Flying from Rome to Rio de Janeiro: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll catch your flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) are the main airports in Rome.
Touch down at Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG), the major arrival point in Rio de Janeiro.
The average length of a direct Rome to Rio de Janeiro flight is 12 hours.
Rio de Janeiro's timezone is UTC-3, which makes Rio de Janeiro four hours behind Rome.
The busiest route for flights from Rome to Rio de Janeiro is from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG). You can select from seven weekly services between these two airports. If you want to take off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from FCO to GIG is the 21:55 ITA Airways service. If you prefer to travel later, the last available departure is at 23:05 with ITA Airways.
Give yourself enough time to make your Rome to Rio de Janeiro flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Rome to Rio de Janeiro
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Rome to Rio de Janeiro flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in every month when searching for your plane ticket from Rome to Rio de Janeiro.
There's no need to check every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Rome to Rio de Janeiro.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Rome to Rio de Janeiro flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Rome
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Set out from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on a nonstop flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro. From FCO, you can land directly at Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG).
Reserve your Rome to Rio de Janeiro plane tickets with ITA Airways. This carrier is a top choice for direct flights from FCO.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Rome to Rio de Janeiro flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Rome Fiumicino Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Madrid Airport (MAD)
Located around 23 kilometres from central Rome, FCO can be reached in about 40 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 30 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near Rome Fiumicino Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of the flights that depart from Rome Fiumicino Airport, 78% touch down on time at their destination.
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
CIA is around 14 kilometres from central Rome. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 20 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro? Check in to a hotel near Rome Ciampino Airport before your trip officially starts. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Rome Ciampino Airport has a reputation for reliability and timeliness. 86% of flights taking off from here make it to their final destination as planned.
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) to central Rio de Janeiro takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro. Stay at one of these accommodation options near GIG instead:
Pick up a Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport rental car and explore Rio de Janeiro and beyond with your own wheels. Foco, Localiza and Movida are leading providers to choose from here.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport about four weeks ahead of your Rome to Rio de Janeiro flight.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
After your flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 10 minutes by car. Central Rio de Janeiro is approximately 2 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).
You can expect the journey to take about 20 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to SDU. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro:
Forget about public transport timetables or slow-moving taxi lines. Grab a Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Compare rates and availability from Foco, Localiza and Movida.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at SDU can land you a better rate.
Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro
March is the quietest month for flights from Rome to Rio de Janeiro, while December is the most popular. Find the best time to go to Rio de Janeiro based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Rome to Rio de Janeiro tickets, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. February is the warmest month in Rio de Janeiro, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC (68ºF) to 36ºC (97ºF).
July has average temperatures of between 14ºC (57ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Search for cheap flights from Rome to Rio de Janeiro around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Rio de Janeiro
After booking your flight from Rome to Rio de Janeiro, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Rio de Janeiro:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Ipanema Beach are essential stops on your Rio de Janeiro itinerary.
Explore more of Brazil
You've seen Rio de Janeiro, now it's time to discover other corners of Brazil. Journey about 354 kilometres west to Sao Paulo to check off its top attractions. From Ibirapuera Park to Av. Paulista and Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Belo Horizonte is another well-known destination in Brazil and is around 338 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro. No trip is complete without experiencing Pampulha Modern Ensemble, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis.
