Flying from Istanbul to Rome: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Istanbul. Explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when searching for a flight from Istanbul to Rome.
Step off your plane in Rome at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA).
The average time for a direct Istanbul to Rome flight is 2 hours 45 minutes.
Rome is two hours behind Istanbul and is in the UTC+1 timezone.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 28 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Istanbul to Rome is with Turkish Airlines at 21:50. Choose the first IST to FCO departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 07:45 to maximise your time in Rome.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Istanbul to Rome flight.
Be prepared for bigger queues during popular months like April. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Rome
Rs13,239 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Rome. Return flights start from Rs37,051. These fares may change depending on availability and demand.
Book nine months before flying. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Istanbul to Rome flights.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Istanbul to Rome is December. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Locking in a cheap flight from Istanbul to Rome couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Istanbul to Rome flights.
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Istanbul to Rome, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Fly from IST to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in one seamless journey.
Turkish Airlines is a well-known airline that offers direct Istanbul to Rome plane tickets leaving from IST.
We make it easy to book an Istanbul to Rome flight with a stopover. To see all your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Skopje International Airport (SKP)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel near Istanbul Ataturk Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Istanbul to Rome, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
You can catch a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Rome out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Kick off your travels at SAW and hop off the plane at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
From SAW, you can book a direct Istanbul to Rome plane ticket with Pegasus.
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Rome flight, check out these options when taking off from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
With public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not book another night away? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Rome:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 76.93%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights departing from this airport land on schedule.
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 kilometres away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 50 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to FCO if you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Rome. Choose one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Grab a Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport rental car and explore Rome and beyond with your own wheels. Surprice, RentSmart24 and Noleggiare are top providers to choose from here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport around three weeks ahead of your trip.
Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA)
Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA) is roughly 14 kilometres from the centre of Rome. After your flight from Istanbul to Rome, it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 40 minutes.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near CIA. Settle in and get cosy after your Istanbul to Rome flight at any of these well-located options:
RentSmart24, Sicily by Car and Surprice make collecting a Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride one week before your arrival at CIA can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Rome
January is the quietest month for flights from Istanbul to Rome, while August is the most popular. Find the ideal time to visit Rome based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Lock in an Istanbul to Rome ticket departing in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Rome to range from 20ºC to 33ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Istanbul to Rome in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 14ºC on average.
More about Rome
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Rome right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Istanbul to Rome:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum are attractions you won't want to skip in Rome.
Explore more of Italy
Rome has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of Italy you'll want to see. Around 483 kilometres north-west of Rome, a visit to Milan will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano, Milan Cathedral and The Last Supper Museum.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in Italy, consider Naples, about 193 kilometres south-east of Rome. National Archaeological Museum, Castel dell'Ovo and Royal Palace of Naples are key highlights.