Flying from Madrid to Rome
The route from Madrid Barajas (MAD) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) covers roughly 1,360 kilometres across the Mediterranean, making it one of the more popular short-haul connections between two of Europe's great capital cities. Direct flights clock in at around 2 hours 25 to 35 minutes, which is short enough that you'll barely finish a coffee before you're descending over the Roman countryside. Nearly all non-stop flights operate between Madrid's Terminal 4 and Rome's Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), though budget carriers occasionally use Ciampino (CIA) on the Rome end, so always double-check when booking.
Flights from Madrid to Rome run multiple times daily year-round, with frequency peaking in summer when tourism demand drives airlines to add extra rotations. If you're flexible on routing, one-stop itineraries via Barcelona, Milan, or Paris are available and occasionally undercut direct fares — though the time cost is real, pushing total journey time to over five hours on average. For most travellers, the direct option wins on every front.
Airlines on This Route
Several airlines compete on Madrid to Rome flights, giving you a genuine choice between full-service comfort and stripped-back budget fares. Here's who's flying:
- ITA Airways — Italy's national carrier operates daily non-stop flights between MAD and FCO, typically from Terminal 4S at Barajas. Expect included cabin baggage, seat selection options, and a meal on longer bookings. Good for business travel or when you want predictability.
- Iberia — Spain's flag carrier also runs this route regularly, with competitive fares when booked through the Iberia Plus loyalty programme. Departs from Terminal 4, where Iberia is based.
- Air Europa — Offers solid mid-range pricing with a decent onboard product. Worth checking alongside Iberia, especially for round-trip Madrid to Rome deals through their website.
- Ryanair — Flies Madrid Barajas to Rome Ciampino (CIA) and sometimes FCO. Fares can be absurdly cheap — we're talking under €30 one-way if you catch a sale — but factor in the baggage fees and the 40-minute transfer from Ciampino into the city centre.
- Wizz Air Malta — A newer entrant on this corridor offering competitive low fares. Operates out of FCO on the Rome side. Baggage policy is strict, so pack light or pay up.
Flight Prices: Madrid to Rome
Madrid to Rome flight deals can be genuinely impressive if you time your search right. One-way fares on budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air start as low as €25–€45 during off-peak periods, while full-service airlines like ITA Airways and Iberia typically price one-way tickets in the €80–€180 range depending on how far out you book. Round-trip fares start from around €87–€100 on the budget end, with full-service returns usually sitting between €160 and €350.
For the best cheap flights to Rome from Madrid, book at least 6–8 weeks in advance for summer travel and 3–4 weeks out for winter trips. Last-minute fares on this route can spike hard, especially around Italian public holidays and the Easter period. Midweek departures — Tuesday and Wednesday — consistently come in cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. Signing up for fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner for the MAD–FCO route is worth the two minutes it takes.
Best Time to Book Madrid to Rome Flights
February is the cheapest month to fly this route, full stop. Demand drops after the Christmas and New Year rush, Italian tourism is quiet, and airlines discount heavily to fill seats. January is similarly affordable. If your dates are flexible, either month will get you the lowest fares on Madrid to Rome flights.
Spring (March–April) sees prices begin to climb, particularly around Easter, when Rome fills up and airlines know it. May and June are moderate — busy enough to push fares up but not yet at peak summer levels. July and August are the most expensive months; Rome is packed with tourists and Rome flight deals become harder to find. September eases off slightly, and by October–November you're back in solid value territory. December spikes again around Christmas. If you want the sweet spot of decent weather and manageable prices, late October or early November is underrated for this route.
Rome Airport Guide
Most flights from Madrid land at Rome Fiumicino (FCO), officially Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, located about 30 kilometres southwest of the city centre. It's a large, well-organised airport with four terminals — most international arrivals use Terminal 3. Budget flights, particularly Ryanair, sometimes arrive at Rome Ciampino (CIA), which is smaller and closer to the city (around 15 kilometres from the centre) but has fewer onward transport options.
From FCO, the Leonardo Express train runs directly to Roma Termini in 32 minutes and costs around €14. Regional FL trains are cheaper (€8) but take longer and stop at multiple stations. Taxis from FCO to the city centre are fixed-rate at €50 for destinations within the Aurelian Walls. From Ciampino, take the Terravision or SIT bus to Termini — around 40 minutes and €6–7.
FAQ — Madrid to Rome Flights
How long is the flight from Madrid to Rome?
A direct flight from Madrid (MAD) to Rome (FCO) takes approximately 2 hours 25 to 35 minutes. This is the block time for non-stop services. If you're connecting through another city, total travel time averages around 5 hours 20 minutes depending on your layover.
What is the cheapest time to fly from Madrid to Rome?
February is consistently the cheapest month for Madrid to Rome flights. January and November are also good value. For the cheapest fares regardless of month, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday departures and book at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Avoid flying around Easter, Italian national holidays, and the peak summer weeks of late July and August.
Which airlines fly from Madrid to Rome?
Airlines operating flights from Madrid to Rome include ITA Airways, Iberia, Air Europa, Ryanair, and Wizz Air Malta. ITA, Iberia, and Air Europa are the main full-service options; Ryanair and Wizz Air offer the lowest base fares but charge separately for checked luggage and sometimes even carry-on bags above a certain size.
How much do Madrid to Rome flights cost?
One-way fares start from around €25–€45 on budget carriers during off-peak periods. Full-service airlines typically charge €80–€180 one-way. Round-trip tickets start from roughly €87 on the budget end and €160–€350 with carriers like Iberia or ITA Airways. Prices rise sharply in July, August, and around Easter.