Top Airlines Offering Cheap Flights to Italy

A direct flight is a convenient and quick way to reach the alluring landscapes of Italy, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. There are several airlines that offer cost-effective, cheap flights to Italy from USA. Here are some of the leading ones:

Find Major Airports in Italy

Italy boasts a network of major airports that connect the country to the world, each providing a range of transportation options to reach your desired destinations. Here is an overview of the primary airports in Italy and the transportation choices they offer.

Rome Fiumicino Airport stands as Italy’s busiest airport and enjoys a strategic central location, often making it the most cost-effective entry point for travelers. As the largest airport in Italy, FCO offers an extensive network of flights connecting both domestic destinations Milan (MXP), Naples (NAP), and Venice (VCE), as well as international cities around the globe. Travelers can access various ground transportation options, including the convenient Leonardo Express train to central Rome, taxis, and airport shuttles.

Milan Malpensa Airport serves as another significant gateway in Italy, offering an ideal choice for those looking to explore Milan and venture to central and northern Italian destinations like Bologna and Tuscany. As a pivotal northern hub, MXP accommodates a range of domestic and international airlines, with domestic routes connecting Milan (MXP) to cities such as Rome (FCO), Naples (NAP), and Palermo (PMO). Travelers can easily access the swift and convenient Malpensa Express for a quick journey to Milan city center, while taxis and car rental services (MXP) are readily available for added convenience.

Venice Marco Polo Airport, nestled in the Veneto region, serves as an excellent choice for travelers planning to explore Venice and its neighboring destinations. This airport stands as the gateway to the romantic city of Venice and other charming cities within the Veneto region. Airlines such as Volotea and easyJet offer convenient domestic flights connecting Venice (VCE) to cities like Rome (FCO), Palermo (PMO), and Bari (BRI). To reach the heart of Venice, visitors can rely on the Alilaguna ferry, while buses and taxis efficiently serve the mainland areas.

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, located in the Emilia Romagna region, offers a convenient choice for travelers looking to explore cities such as Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA), and Rimini (RMI). BLQ facilitates flights to major Italian cities like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), and Venice (VCE) through reputable airlines, including Ryanair and Alitalia. Travelers can access a range of ground transportation options, including the Aerobus service for a seamless journey to Bologna city center, along with easily available taxis and car rental services.

Naples International Airport, situated in southern Italy, is a bustling airport that facilitates both domestic and international travel. Ideally located in proximity to the city, NAP offers a range of flights to various Italian cities, including Milan (MXP), Rome (FCO), and Venice (VCE). Travelers can choose from several reputable carriers like Volotea, easyJet, and Ryanair. Access to Naples city center is made easy through the efficient Alibus shuttle service, while taxis and car rental options (NAP) provide additional convenience for onward journeys.

Flights to Italy Snapshot

Economy Class

OneAir - Travel the world for less
TOTAL NUMBER OF ECONOMY CLASS DEALS TO Italy IN THE LAST MONTH​

167

Seat - Cheap Flights - OneAir
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP DEAL​ TO Italy

$541

Business Class

OneAir - Travel the world for less
TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESS CLASS DEALS TO Italy IN THE LAST MONTH​

133

Business Class - Cheap Flights - OneAir
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS ROUNDTRIP DEAL​ TO Italy

$2739

The Cheapest Time to Fly to Italy

The cheapest months to fly from the U.S. to Italy are typically during the low season, which runs from November to March (excluding the holiday periods around Christmas and New Year’s). During these months, flight prices tend to be lower due to decreased demand, as the weather in Italy can be cool and wet.

 

On the other hand, the most expensive periods to fly from the U.S. to Italy are usually during the peak tourist seasons, which include the summer months (June to August) and the Easter holiday. During the summer, flight prices can be higher due to increased demand, as many tourists flock to Italy to enjoy the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and popular attractions like the Colosseum and the Amalfi Coast.

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Cheapest months to fly

November to March

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Most Expensive Months to Fly

June to August

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Here’s a breakdown of plane tickets to Italy (Rome Fiumicino Airport)

Frequently Asked Questions

To secure cheap flights to Italy, be flexible with your travel dates, prefer mid-week flights, and compare prices across platforms. Simplify the process with OneAir AI, an AI-powered travel planning tool that tracks and alerts you about price drops while customizing your journey for both savings and comfort.

The best time of year to visit Italy largely depends on your interests and the regions you plan to explore. However, the months of April to June and September to October are generally considered the most favorable times to visit Italy due to the balanced weather conditions and fewer tourist crowds.

