Flying from Istanbul to Rome: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Istanbul to Rome. Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW) are the main airports in Istanbul.
Hop off your plane in Rome at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA).
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Rome flight is 2 hours 45 minutes.
The timezone in Rome is UTC+1, which is two hours behind Istanbul.
The busiest route for flights from Istanbul to Rome is from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). You can select from 28 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from IST to FCO is the 07:35 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 21:50 with Turkish Airlines.
Leave plenty of time to get on your Istanbul to Rome flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Rome
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Rome is Rs19,442. For a return flight on this route, the best price is Rs41,226. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To secure cheap Istanbul to Rome flights, book your journey seven months ahead of your departure date.
December is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Istanbul to Rome. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Istanbul to Rome.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Or sort your Istanbul to Rome flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
Jet off from Istanbul Airport (IST) on a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Rome. From IST, you can fly directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
Turkish Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Istanbul to Rome plane tickets from IST.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even tour another city. When browsing Istanbul to Rome flights leaving from Istanbul Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP)
Budapest Airport (BUD)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes around 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near Istanbul Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Istanbul to Rome or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Prefer to fly from Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)? This hub offers direct flights from Istanbul to Rome, seamlessly connecting you to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
Pegasus offers direct Istanbul to Rome plane tickets from SAW. Book your preferred aisle seat and get to your destination in one go.
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Rome flight, here's where you can stop when heading out from Istanbul Sabiha Airport:
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP)
Budapest Airport (BUD)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 40 minutes. The airport is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to Rome? Check in to a hotel near Istanbul Sabiha Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
68% of flights departing Istanbul Sabiha Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Arriving in Rome
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to central Rome takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 23 kilometres away.
It usually takes 30 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Istanbul to Rome. Stay at one of these accommodation options near FCO instead:
Grab a Rome Fiumicino Airport rental car and explore Rome and beyond with your own set of wheels. Surprice, RentSmart24 and Noleggiare are top providers you can book with here.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride from Rome Fiumicino Airport about three weeks in advance of your trip.
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Once your flight from Istanbul to Rome has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Rome is roughly 14 kilometres from Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA).
The trip will take approximately 20 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CIA. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Istanbul to Rome:
RentSmart24, Sicily by Car and Surprice make collecting a Rome Ciampino Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at CIA can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Rome
March 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 more bustling atmosphere.
Before locking in your Istanbul to Rome tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Rome, with temperatures ranging 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
Once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Rome, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Rome:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Hill are essential stops on your Rome itinerary.
Explore more of Italy
You've seen Rome, now it's time to discover more of Italy. Journey around 483 kilometres northwest to Milan to check off its leading sights. From Leonardo's Last Supper Museum to Teatro alla Scala and Milan Cathedral, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you want to check out another corner of Italy, consider Naples, roughly 193 kilometres southeast of Rome. Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples National Archaeological Museum and San Carlo Theatre are key reasons to visit.
