The title compound, [Hf(C5H5)2(C8H16)], proves a structural motif of hafnacyclopentane besides the coordination of two cyclopentadienyl ligands in an [eta]5-fashion. The hafnacyclopentane ring has a twist conformation and is substituted by two ethyl groups in the [beta],[beta]'-positions, which are trans orientated to each other. One cyclopentadienyl ring and one ethyl group are each disordered over two positions with site-occupancy ratios of 0.679 (15):0.321 (15) and 0.702 (18):0.298 (18), respectively