 

No matter when you decide to visit, Italy’s cultural richness and historical significance will undoubtedly make your trip memorable. However, it’s important to be aware of some festivals and events that may impact your travel plans:

 

  • Carnival in Venice (January-February): The Venice Carnival, known for its elaborate costumes and masks dating back to the 11th century and revived to promote Venetian culture, is celebrated across the city with masquerade balls, parades, and music. During this unique festival, the city’s squares transform into open-air theaters presenting exciting performances. While it’s a fantastic time to experience the city’s unique culture, be prepared for large crowds and higher prices.
  • Easter (March/April): Easter in Italy is a nationwide celebration marked by a week of solemn processions during Holy Week leading to Easter Sunday. Families and friends get together for a special meal with lamb and artichokes, and the day after Easter, called La Pasquetta, is when people go to the countryside for picnics and fun. Many businesses and attractions may be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, so plan your activities accordingly.
  • White Night Festival (September): The White Night Festival in Rome is a vibrant all-night celebration of art, music, and culture. You can experience ballet performances, outdoor art exhibitions, concerts by Italian musicians, cultural events, and captivating shows, all for free. To make the most of it, consider booking accommodations in advance, as this popular event can lead to high demand for hotels.
  • Verona Opera Festival (June-September): The Verona Opera Festival in Italy lets you experience opera and the arts in the historic Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater for up to 30,000 spectators. Highlights include opera and ballet by world-renowned artists, art exhibitions in the streets, concerts with Italian musicians, cultural events, and appearances by opera legends like Plácido Domingo. Be prepared for potentially larger crowds, and plan your transportation within Verona accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. 
  • Chianti Wine Festival (September): The Chianti Wine Festival, held in the charming town of Greve in Chianti, Tuscany, is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. This annual celebration showcases Chianti Classico wine, distinct from regular Chianti, and allows visitors to indulge in wine tastings from various regional producers. Beyond wine, you can enjoy art exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, guided tours of churches and castles, and witness local artisans at work.  To maximize your experience, book accommodations early, as this popular festival draws wine lovers from afar.



A direct flight to Italy from the USA varies between 8 and 10 hours, depending on your departure and arrival airports. Here is a list of some of the major U.S. cities and their corresponding flight times to Italy, assuming nonstop flights:

 

  • Direct flights from Boston to Italy: Approximately 8 hours and 4 minutes
  • Direct flights from San Francisco to Italy: Approximately 13 hours and 10 minutes
  • Direct flights from New York to Italy: Approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes
  • Direct flights from Los Angeles to Italy: Approximately 12 hours and 50 minutes
  • Direct flights from Chicago to Italy: Approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes
  • Direct flights from Washington to Italy: Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes
  • Direct flights from Miami to Italy: Approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes

It is important to note that these times are for nonstop flights and that actual flight times may vary depending on factors such as wind speeds, airport wait times, and possible equipment or weather delays. In addition, flights with stops can take longer, sometimes up to 15 hours or more, but these often come with cheaper plane tickets to Italy.

The major airports that operate flights to Italy are New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). These airports connect to Italy’s main hubs: Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), and Venice (VCE).

Several airlines, such as Alitalia, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, offer direct flights from major U.S. cities like Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington, D.C. (IAD), to Italy’s prime destinations, including Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), and Venice (VCE).

 

Searching for cheap flights to Italy from UK? British Airways, a full-service airline, offers cheap flights to Italy from London, specifically to destinations like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), and Venice (VCE).

Distances between the U.S. and major cities in Italy (like Rome FCO or Milan MXP) vary depending on the origin city, with the East Coast being much closer. Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) are the farthest at roughly 9,200-9,300 kilometers (5,700-5,800 miles), while New York City (JFK) enjoys a significantly shorter flight of approximately 6,800-7,000 kilometers (4,200-4,300 miles). Chicago (ORD) and Houston (IAH) fall somewhere in between, ranging from 7,600-8,600 kilometers (4,700-5,300 miles) depending on the specific route. Remember, these are estimates, and the distance may vary depending on the airline’s specific route.

The ideal booking window for flights depends on your destination. International flights are cheaper if booked 2 to 4 months in advance, though there can be some variation.

Be flexible with travel dates and destinations. Book flights in advance to secure better prices. Use flight search engines like OneAir to compare prices from different airlines. Consider budget airlines, but factor in additional fees for checked bags, seat selection, and other services.

Italy follows Central European Time (CET) and is 6 hours ahead of major Eastern US cities (New York City, Miami, Atlanta) all year round. For West Coast cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle), the difference depends on Daylight Saving Time. Currently, with Daylight Saving Time in the US, Italy is 9 hours ahead. This shrinks to 8 hours during US Standard Time.

US citizens generally don’t need a visa for short stays in Italy. If your trip is for tourism or business and lasts less than 90 days within a 180-day period, you can enter visa-free with a valid passport. However, starting in 2025, US citizens will need to register online for ETIAS before traveling to Italy.