Travelling from Rome to Istanbul: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Rome. Check out your options leaving from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA) when organising your flight from Rome to Istanbul.
When working out where to land in Istanbul, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) are the major hubs.
The average length of a direct flight from Rome to Istanbul is 2 hours 32 minutes. Istanbul's timezone is UTC+3, making Istanbul 2 hours ahead of Rome.
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 39 departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Rome to Istanbul is with Turkish Airlines at 20:10. Choose the first FCO to IST departure operated by Turkish Airlines at 06:55 to maximise your time in Istanbul.
To ensure you catch your flight from Rome to Istanbul, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Travelling over a peak time such as August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You won't need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey) if you have a passport from Italy and are visiting for tourism purposes. Visa and travel documentation requirements are subject to changes. So before organising your cheap flights from Rome to Istanbul, be sure to check with your airline and your destination country's local consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
Flying from Rome
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Direct flights from Rome to Istanbul are available from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). FCO offers nonstop journeys to two Istanbul terminals, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you plan to leave from FCO, you can catch a direct flight from Rome to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
Think about adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from Rome to Istanbul. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular airports:
Naples International Airport (NAP)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Located around 32 kilometres from central Rome, FCO can be reached in approximately 39 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The same journey on public transport will take roughly 51 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Rome to Istanbul or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Rome to Istanbul. Visit friends or family or tick a new city off your bucket list. Whatever you want to do, check out these options between Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and Istanbul:
Naples International Airport (NAP)
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)
Belgrad Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
With public transport, you can travel from central Rome to CIA in around 1 hour and 39 minutes. The airport is roughly 18 kilometres away, and making the trip by car will take approximately 42 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Rome to Istanbul? Relax in a hotel near Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport before your break officially starts. Consider one of these stays:
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres. It'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Rome to Istanbul, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near IST:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
The centre of Istanbul is located around 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Once your flight from Rome to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 57 minutes.
You can also travel using public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
You'll find some cosy stays where you can make a pit stop near SAW. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Rome to Istanbul at any of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Rome to Istanbul
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Rome to Istanbul is 56 €. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 94 €. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To snag cheap tickets from Rome to Istanbul, book your journey 10 months ahead of your departure.
The cheapest month for tickets from Rome to Istanbul is June. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the best deal.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. We'll let you know right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from looking for cheap tickets from Rome to Istanbul every day.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Rome to Istanbul. Simply select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Best time to go to Istanbul
February is the quietest month for flights from Rome to Istanbul, while August is the most popular. Choose the best time to visit Istanbul based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with the temperature ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your flights from Rome to Istanbul in this month if this is the kind of weather you like.
If you want cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Rome to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
After booking your flight from Rome to Istanbul, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are attractions you won't want to skip in Istanbul.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Check out our lineup of car rentals once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flight from Rome to Istanbul. Whether you're looking for a compact ride, roomy sedan or something more luxurious, you can easily compare companies in one go to find the perfect deal.