Annual maintenance? Expect to shell out 5% to 10% of the purchase price each year. That’s $5 million to $10 million annually for a $100 million yacht, before you even think about docking fees or the 20 to 50 crew members needed to keep things running.
Cars and Bikes
Surprisingly, when it comes to ground transportation, some billionaires go surprisingly low-key. IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad drove the same 1993 Volvo 240 GL for decades, despite having $58 billion in the bank. Jack Ma, worth around $40 billion, zips around in a modest $25,000 Roewe SUV. And Steve Ballmer, with his $70 billion fortune, opts for a Ford Fusion hybrid. They’re nice cars, but they aren’t what you’d expect for people who make millions a day.
Others prefer two wheels to four. Australian property developer Max Beck, worth billions, traded running for cycling in his 50s when his knees started to protest. “I’m a great advocate of riding because there’s no impact,” Beck said. His collection includes four or five high-end bikes worth $15,000 to $20,000 each, including one gifted by a friend who owns a professional cycling team.
When you can fly anywhere by private jet or sail the seas on your personal superyacht, maybe driving a flashy car to the grocery store just seems a bit — unnecessary.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Beyond the Private Jet: How Billionaires Travel
