Book flights to Rome

Rome is a central destination for travellers exploring the Mediterranean, and is a historic junction for international journeys. The city is a sprawling metropolitan hub where ancient ruins share space with modern urban life.

Visitors find a dense concentration of architectural history within the city centre, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. The artistic wealth of the Vatican Museums and the baroque design of the Trevi Fountain provide deep cultural context for any discovery of the area.

The atmosphere of the city is defined by its layers of history and a world-famous culinary tradition. It remains a primary destination for those seeking a balance of artistic exploration and a lifestyle focused on leisure and heritage.

Rome in the high season

Rome enters its most spirited phase between May and September, when the Mediterranean sun brings consistent warmth and daily highs often reach 30°C. As travellers arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, they are met by a city pulsating with energy and golden light. The heat dictates a Mediterranean rhythm where the streets are busiest during the morning and late evening, while the afternoons are reserved for quiet retreats into shaded piazzas or air-conditioned galleries.

This period has a social atmosphere centred on the outdoors, especially during the Estate Romana festival. The banks of the Tiber River transform into a long stretch of open-air bars and cinemas, and historic sites like the Colosseum stay open for moonlit tours. Life moves to the terraces and cobblestone lanes, creating a bustling environment where the city’s ancient grandeur is matched by a modern, celebratory pace.

Rome in the low season

During the low season, particularly from November to February, Rome adopts a more intimate and contemplative character. While temperatures can drop to 3°C at night, the days are frequently crisp and clear under a bright blue sky. Upon landing, visitors find a city that has returned to its residents, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the Pantheon or the Vatican Museums without the intense crowds of the summer months.

The lifestyle shifts toward cosy interior spaces and seasonal culinary traditions. Local life revolves around warm trattorias and the roasting of chestnuts in the squares, while the holiday season brings the charming Piazza Navona Christmas market. The pace is noticeably slower and more authentic, offering a chance to see the architectural details of the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps in a quiet, tranquil light that the high season rarely permits.

Two primary air gateways serve the capital, providing convenient access for travellers booking a flight to Rome from international or domestic origins. These hubs are positioned on different sides of the metropolitan area, offering a range of full-service and low-cost carrier options to suit various travel needs.

Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

The Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, commonly known by its FCO code, is the primary international gateway for the region, located approximately 32 km southwest of the city centre in the town of Fiumicino. As the busiest airport in the country, it is the main hub for ITA Airways and hosts a vast network of long-haul flights to Rome alongside major global carriers. The facility consists of two active terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which manage a high volume of traffic from every continent.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, the most efficient way to reach the heart of the city is via the Leonardo Express, a non-stop train service that reaches Roma Termini Station in about 32 minutes. Travellers can also use the FL1 regional train, which stops at major hubs like Roma Trastevere and Roma Ostiense, though it does not serve the central Termini station. Several private shuttle bus companies operate frequent services to Via Marsala and Via Giolitti, typically taking 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Official taxis are available at the ranks outside both terminals and offer fixed rates for destinations within the Aurelian Walls.

Ciampino–G.B. Pastine International Airport (CIA)

Situated roughly 15 km southeast of the city centre, Ciampino–G.B. Pastine International Airport (identified by the code CIA) is the secondary hub for the capital. It primarily handles low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, as well as charter flights and general aviation. Due to its closer proximity to the urban core and its single-terminal layout, it has a more compact and straightforward arrival experience for those travelling on shorter European routes.

Getting into the city from this airport is straightforward, with several shuttle bus lines providing direct connections to Roma Termini Station in approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Another popular option is the Ciampino Airlink, a combined bus and train service that transfers passengers to the Ciampino Railway Station for a quick rail connection into the centre. For those preferring the underground, local buses link the terminal to the Anagnina Station on Metro Line A. Official taxis are stationed directly outside the arrivals exit and provide a quick transit to the central districts.

After your flight touches down at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, the drive into the city reveals a skyline where ancient stone meets the warm hues of a Mediterranean sunset. Rome greets newcomers with an immediate sense of scale, where the weight of history and the energy of modern Italian life create a captivating atmosphere for exploration.

The Colosseum
This massive stone amphitheatre has a presence that is felt long before you walk through its arches, serving as a silent witness to the public spectacles of the Roman Empire. Its weathered facade and intricate interior corridors offer a profound connection to the ancient world.

Trastevere
Crossing the river into this neighbourhood reveals a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with ivy-clad buildings and lively piazzas. It is the heart of local life, where the scent of fresh pasta fills the air and the city feels intimate and approachable.

The Pantheon
As you step from a busy square into this architectural marvel, the light streaming through the oculus in the dome creates a hushed, contemplative mood. It remains one of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity, showcasing the incredible engineering skills of the past.

Trevi Fountain
The sound of rushing water echoes through the surrounding alleys, leading you to this dramatic Baroque masterpiece. Joining the crowd to toss a coin into the blue water is a classic ritual that marks your arrival and promises a future return.

Vatican Museums
Walking through these vast galleries reveals an overwhelming collection of art that spans centuries, culminating in the quiet brilliance of the Sistine Chapel. The intricate frescoes and sculptures provide a deep dive into the creative spirit that has shaped the city.

Piazza Navona
Built on the site of an ancient stadium, this elegant square has three ornate fountains and grand palaces. It is a beautiful space to slow down and observe the rhythm of the city, from street artists to the flow of people enjoying the open air.

Every great journey begins with a simple click, and finding your way to Rome is part of the excitement of travel. To find a great price for your trip to Italy, we recommend booking your tickets well in advance and staying flexible with your departure dates. For frequent explorers, eDreams Prime has additional benefits that make reaching your destination even more rewarding, ensuring your focus remains on the incredible sights and flavours that await you upon arrival.