London to Rome – Cheap Flights, Smart Timing & Complete City Guide

Last updated: 12 August 2025

Rome, the Eternal City, blends ancient wonders with modern vibrancy. With direct flights from multiple London airports and year-round appeal, it’s a destination worth planning well. This guide covers how to secure low fares, navigate the airports, choose the right neighbourhood, and explore Rome without breaking the bank.

✈️ How to Find Cheap Flights

London offers direct connections to Rome’s two airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino handles most long-haul and legacy carriers, while Ciampino is used mainly by budget airlines. For cheaper fares, look for departures Tuesday–Thursday, and book 6–8 weeks ahead. Use fare alerts and compare nearby airports like Milan or Naples for flexible itineraries.

🛬 Airport Transfers

From Fiumicino: The Leonardo Express train takes 32 minutes to Termini station. Regional trains are slower but cheaper. Buses are budget-friendly and take about 50 minutes. From Ciampino: Shuttle buses connect to Termini in 40 minutes.

🏨 Where to Stay

Centro Storico puts you within walking distance of iconic landmarks. Trastevere offers bohemian charm and nightlife. Monti is perfect for boutique stays and hip cafés. Budget travellers might prefer San Lorenzo or Testaccio.

🌟 Must-See Attractions

• Colosseum & Roman Forum – book tickets in advance to skip queues.
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – early entry tours are worth it.
• Pantheon – free to enter; mornings are quieter.
• Trevi Fountain – best visited early or late to avoid crowds.
• Piazza Navona – lively atmosphere and stunning fountains.

🍽️ Food & Drink

Try carbonara, cacio e pepe, and supplì from local trattorias. Enjoy aperitivo in Campo de’ Fiori or Monti. For dessert, grab a gelato from artisanal shops like Giolitti or Fatamorgana.

🚌 Getting Around

Rome’s metro, buses, and trams cover most areas. A Roma Pass or BIT tickets can save money if you plan multiple journeys. Walking is scenic but wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones.

🗓️ Seasonal Tips

Spring – mild weather and blooming gardens. Summer – hot and busy; visit sights early. Autumn – fewer crowds and warm evenings. Winter – festive lights and quieter attractions.

🚆 Day Trips

Tivoli – Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Ostia Antica – ancient port city near the coast. Orvieto – hilltop town with a stunning cathedral.

📅 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain.

Day 2: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trastevere, evening in Piazza Navona.

🌃 Nightlife

From wine bars in Trastevere to rooftop cocktails near the Spanish Steps, Rome’s nightlife suits all tastes. Live music venues and piazza gatherings keep the city lively late into the night.

💡 Advanced Flight Booking Tips

To increase your chances of finding the lowest fares from London to Rome, consider searching on multiple booking platforms, using incognito mode, and setting up fare alerts. Mid-week departures tend to be cheaper, and combining different airlines for your outbound and return legs can sometimes save up to 20%. Also, look for flights into Ciampino and out of Fiumicino or vice versa, as mixed-airport itineraries occasionally offer better pricing.

🚖 Detailed Airport Transfer Advice

From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express train is the fastest option to Termini, but if you’re staying in Trastevere, consider the FL1 regional train to Trastevere station for a direct route. At Ciampino, pre-booked shuttle buses can be cheaper than buying tickets on the spot. Taxis in Rome have a fixed fare from both airports to central locations — always confirm the rate before setting off.

🏘️ More Neighbourhood Recommendations

Prati – Elegant, near the Vatican, with great shopping streets like Via Cola di Rienzo. Parioli – Leafy, residential, and upscale, perfect for a quieter stay. Testaccio – A foodie’s paradise with authentic Roman cuisine and vibrant markets.

⏱️ Must-See Tips & Timings

For the Colosseum, book the first time slot of the day to enjoy fewer crowds. The Vatican Museums are less busy on weekday afternoons, and St. Peter’s Basilica is free but security queues are shortest early morning. Many churches, like Santa Maria in Trastevere, are free to enter and showcase stunning mosaics.

🍷 Local Food Specialties

Beyond pasta, try porchetta (slow-roasted pork), supplì al telefono (fried rice balls with mozzarella), and Roman-style artichokes (carciofi alla Romana). Visit Testaccio Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and street food stands. For wine lovers, head to Enoteca Cavour 313 for a tasting experience.

📅 Extended Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1: Ancient Rome – Colosseum, Forum, Capitoline Museums, evening stroll to Trevi Fountain.

Day 2: Vatican City – Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, dinner in Prati.

Day 3: Morning in Trastevere, Villa Farnesina, Campo de’ Fiori market, sunset from Gianicolo Hill.

🌿 Hidden Gems & Free Attractions

Seek out the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for panoramic views, the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta for a unique perspective of St. Peter’s, and the Basilica of San Clemente to explore layered history beneath the church.

Some links on our site may be affiliate links, which means we could earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. We remain editorially independent.