$70 Cheap Flights to Rochester, IL

Flights to Rochester at a glance

Traveling to Rochester is a breeze; you can select from a range of full-service or budget airlines. Compare flight durations to find an option that aligns with your budget and schedule, all while planning your visit to the city’s iconic attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Rochester: Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI), Decatur Airport (DEC)
• Closest airport to Rochester: Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, SPI (around 10 miles)
• Flights per week: 120+ flights arriving across Rochester airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Rochester: around 3 carriers

Popular airports near Rochester

Rochester is a vibrant city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors are drawn to Rochester for its family-friendly activities, stunning scenery, and entertainment options. This city is conveniently served by two major airports, making travel easy for those looking to explore.

• Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI): Situated in Sangamon County, Illinois, approximately 10 miles from Rochester, this airport offers domestic flights to over 10 destinations nationwide. American Airlines and Breeze are among the popular carriers operating here.
• Decatur Airport (DEC): Found in Macon County, Illinois, around 35 miles away from Rochester, this airport provides domestic service connecting to roughly 3 cities across the United States. United Airlines is the primary airline serving this location.

Top routes to Rochester

• Orlando (MCO) to Rochester (SPI), with one-way airfare from around $50
• Washington (DCA) to Rochester (DEC/SPI), with one-way fares starting at around $150
• Seattle (SEA) to Rochester (DEC/SPI), with one-way flights starting at around $150
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Rochester (SPI), with one-way flight options from around $180
• Dallas (DFW) to Rochester (SPI), with one-way flight options from around $150

Cheapest routes to Rochester

• Orlando (MCO) to Rochester (SPI), with cheap one-way fares from around $50
• Chicago (ORD) to Rochester (DEC), with budget one-way fares from around $80
• Houston (IAH) to Rochester (SPI), with budget one-way fares from around $130
• Washington (DCA) to Rochester (DEC/SPI), with budget one-way fares from around $150
• Dallas (DFW) to Rochester (SPI), with budget one-way fares from around $150

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Rochester

• American Airlines: Operates flights to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI), representing about 80% of the total arrivals in Rochester. Expect an average one-way fare of roughly $280.
• United: Provides service to Decatur Airport (DEC), making up around 11% of arrivals in Rochester. The typical one-way fare is about $210.
• Breeze: Flies into Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI), contributing roughly 9% of all arrivals to Rochester. One-way fares generally average around $100.

Best time to fly to Rochester

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Rochester are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Rochester can reach up to 64.4°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 43.5°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $244), roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? January, October, and February offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $246 to $258, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Rochester

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Rochester is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Rochester flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Rochester

Rochester welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Rochester efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield Station, a train station, is located about 4.1 miles away by car, while Springfield Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 4.5 miles away by car, making both accessible options for travelers heading into the city.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Rochester, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Rochester is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Rochester on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Rochester

• Chatham: Located 11 miles away from Rochester, Chatham is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking adventure. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local attractions, including the scenic Washington Park Botanical Gardens, ideal for a peaceful stroll or a romantic outing. For those with furry friends, the Chatham Dog Park offers a great space for outdoor fun. Don't miss the University of Illinois at Springfield, a modern campus that adds a vibrant college atmosphere, along with access to nearby lakes and national state parks for nature lovers.
• Sherman: Sherman is located 10 miles away from Rochester and is a delightful destination for families and outdoor adventurers. The Illinois State Fairgrounds is a hub of activity, hosting numerous events throughout the year, making it a great spot for entertainment seekers. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into history. Additionally, Lincoln's Tomb offers a unique historical experience, making Sherman a well-rounded stop for travelers exploring the area.
• Downtown Springfield: Situated 7 miles drive away from Rochester, Downtown Springfield is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a blend of family-friendly activities and cultural experiences. The historic Old State Capitol stands as a testament to the area's rich history, while the Bank of Springfield Center serves as a lively venue for various events. Families can enjoy the arena entertainment facilities nearby, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a must-visit for history buffs, making Downtown Springfield an exciting destination for all visitors.

Tips for short-haul flights to Rochester

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Save space by bringing mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothes, and planning your outfits wisely. This strategy also allows you to bypass the baggage claim wait at your destination.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and bring along a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your favorite snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save on airport food costs.

Tips for long-haul flights to Rochester

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free and accessible Wi-Fi.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—start acclimating your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Rochester

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Rochester on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Rochester. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Rochester. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Rochester, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Rochester

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Rochester in 2026 starts from $96, while one-way tickets start from from $70. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Rochester. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Rochester

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Rochester. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Rochester and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Rochester, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Rochester. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Rochester plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Rochester

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Rochester.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Rochester are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Rochester. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Rochester for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Rochester. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Rochester flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Rochester. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.