Flight guide to Rome

There’s nothing more captivating than the “Eternal City.” Located on the River Tiber, Rome (Roma) once served as the main port of the Roman Empire, and today is the seat of the Italian government and home to the Vatican. Rome flights are packed with first-time travelers to Italy and distant relatives heading home for a family reunion. Whether the flight to Rome takes you on an exploration of Renaissance buildings and cobblestone piazzas, or closer to a home-cooked Italian meal across the river, the trip to Rome will be unforgettable.

Rome is an easily walkable city, which is great for first-time visitors wanting snapshots of must-see sights including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the romantic Piazza Navona. Travelers will find the Vatican – the religious center of the Roman Catholic faith and home to the Pope – directly across the river. After a blessing at the Vatican, stroll the streets of Trastevere and dine on fine Italian cuisine at small wine bars.  While Rome is home to some of the earliest artifacts in the world, it also boasts a lively modern lifestyle. Travelers to Rome will find themselves immersed in ancient Roman history one minute, and braving the crowds at the city center’s pizzeria the next.

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Rome Climate

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When to Fly to Rome

Rome flights and hotels are normally full during the spring and fall seasons, so it's a good idea to book your Roman holiday in advance. Tourists looking for cheap flights to Rome can search for end-of-summer deals or Rome flights and accommodations in mid-winter but beware that many of Rome's main attractions operate on limited hours during this time.

Peak Season:

Rome’s peak tourist season begins just before Easter (when the greatest number of visitors flock to the city) and runs through October. June to the beginning of September is usually the most expensive and crowded time to travel to Rome. Many visitors come in the summer despite the warmer weather. It’s recommended that you don’t travel in Italy in August. Most of the population is on vacation for the month of August, especially the last two weeks of August. Even hotels, restaurants and shops are closed as all the Romans go on vacation.

Off Season:

Most attractions either go on shorter winter hours or close for renovations from late October to Easter. Some hotels and restaurants are closed for a month or two between November and February. However, during the winter months, especially January through March, you can often get into the open attractions and sights without having to wait in line.

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Getting Downtown Rome

Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO)
Distance: 19 miles southwest of Rome
Drive time: 45 mins – 1 hour
There are two train services from Fiumicino to the center of Rome, and the ride takes about 30 minutes. Check at the EPT tourist information counter in the International Arrivals hall or at the train information counter near the tracks to determine which train to take to your destination.

Ciampino (CIA)
Distance: 9 miles south of downtown.
Drive time: 45 mins
There are no direct train connections from Ciampino to the center of Rome; however, buses run from the airport to the Anagnina metro station, at the end of line A. The bus ride is about 30 minutes and then it’s another 20 minutes on the train into town.

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Getting Around Rome

Driving a car in the city is not recommended. Traffic is heavy and congested and the locals drive fast and are impatient. Rome's historic center is manageable on foot and most of it is closed to normal traffic. Bring a pair of comfortable and sturdy walking shoes — there are lots of cobblestones.

Between pedestrian crowds, heavy traffic, and the size of the city, public transportation is a good way to get to different parts of the city. Rome’s public transport system is called Metrebus or Metro. A big red M indicates a subway entrance, and there are stops near most of the main attractions. Trains run from 5:30am until 11:30pm every day, and until 12:30am on Saturdays. Buses and trams are slower but it’s a more scenic ride. They run from 5:30am till midnight. Night buses run from 12:30am to 5:30am, and their stops are marked with an owl. Bus and metro tickets must be purchased before you board.

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Rome Insider Information

• If you're in Rome in September, don't miss La Notte Bianca ("the white night") when all of Rome stays open until dawn. Most of the museums and galleries have free entry all night long and it's the only chance to see behind the normally closed doors at some public buildings, such as the stunning Palazzo Farnese, home of the French Embassy.
• On the last Sunday of every month the Vatican Museums have free admission, so you can save €12 (roughly $17) if you visit then.
• If you booked a flight to Rome just to see the Sistine Chapel, make sure to get there and join the line early - at least an hour before the museums open at 8.45am. Once you're inside, sprint all the way to the Sistine Chapel. (To walk around normally and look at all the other works of art would take at least a couple of hours.) If you're lucky, and quick enough, you might get to see it on your own.
• Rome is the place for shopping. If you're on the hunt for bargains, steer clear of the Via dei Condotti and visit Via del Governo Vechhio and Porta Portese, the weekend market in the Trastevere district. Both are boutiquey and trendy and have second-hand clothes, nick-nacks and junk at reasonable prices.
• If you want to look Italian, don't order a cappuccino after your meal. Despite being one of Italy's most famous exports, a cappuccino would only be drunk by the Romans at breakfast and never at any other time of the day. No matter how well you speak the language, ordering a cappuccino after supper is a giveaway sign that you're a tourist.

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Rome Airports

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