If you’ve been daydreaming about sipping espresso near the Roman Forum or tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, you’re not alone — Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world.
And while it may feel like flights to Europe are always pricey, I’m here to tell you: they don’t have to be.
I’ve booked enough international flights to know that the key to cheap airfare is strategy.
With a little flexibility, smart timing, and a few browser tabs open, you can absolutely score a great deal on plane tickets to the Eternal City.
The Best Time to Fly to Rome (for Your Wallet)
Let’s get this out of the way first: the best time to fly to Rome for the lowest prices is not during summer.
July and August are part of the high season, which means bigger crowds, longer lines at the Colosseum, and higher flight prices.
If you’re looking for the best deal, the cheapest month to fly to Rome is typically February, followed by November and early December (before the holiday rush).
These months fall in the low season, and while it might be a bit chillier, Rome in winter is seriously underrated—less crowded, still beautiful, and surprisingly romantic.
If you’re not into bundling up, early fall (mid-September to early October) or spring (late March to early May) are part of the shoulder season, which is kind of the sweet spot for decent weather and cheaper flights.
I’ve snagged some of my best round-trip flights to Rome during these months.
Cheapest Days to Book & Fly
Here’s a general rule I swear by: flying midweek usually means lower prices. Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the cheapest days to fly internationally. Meanwhile, Friday and Sunday are often the most expensive.
The same goes for booking. If you’re hunting for the cheapest flight deal, avoid weekend searches when everyone’s planning their dream vacation. Instead, try checking prices on a Monday or Tuesday morning.
Here’s a tip I always share with friends: Set price alerts through Google Flights or a site like Skyscanner. You’ll get notified when flight prices drop on your preferred travel dates, or when an airline launches a surprise sale.
Round-Trip vs. One-Way Flights
I used to assume round-trip flights were always cheaper—but it’s not always true. Especially with some low-cost carriers or during off-peak travel times, booking two one-way flights can actually save you money (and give you more flexibility with your return flight).
Still, round-trip flights tend to offer better deals overall, particularly with full-service airlines like ITA Airways, American Airlines, or British Airways. It’s worth comparing both options before you book.
The Best U.S. Airports for Cheap Flights to Rome
Living in the United States gives you a decent amount of options when it comes to departure airports, but some hubs consistently offer lower prices on international flights to Italy.
Here are a few I keep my eye on:
- New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport): Great for nonstop flights and usually the cheapest departure airport from the East Coast.
- Boston Logan International (BOS): Another solid East Coast option with frequent deals.
- Miami International Airport (MIA): Surprisingly good prices during shoulder season.
- Los Angeles (LAX): The West Coast gateway to Europe. Look for deals with stopovers.
- Chicago O’Hare: A great connection point with many flight suggestions.
Pro tip: If you’re flying from a smaller city, sometimes it’s cheaper to book a domestic flight to one of the big hubs and start your international journey from there. Use a site like Cheapflights or Google Flights with the “multiple airports” filter to compare.
Favorite Airlines for Rome Flights
We all have our favorite carrier (mine rotates based on who gave me complimentary wine last), but for Rome, there are a few frequent flyers worth watching:
- ITA Airways: Italy’s national airline. Often has competitive prices and direct flights to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), aka Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
- United Airlines: Reliable and has great round trip options from many U.S. cities.
- British Airways: Often routes through London but offers good value and nice service.
- American Airlines: Good for loyalty program points if you’re collecting.
- Wizz Air: A low-cost carrier in Europe, great if you’re hopping to Rome from another EU city.
Pro tip: Always check if your flight goes into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA). FCO is the main international hub and closer to the city center, while Ciampino handles budget airlines and may require a longer transfer into the city centre.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
If you’re a planner like me, booking your flight to Rome 2–4 months in advance is the easiest way to lock in the best prices. For high season (June to August), you’ll want to push that to 4–6 months ahead.
That said, don’t rule out last-minute deals. Occasionally, airlines will drop prices a few weeks before departure if a flight isn’t full. If you’ve got some wiggle room in your travel plans and aren’t picky about exact flight times, it could work in your favor.
Tips & Tricks to Score Cheaper Flights
- Be flexible with your departure date and time. The cheapest time of day to fly is often early morning or late evening.
- Don’t forget about return flights — sometimes flying into one city and out of another (say, Rome to Venice) can save money.
- Use Google Flights’ “Explore” feature to find the cheapest airport to fly from near you.
- Clear your cookies or search in an incognito browser window if you suspect flight prices are creeping up with each search.
- Set a budget alert on flight deal sites to catch sales you might otherwise miss.
- If you’re into loyalty programs, cash in those points — especially for long-haul flights.
Plan Around Key Events
Want to pair your trip with something extra special? Some of the best months to visit Rome are filled with events — but keep in mind these can also raise ticket costs:
- Roma Music Festival (June): Adds energy to the city — and to airfare prices.
- Holy Week & Easter (March/April): A stunning time to visit, but also peak travel season.
- Christmas & New Year’s: Magical in Rome, but you’ll pay for it.
If you can avoid traveling during these key events, you’ll likely find cheaper flights and hotel rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Finding Cheap Flights to Rome
Q: What’s the best time of year to visit Rome for cheap airfare?
A: Late fall and winter (November–February) offer the lowest prices. Early fall and spring are great for lower prices with better weather.
Q: What’s the most expensive day to fly to Rome?
A: Fridays and Sundays tend to have the highest prices due to demand.
Q: Is it cheaper to fly into Fiumicino or Ciampino airport?
A: Fiumicino (FCO) is more common for international flights. Ciampino can be cheaper but is better for domestic flights and European low-cost carriers.
Q: How long is the flight from the U.S. to Rome?
A: From New York, it’s about 8.5 hours nonstop. From the West Coast (like Los Angeles), expect 11–13 hours or more, depending on connections.
Q: Are price alerts worth setting up?
A: Absolutely. Google Flights and other services can track routes and alert you when prices drop. It’s one of the best ways to score a deal.
Q: What’s the average price for a round-trip flight to Rome from North America?
A: The average price varies by season, but from major hubs in North America, you can expect round-trip flights to range from $500–$1,200. During peak season, prices tend to rise, while in the shoulder season, I’ve seen great flight deals for under $600 — especially from airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport or Boston Logan Intl.
Q: What are the most popular routes to Rome from the U.S.?
A: Some of the most popular routes include nonstop or one-stop flights from New York (JFK), Boston Logan Intl, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, and Miami. These cities tend to offer the best availability, competitive prices, and the most popular connection options, especially with full-service carriers.
Q: Does the day of the week affect flight prices?
A: Absolutely. Many travel agents and Cheapflights users agree that Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to book and to fly. Weekend flights tend to align with peak season demand and come with higher price tags.
Q: Does the day of the week affect flight prices?
A: Absolutely. Many travel agents and Cheapflights users agree that Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to book and to fly. Weekend flights tend to align with peak season demand and come with higher price tags.
So, is finding cheap flights to Rome a challenge? Sometimes. But it’s far from impossible.
With a few smart tools, some flexibility, and the right timing, you can absolutely find a great deal to the Eternal City.
The next time you’re staring at round-trip flights and wondering if you should click purchase, remember: the best prices usually go to the travelers who plan ahead, compare options, and know how to outsmart the algorithm.
And hey — maybe I’ll see you in Rome, a glass of vino in hand.
