The Eternal City calls millions of travelers each year, but getting there at the right price takes timing, flexibility, and a little insider knowledge. With so many airlines, airports, and routes available, navigating the world of flights to Rome can feel like its own adventure.
This guide gives you everything you need: current fare benchmarks, real-world deals, cheapest months to travel, airlines that fly direct, Rome airport breakdowns, and clever tips to maximize your budget. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long cultural journey, you’ll be ready to book with confidence.
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Flight Deals to Rome
One of the strongest appeals of Rome is its affordability compared to other European capitals. Deals can be spectacular if you know when to look.
Recent examples include:
- £31 return: London Luton → Rome Fiumicino, outbound Oct 30, inbound Nov 22, with Wizz Air Malta.
- £33 return: London Luton → Rome Fiumicino, Nov 17–Dec 15, direct both ways with Wizz Air Malta.
- £34 return: London Luton → Rome Fiumicino, Oct 31–Dec 2.
- £35–37 return: Multiple departures in November, December, and January, all under £40 with direct flights.
- £36 return: London Luton → Rome Fiumicino, Jun 3–Jun 17.
These are exceptional fares when compared with the global average of $380–420 for round trips. Spotting deals this low requires booking early and embracing budget carriers like Wizz Air Malta, Ryanair, or easyJet.
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Cheapest Months to Fly
Rome’s demand is consistent year-round, but certain months clearly shine for affordability.
- October: Consistently the cheapest month, with fares as low as £31–41.
- November–December: Deals between £33–37, except around Christmas when prices spike.
- January–February: Winter offers low-cost travel, with returns around £37–39.
- June: Surprisingly competitive mid-summer deals (around £36 return) if booked far in advance.
Best Days of the Week
Midweek flights—particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays—are often cheaper than weekend departures. Flexibility here can shave 10–20% off your fare.
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Alternative Airports Around Rome
Rome has two primary airports, each with its own advantages:
Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci, FCO)
- Located ~20 miles from central Rome.
- Main hub for international and long-haul flights.
- Connected by the Leonardo Express train to Termini station in ~32 minutes.
- Frequently the cheapest option for international arrivals, despite being larger.
Ciampino (CIA)
- Closer to the city (~8 miles).
- Serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
- Smaller, simpler facilities—good for budget flights but fewer amenities.
Insider tip: Always compare fares into both airports. Even if Ciampino offers a cheaper flight, the convenience of FCO’s transport links may make it the smarter choice.
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Direct Airlines Flying to Rome
Rome enjoys connections with dozens of global carriers. Direct flights are available from both European and international hubs. Airlines offering non-stop service include:
- ITA Airways
- Wizz Air Malta
- Ryanair & Ryanair UK
- easyJet
- Vueling Airlines
- Jet2
- British Airways
- American Airlines
- LATAM
- Qatar Airways
- Japan Airlines
- Kuwait Airways
- Aerolineas Argentinas
- Saudia
- China Eastern & China Airlines
This diversity means you can select between full-service luxury and ultra-low-cost economy depending on your budget.
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Route Information
- Average flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes from London; ~9 hours from New York; ~11–12 hours from Los Angeles.
- Cheapest one-way fares: Start at around £17 from Europe.
- Return flights: Currently as low as £31, especially from UK airports.
- Average flights per week: Over 1,300 services, ensuring multiple daily connections from most hubs.
Tips and Advice for Booking
- Book 2–6 months ahead: Six months is ideal for securing international deals, while European short-haul flights often price best around 2–3 months out.
- Use whole-month search tools: Comparing days across an entire month reveals the cheapest departure and return pairings.
- Set price alerts: Flight comparison platforms allow notifications when fares drop.
- Consider indirect routes: Adding a stop in another European hub can reduce prices.
- Travel light: Budget carriers enforce strict baggage rules. Save by sticking to carry-on only.
- Look beyond Rome: Flights into Milan or Florence plus a scenic train ride to Rome can sometimes cost less than a direct ticket.
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Seasonal Breakdown – When to Travel
Spring (March–May)
- Weather: Mild, 15–22°C.
- Fares: Moderate, but Easter week is expensive.
- Vibe: Great for sightseeing without peak crowds.
Summer (June–August)
- Weather: Hot, 25–33°C.
- Fares: High, except rare June deals booked early.
- Vibe: Buzzing festivals, but crowded.
Autumn (September–November)
- Weather: Pleasant, 18–25°C.
- Fares: The best bargains—especially in October and November.
- Vibe: Balanced mix of affordability and comfort.
Winter (December–February)
- Weather: Cool, 2–14°C.
- Fares: Cheap, except Christmas/New Year.
- Vibe: Quieter, authentic atmosphere, fewer tourists.
Rome Flight Deals – At a Glance
- Cheapest price found recently: £31 return.
- Cheapest month: October.
- Quietest month: January, ideal for budget and peace.
- Most popular airline: British Airways, followed closely by ITA Airways and Ryanair.
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Extra Travel Essentials
Getting from the Airport to Rome
- From FCO: Taxi (~40 minutes), Leonardo Express train (32 minutes), or bus (50 minutes).
- From CIA: Shuttle buses link to Termini station in 30–40 minutes.
Hotels Near Airports
If you’re arriving late or leaving early:
- Hilton Rome Airport (FCO)
- Hotel Isola Sacra Rome Airport (FCO)
- Budget stays near Ciampino like B&Bs and guesthouses.
Car Hire
Rome can be explored by public transport, but renting a car is a great option if you plan to visit countryside areas like Lazio, Umbria, or Tuscany. Car hire is widely available at both airports.
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Why Rome Flights are So Popular
- History and Culture: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City.
- Cuisine: Pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso.
- Atmosphere: Every piazza feels like a film set.
- Connectivity: Affordable European short-haul links plus direct intercontinental flights.
This mix of cultural magnetism and practical accessibility explains why Rome ranks as one of Europe’s busiest destinations year after year.
Strengths
- Incredibly cheap short-haul fares (from £17).
- Two major airports giving travelers budget and premium options.
- Wide choice of airlines and routes.
- Seasonal deals make Rome accessible all year.
Considerations
- Summer flights are pricey and crowded.
- Budget airline extras (luggage, seat choice) can double your fare.
- Popular events (Easter, Jubilee Year, Christmas) inflate prices.
Final Verdict
Flights to Rome in 2025 offer some of the best value in Europe. With return tickets as low as £31 and thousands of weekly flights, there’s no shortage of options. The trick is knowing when to book and where to fly into.
For budget-conscious travelers, Ciampino and budget carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair open the door to incredibly low fares. For comfort and global connectivity, Fiumicino is the top choice.
The key takeaway: stay flexible, plan ahead, and Rome—whether for art, faith, food, or romance—can be yours for far less than you might expect.
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FAQ
- How many airports does Rome have?
Two: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). - What’s the cheapest month to fly?
October, with returns often around £31–41. - What’s the average flight time?
2 hrs 45 mins from London, ~9 hours from New York. - Which airlines fly direct?
ITA Airways, Wizz Air Malta, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, and many more. - How far is Fiumicino from central Rome?
About 20 miles. By train it’s ~32 minutes; by taxi ~40 minutes. - What’s a good round-trip price?
Under $500 from the US, under £50 from the UK. - Can I get last-minute deals?
Occasionally, but the best savings come from booking 2–6 months in advance. - What’s the cheapest one-way flight recorded?
£17, found on short-haul European routes.
