Flying from Chicago to Rome: what you need to know
Chicago is home to a couple of airports where you can kick off your travels. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Rome leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
When it comes to planning your arrival in Rome, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA) are the chief entry points.
The average duration of a direct Chicago to Rome flight is 9 hours 10 minutes.
Rome's timezone is UTC+1, which makes Rome six hours ahead of Chicago.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to Rome is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Choose from 11 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to FCO is the 15:00 ITA Airways option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 17:20 with American Airlines.
For a stress-free start to your trip, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your Chicago to Rome flight.
Be prepared for longer queues in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Rome
To secure cheap Chicago to Rome flights, book your journey six months before your planned departure.
September is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Rome. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Rome is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Find an affordable Chicago to Rome flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can get a direct flight from Chicago to Rome jetting off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Begin your journey at ORD and end it at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
You can choose from a range of airlines offering direct Chicago to Rome plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even tour another city. When searching for Chicago to Rome flights leaving from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Located around 26 kms (16 miles) from the centre of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chicago to Rome or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Of all flights leaving O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% land on time at their destination.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Chicago to Rome flight. Visit family or friends or cross another city off your list. Whatever you decide to do, check out these options between Chicago Midway International Airport and Rome:
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
You can reach MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes to cover the 14 kms (9 miles) or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Rome? Kick back in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 78%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Rome
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to central Rome takes around 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 23 kms (14 miles) away.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 50 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Rome. Check in to one of these accommodation options near FCO instead:
Grab a Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport rental car and explore Rome and beyond with your own set of wheels. Surprice, RentSmart24 and Noleggiare are popular outlets to choose from here.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport about three weeks before your travel date.
Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA)
Central Rome is about 14 kms (9 miles) from Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA). Once your flight from Chicago to Rome has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 40 minutes or so.
After your flight from Chicago to Rome, unwind at a hotel near CIA. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from RentSmart24, Sicily by Car or Surprice and make a speedy getaway.
Snap up the best price by securing your ride from CIA one week in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Rome
August is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Rome. To avoid the crowds, visit Rome in January.
Book a Chicago to Rome ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Rome to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between 2ºC (36ºF) and 14ºC (57ºF). Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Rome around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Rome
After booking your flight from Chicago to Rome, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Rome:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are top attractions which should feature on every Rome itinerary.
Explore more of Italy
You've visited Rome, now it's time to discover other parts of Italy. Travel about 300 miles north-west to Milan to check off its popular sights. From Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano to Milan Cathedral and The Last Supper Museum, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 120 miles south-east of Rome, Naples is another essential stop in Italy. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at National Archaeological Museum, Castel dell'Ovo and Royal Palace of Naples.