$317 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO)

Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO) at a glance

Travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Rome's Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) with a range of airlines catering to this long-haul international route. Whether you prefer full-service or low-cost carriers, you can compare options to find a flight that suits your budget and schedule. As you plan your adventure in Rome, discover the city's iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods while securing your ideal itinerary from ORD to FCO.

• Fastest flight duration: around 9 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 4,800 miles (7,720 km)
• Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $220–$800, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Chicago to Rome are often selected for their non-stop and one-stop services. Popular layover options include Humberto Delgado Airport, LIS (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes), Keflavik International Airport, KEF (about 1 hour 30 minutes), and Istanbul Airport, IST (around 2 hours). This variety allows you to customize your journey by balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary for your trip.

• United: This full-service airline provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights, with one-way fares typically falling between $260 and $935. It represents about 33% of departures on this route, with non-stop flight durations averaging around 9 hours.
• American Airlines: As a full-service carrier, American Airlines offers non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $275 to $1100. It accounts for approximately 13% of departures on this route, with typical non-stop travel times of 9 hours.
• ITA Airways: A full-service airline, ITA Airways features both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually between $300 and $1060. This carrier makes up about 6% of departures on this route, with non-stop flight times around 9 hours.
• TAP Portugal: This full-service airline provides one-stop options, with one-way fares generally ranging from $220 to $610. TAP Portugal constitutes roughly 6% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 10 hours 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 12 hours 30 minutes, including layovers.
• Icelandair: Another full-service option, Icelandair offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $220 to $695. This airline represents around 6% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 10 hours 30 minutes and a total travel time close to 12 hours 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.

Travelers flying from Chicago to Rome have the option to upgrade their experience with business class and premium economy seating on popular airlines like United, ITA Airways, and American Airlines, ensuring a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Rome are March, May, and June, when peak temperatures in Rome reach up to 73.6°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 46.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $354). Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 46 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 18 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $354, roughly 28% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: February and November typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $367 to $382.
• Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Rome, with approximately 46 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative route from Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO)

• Chicago to Rome (MDW-FCO): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). One-way economy fares for this route generally range between $270 and $730, influenced by the season and advance booking. Typically, travelers will find one-stop flights with common layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The leading airlines for this route include Delta and KLM.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO)

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

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the evening (6 PM to 12 AM) often have lower prices, although afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays not only offers cheaper prices but is also the most favored travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Rome welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Rome city center is approximately a 25-minute drive (covering about 19 miles) from Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Rome efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Rome, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Fiumicino Airport Station (a train station) is just a short 0.2 miles away on foot, while Rome-da Vinci/Fiumicino Seaport (a seaport) is approximately 0.4 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, Stella Polare Station (a metro station) is located about 5.8 miles away by car, providing various transport options for travelers.

Chicago to Rome Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Rome

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Chicago to Rome are during the month of April. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chicago to Rome with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Rome

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago to Rome: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Chicago to Rome

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Chicago to Rome in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $317 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Chicago to Rome flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Chicago to Rome airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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