Shared balloon rides are the most popular way to experience hot air ballooning. On a shared flight, you and your party will ride alongside a small group of other guests in the same basket, typically up to six passengers plus the pilot. It’s a wonderful way to meet fellow adventurers while enjoying the same incredible views and peaceful floating experience.

Shared rides provide the full ballooning experience at a more accessible price point while maintaining the intimacy that makes hot air ballooning so special. You’ll watch the balloon inflate, listen to a brief safety overview, and then lift gently into the sky for a flight lasting approximately 45–60 minutes. From above, the Indianapolis landscape unfolds beneath you—fields, neighborhoods, and waterways stretching out in every direction.

Many guests choose shared flights for birthdays, anniversaries, bucket-list experiences, or simply to try something new with friends or family. The shared atmosphere often adds to the fun as passengers celebrate the experience together.

And unlike many operators, Midwest Balloon Rides does not charge booking fees: what you see is what you pay. It’s one more way we keep the experience simple, transparent, and focused on the joy of flight.