Route guide
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Rome: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 4,810 mi
- Typical flight time
- 9 h 45 min – 10 h 45 min
- Airports
- 2 × 2
- Time difference
- 7 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Chicago and Rome: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Chicago to Rome is about 4,810 miles (7,740 km) and a typical flight takes 9 h 45 min to 10 h 45 min. Rome is 7 hours ahead of Chicago. Chicago has 2 airports to compare and Rome has 2.
Airport pairs to compare
Chicago has two main airports: O'Hare handles hub and long-haul traffic, while Midway is smaller and closer to the city center. Rome's main airport is Fiumicino, southwest of the city, with a direct train to the central station.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| ORD to FCO | O'Hare International | Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino |
| ORD to CIA | O'Hare International | Ciampino |
| MDW to FCO | Midway International | Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino |
| MDW to CIA | Midway International | Ciampino |
About the airports
- ORD · O'Hare International
A major hub for connecting traffic and long-haul flights, with a direct train to downtown. - MDW · Midway International
Closer to downtown and served by its own train line, with a focus on shorter domestic routes. - FCO · Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino
The main international airport, with a direct train to Roma Termini. - CIA · Ciampino
A smaller airport southeast of the city, used mostly by low-cost carriers.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Chicago: United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Chicago
Late spring through early fall is the most pleasant stretch. Winter brings snow and cold that can cause delays.
Rome
April to June and September to October are the most comfortable. August is hot, and Easter week is very busy.
International trip: you will need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or entry authorization. Our international checklist covers what to check.
How long is Chicago to Rome?
At about 4,810 miles, Chicago to Rome is a long-haul trip. Itineraries can be nonstop or can connect, and a connection can add many hours, so compare total travel time as well as price. Check seat, baggage and change rules before you pay.
Time zones and timing
Rome is 7 hours ahead of Chicago, so you land at a local time 7 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date. With a gap this large, many travelers plan a lighter first day.
Getting between the airport and town
Chicago: CTA trains run from both airports to the city center, which is usually the most predictable option at busy times.
Rome: The Leonardo Express train runs between Fiumicino and Roma Termini.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Winter weather is the main source of disruption. Build in extra buffer for connections between November and March.
- A valid passport is required. Italy is part of the Schengen area, so check the current official guidance on entry systems.
- International travel: check passport, visa and entry rules well before you pay. See our international checklist.
- Entry rules depend on your citizenship and can include a visa or an electronic travel authorization. Check the official guidance for the destination well before you pay.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Rome to Chicago?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Chicago or all flights from Rome.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chicago from Rome?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 4,810 miles (7,740 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Chicago to Rome?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 9 h 45 min to 10 h 45 min in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Chicago: ORD (O'Hare International), MDW (Midway International). At Rome: FCO (Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino), CIA (Ciampino). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Rome is 7 hours ahead of Chicago.
When is the best time to fly from Chicago to Rome?
In Chicago: Late spring through early fall is the most pleasant stretch. Winter brings snow and cold that can cause delays. In Rome: April to June and September to October are the most comfortable. August is hot, and Easter week is very busy. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Chicago to Rome?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
What documents do I need?
A valid passport is required. Entry rules depend on your citizenship, so check the official guidance for the destination. See our international checklist.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.