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United · Route guide

Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO) Flight Statistics

Everything you need to fly Chicago to Rome: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

1 airline on this route · Daily Year-Round

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B767-300ER

Service

Daily Year-Round

Region

Europe

The route

United Airlines provides a crucial direct link between Chicago O'Hare and Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino, offering travelers a bridge between the American Midwest and the heart of Italy. This route serves as a major gateway for tourists, business professionals, and those connecting to broader Mediterranean destinations. Operating with a high degree of reliability, the service ensures consistent access to one of the world's most historic cities.

This route connects Chicago (ORD) in the United States to Rome (FCO) in Italy. The service is operated daily on a year-round basis by United, primarily utilizing the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, typically arriving in Italy the following morning after an evening departure from Illinois.

As a primary transatlantic corridor, this route bypasses the need for East Coast layovers, saving hours for travelers departing from the Midwest. It strengthens Star Alliance connectivity and supports the high demand for Italian tourism, particularly during the peak summer months while maintaining essential year-round service.
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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)

ORD
Check-in
International flights depart from Terminal 1 or 5; check your ticket and arrive at least 3 hours early.
Security
Use TSA PreCheck for faster screening during the busy afternoon international peak.
Connections
O'Hare is well-linked via the CTA Blue Line and the Airport Transit System (ATS) between terminals.
Arrival

Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino (FCO)

FCO
On arrival
Utilize the e-gates for passport control if you hold a biometric passport from an eligible country.
Ground transport
The Leonardo Express train is the fastest way to central Rome, leaving every 15-30 minutes.
Planning ahead
Baggage claim at Terminal 3 can be busy; keep your claim tags handy as you exit.
Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule
Flights generally depart Chicago between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM and arrive in Rome between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Duration
Eastbound flights are faster due to the jet stream, while westbound returns can take over 10 hours.
Seasonality
While daily, winter schedules may have slight adjustments in departure times due to daylight savings changes.
Time zones
Rome is 7 hours ahead of Chicago (Central Time).

Fares & booking

Booking window
For peak summer, book by February. For shoulder seasons, a 60-day window is sufficient.
Cabin advice
The B767-300ER offers a high ratio of premium seats; look for upgrade offers at check-in.
Peak pricing
Fares can double during the month of August when much of Europe is on holiday.
  • Book at least 4 months in advance if traveling during the busy summer season.
  • Mid-week departures on Tuesdays or Wednesdays often offer lower fares.
  • Monitor United's MileagePlus deals for saver award availability on this route.

Peak season

June through August and late December.

Shoulder season

April, May, September, and October.

Off-peak season

November, January, and February.

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Rome and Chicago, through our travel partner.

When to fly

Best Time to Fly Chicago to Rome

  1. 01

    Spring (April-May)

    Ideal weather for sightseeing and moderate airfares.

  2. 02

    Fall (September-October)

    Pleasant temperatures and the harvest season in the Italian countryside.

  3. 03

    Winter (January-March)

    The most budget-friendly time to fly, though some attractions have shorter hours.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Leisure Tourists

Direct access to one of the world's most bucket-listed cultural destinations.

Business Professionals

Consistent daily service to Italy's political and economic center.

Star Alliance Members

Excellent mileage earning and redemption opportunities with United.

Connections & alternatives

Florence

A high-speed train connection from Rome Termini takes only 1.5 hours.

Athens

Rome is a popular jumping-off point for flights to Greece.

Palermo

Frequent domestic flights from FCO connect travelers to Sicily.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Chicago-Rome Route

Visa & entry

  • US citizens do not currently need a visa for short stays but must have a valid passport.
  • Check for the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization requirements starting in 2025.
  • Keep a digital copy of your return flight confirmation for immigration officers.

Airport transfers

  • The Leonardo Express train costs approximately 14 Euros and takes 32 minutes to Termini Station.
  • Official taxis to central Rome have a fixed flat rate; look for the white cars at the official stand.
  • Buses like Terravision offer a cheaper but slower alternative to the train.

Baggage & transit

  • Ensure your carry-on meets international dimensions which can be stricter than US domestic standards.
  • If connecting in Rome to a domestic Alitalia or ITA flight, allow 2 hours for transfer.
  • Label bags with your destination address in Italy to assist in case of delays.

Checklist

  • Valid Passport with 6+ months validity
  • Universal power adapter (Type C or L)
  • Italian phrasebook or translation app
  • Comfortable walking shoes for ancient Roman streets
Carriers

Airlines Flying Chicago to Rome

United

Daily year-round service

Flown with the B767-300ER featuring a three-cabin configuration.

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Chicago to Rome.

Does United fly direct from Chicago to Rome?

Yes, United operates a direct daily flight between Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO).

What is the typical flight time from ORD to FCO?

The flight usually takes around 9 hours and 15 minutes when traveling from Chicago to Rome.

What plane does United use for the Chicago to Rome route?

United typically uses the Boeing 767-300ER for this specific route.

Which terminal does United use in Rome?

United normally operates out of Terminal 3 at Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport.

Is the ORD to FCO route year-round?

Yes, United maintains this service daily throughout the entire year.

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  3. 3Sync your flight itinerary with travel tracking apps to monitor gate changes.
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