How much does a trip to Rome cost?

A direct round-trip flight from the USA (e.g., JFK) to Italy (FCO) typically starts around $600–$800 in Economy Class, including one checked bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and one carry-on. Prices peak in summer and around holidays. You’ll often save by flying in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), being flexible with dates, using low-cost carriers, or choosing connecting flights—especially if you’re continuing beyond Rome to cities like Milan, Venice, or Florence.

Prices for a 4* hotel in Rome start at about $150 per night. You can also stay in 2–3* accommodation from around $95 per night. In the low season, rates are typically up to 20–30% lower.

For luxurious 5* hotels or historic palace properties in the city center, there’s virtually no upper limit, as premium rooms and suites can easily exceed $1,200 per night in peak months. Whenever possible, we recommend choosing a locally owned hotel or boutique property over a large chain.

Small, often owner-run hotels and pensioni are hallmarks of an authentic Roman vacation. Rooms are usually simple but welcoming, with a relaxed atmosphere, local character, and genuinely personal service.

Prices for popular guided tours in Rome typically range from $30 to $90 per person. With this budget, you might join a Roman street food tour, take a small-group tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, explore the Vatican Museums with an expert guide, or enjoy a hands-on pasta-making class. Tickets to major sights generally cost $18–$30 per visitor—think the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), or the Galleria Borghese. By contrast, private early-morning access to the Vatican or a private driver for a day trip to Tivoli or the Castelli Romani can run several hundred dollars per day, depending on exclusivity and season. Rome also offers plenty of free experiences: toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, wander the historic cobblestone lanes of Trastevere, enjoy the panoramic views from the Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese, and step inside the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica (general entry is free).

Prices for a meal in a Roman restaurant typically range from $12 to $25 for a pasta dish or main course, while a full dinner with antipasto and wine often costs $35 to $60. Street food is delightfully affordable, usually $2 to $5 for a slice of pizza al taglio, a supplì (fried rice ball), or a scoop of artisan gelato. Unlike in France, bread and table service are usually covered by a small coperto (cover charge, typically $2–$3) rather than being complimentary.

To explore Roman cuisine, try the legendary "holy trinity" of pastas: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Amatriciana. Don’t miss Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes), crispy thin-crust Roman pizza, or Saltimbocca alla Romana. For the most authentic experience, seek out family-run trattorias and osterias in neighborhoods like Testaccio or Trastevere, where simple ingredients shine. In the Eternal City, dining happens later: typical hours are 1 to 3 pm for lunch and 7:30 to 10:30 pm for dinner, so plan accordingly.

Driving in Rome is generally not recommended for city exploration due to strict Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) and scarce parking, though rentals are useful for day trips to the countryside. Rates for a small car start around $50–$80 per day in peak months, dropping by 30–50% in the low season. If you do drive, expect fuel to cost roughly $1.90–$2.20 per liter.

Rome’s public transportation is a convenient and budget-friendly alternative. The ATAC network includes the Metro (Lines A, B, and C), trams, and an extensive bus system, with single tickets costing about $1.70 (valid for 100 minutes). For day trips to Tivoli (Villa d'Este) or Castel Gandolfo, regional trains are frequent and affordable ($3–$8).

Walking is often the most efficient way to navigate the historic center. For airport transfers, official white taxis offer a fixed fare of approximately $55 from Fiumicino Airport to the city center. Short inner-city taxi rides typically range from $10–$20. Rideshares are available but operate primarily as premium services (Uber Black) and are generally pricier than standard taxis.