Cheap Flights to Rome from Australia
Rome is unlike any other city on earth — a place where an ancient empire, Renaissance masterpieces and 21st-century Italian life all coexist on the same cobblestone streets. From the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the Vatican, the Pantheon and the narrow lanes of Trastevere, every corner holds something extraordinary.
At iFly.au we compare hundreds of fares across 500+ airlines to find you the best deal on flights to Rome from Australia — with no booking fees and genuine Australian travel experts available to help.
Rome — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~22–23 hours (1–2 stops)
Flight time from Melbourne
~23–24 hours (1–2 stops)
Best time for cheap fares
February–March
Peak season
June, July, August
Main airport
Fiumicino — Leonardo da Vinci (FCO)
Visa required
No — 90 days (Schengen Area)
Time zone
CET (GMT+1) / CEST (GMT+2)
Top Things to Do in Rome
The Colosseum & Roman Forum
The greatest amphitheatre ever built — still awe-inspiring after 2,000 years. Book tickets in advance to skip the queues and explore the adjacent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill included in the same ticket.
Vatican City
A sovereign state within Rome — home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo's ceiling is genuinely one of the most extraordinary things you'll ever see. Book well ahead.
The Trevi Fountain
Rome's most spectacular Baroque fountain and one of the most iconic sights in the world. Toss a coin (legend says you'll return to Rome), but visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds.
The Pantheon
A perfectly preserved Roman temple built in 125 AD — its unreinforced concrete dome was the largest in the world for 1,300 years. Free to enter in the evening. Simply extraordinary.
Trastevere
Rome's most charming neighbourhood — medieval lanes, ivy-covered buildings, artisan workshops and some of the best trattorias in the city. Perfect for an evening wander and dinner.
Borghese Gallery
Rome's finest art gallery with masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael in a beautiful villa. Entry is strictly limited — book tickets weeks in advance for this one.
When to Fly to Rome
February and March are the cheapest months to fly from Australia to Rome, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. Avoid June–August which is peak season — extremely hot, crowded and expensive. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit for weather and value.
Rome's Airports
FCO
Rome Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci)
Rome's main international airport, 30km southwest of the city. The Leonardo Express train takes 30 minutes non-stop to Roma Termini station and runs every 15 minutes.
CIA
Rome Ciampino Airport
A smaller airport southeast of Rome, used by budget carriers. Buses connect to Roma Termini in about 40 minutes.
Getting Around Rome
Rome's historic centre is best explored on foot — most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. The Metro (lines A and B) covers key areas. Taxis are metered and reliable. Buy a 48 or 72-hour transport pass for unlimited metro and bus travel.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders can visit Italy (Schengen Area) for up to 90 days without a visa.
- ETIAS: From mid-2025, Australian travellers will need an ETIAS authorisation for Schengen travel — a quick online process costing €7.
- Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted but carry cash for smaller restaurants and markets.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended. Pickpocketing is common in tourist areas — keep valuables secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Rome?
The main airlines include Qantas (via Singapore or Dubai), Emirates (via Dubai), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and ITA Airways. Most routes involve one or two stops with total journey times of 22–24 hours.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Rome?
February and March are typically cheapest. Avoid June–August (peak summer). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer excellent value with ideal weather for sightseeing.
Do Australians need a visa for Italy?
No traditional visa is required for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. From mid-2025, an ETIAS authorisation will be required — a quick online application costing €7.
Which airport should I fly into for Rome?
Fiumicino (FCO) handles most international flights and is well connected by the Leonardo Express train. Ciampino (CIA) is used by budget carriers and connected by bus.
Can iFly help with Italian rail passes and hotels?
Absolutely. Our team can help with flights, accommodation, Eurail passes, transfers and travel insurance. Call 1800 242 373 during business hours.