Flying from New York to Italy has never been easier. You can now fly nonstop from the New York area to more than half a dozen Italian cities, from Rome and Milan to Sicily, Sardinia and Puglia. The two big US airlines doing this are Delta from JFK and United from Newark (EWR). This guide puts every route, flight time and business class option in one place, so you can pick the right flight without opening twenty tabs.
The short answer
- Delta flies nonstop from JFK to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Catania (Sicily) and Olbia (Sardinia).
- United flies nonstop from Newark to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Palermo (Sicily) and Bari (Puglia).
- The flight to Rome takes about 8 hours 20 minutes heading east, and around 10 hours coming home.
- Rome and Milan run most of the year. Most of the other cities are seasonal, mainly spring to autumn.
Nonstop routes from New York to Italy at a glance
| Italian city | Delta from JFK | United from Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Rome (FCO) | Yes, year-round, up to twice daily | Yes, year-round |
| Milan (MXP) | Yes | Yes |
| Venice (VCE) | Yes, seasonal | Yes, seasonal |
| Naples (NAP) | Yes, seasonal | Yes, seasonal |
| Catania, Sicily (CTA) | Yes, seasonal (since 2025) | No |
| Palermo, Sicily (PMO) | No | Yes, seasonal |
| Olbia, Sardinia (OLB) | Yes, seasonal (new for 2026) | No |
| Bari, Puglia (BRI) | No | Yes, seasonal (new for 2026) |
Delta: nonstop from JFK to six Italian cities
Delta now flies to more Italian destinations than any other US airline, and all of its New York flights to Italy leave from JFK. Most depart in the late afternoon or evening, so you can sleep on board and land in Italy the next morning, ready for the day.
- JFK to Rome (FCO): Delta’s main Italy route, flown all year and up to twice a day in busy months. Some flights use the Airbus A330-900neo with Delta One Suites, which have a door for extra privacy.
- JFK to Milan (MXP): popular with business travelers heading to Milan’s fashion, finance and design industries, and with leisure travelers going on to Lake Como.
- JFK to Venice (VCE) and JFK to Naples (NAP): seasonal flights that make it easy to start a trip in Venice, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast or Capri without a connection.
- JFK to Catania (CTA): launched in May 2025. Delta is the only US airline flying nonstop to Catania, the gateway to Taormina, Mount Etna and eastern Sicily.
- JFK to Olbia (OLB), Sardinia: new from May 20, 2026, four times a week in summer on a Boeing 767-300ER. Olbia is the closest airport to the Costa Smeralda.
Want more detail on Delta’s business class to Rome? Read our guide to Delta One to Rome.
United: nonstop from Newark to six Italian cities
If you live in New Jersey, Manhattan’s West Side or anywhere it’s easier to reach Newark than JFK, United is often the more convenient choice. United has flown Newark to Rome all year round since 2017, and it now serves six Italian cities nonstop.
- Newark to Rome (FCO): United is the only airline flying nonstop between Newark and Rome. The flight takes about 8 hours 20 minutes.
- Newark to Milan (MXP), Venice (VCE) and Naples (NAP): Milan for business and the lakes, and Venice and Naples mainly for the spring to autumn season.
- Newark to Palermo (PMO): seasonal, and the only US airline service to Palermo. Ideal for western Sicily, Cefalù and the Egadi Islands.
- Newark to Bari (BRI): new from May 1, 2026, four times a week on a Boeing 767-300ER. Bari is the easiest way into Puglia, for Polignano a Mare, Alberobello’s trulli and the Salento coast.
In business class, United’s flights to Italy offer United Polaris: a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, bedding designed for proper sleep and multi-course dining. At Newark, Polaris passengers can also use the United Polaris lounge before departure.
JFK or Newark: which airport should you fly from?
Both airports have excellent nonstop options, so the right one usually comes down to three things:
- Where you’re starting from. Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and much of Manhattan are usually closer to JFK. New Jersey, Staten Island and lower or west Manhattan are often closer to Newark.
- Where in Italy you’re going. Catania and Sardinia are Delta-only from JFK. Palermo and Bari are United-only from Newark. For Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples you have a choice.
- Your loyalty program. Delta SkyMiles members earn and use miles with Delta and its partners. United MileagePlus members do the same with United and Star Alliance airlines.
Other airlines fly nonstop from JFK to Rome too, including ITA Airways (Italy’s national airline) and American Airlines. Between them there are around six nonstop JFK–Rome flights a day in busy periods, which helps keep fares competitive.
Business class to Italy: Delta One vs United Polaris
| Delta One (from JFK) | United Polaris (from Newark) | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat | Lie-flat with direct aisle access. Suites with a door on some A330-900neo flights to Rome | Lie-flat with direct aisle access on every seat |
| Bedding | Premium bedding, pillow and amenity kit | Premium bedding designed for sleep, pillow and amenity kit |
| Dining | Multi-course meals with champagne and wine | Multi-course meals with champagne and wine |
| Lounge at New York | Delta One Lounge at JFK | United Polaris lounge at Newark |
| Wi-Fi | Free messaging and Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members on many flights | Available to buy on most flights |
Both are excellent ways to arrive in Italy rested. The bigger difference is usually the price on your dates, which is where we can help. Want to compare cabins in more depth? See our guide to business class vs first class.
Flying New York to Italy?
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Flight time, time difference and jet lag
- New York to Rome: about 8 hours 20 minutes. Milan, Venice and Naples are similar.
- Italy to New York: around 9 to 10 hours, because you fly against the jet stream.
- Time difference: Italy is usually 6 hours ahead of New York. A 6 pm departure from New York lands around 8 am the next morning in Italy.
- Beat jet lag: eat before you board or choose a light meal, sleep as soon as you can, and get outside in daylight when you land. A lie-flat seat makes a real difference on an overnight flight like this.
When is the best time to fly to Italy?
- April to June and September to October: the sweet spot. The weather is warm, the crowds are smaller than in July and August, and all the seasonal nonstops are usually flying.
- July and August: peak season, with the highest fares and the busiest cities. Book business class early if you’re travelling in summer.
- November to March: fewer nonstop routes, but Rome and Milan keep flying. Winter is often the best value for business class, and perfect for cities, museums and food.
Arriving in Rome: getting from Fiumicino to the city
Most nonstop flights from New York land at Rome Fiumicino (FCO), about 30 km from the city centre. The Leonardo Express train runs nonstop to Roma Termini station in about 30 minutes. Taxis from the official rank charge a fixed flat fare to the historic centre, which is the easiest choice with luggage. If you’d rather be met at the gate, we can arrange a private transfer when you book.
Before you go: passports and entry rules
- Passport: for Italy and the rest of the Schengen area, your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave, and issued within the last 10 years.
- New EU border checks: Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints and a photo the first time you enter, so the first passport check may take a little longer.
- ETIAS: the EU’s new online travel authorization for US visitors is coming. Check the official EU travel website before you fly to see whether you need it for your dates.
How to get the best business class fare from New York to Italy
- Be flexible by a day or two. Midweek departures are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays.
- Compare JFK and Newark. The same city can be very different in price depending on the airline and airport.
- Consider an open jaw. Fly into Venice and home from Rome, or into Milan and home from Naples, so you don’t have to backtrack.
- Ask for private fares. Airlines sell some business class seats through agencies like ours at rates you won’t see on their websites.
- Book early for summer. Business class on the seasonal routes to Sicily, Sardinia and Puglia fills up fast.
Frequently asked questions
Does Delta fly nonstop from New York to Italy?
Yes. Delta flies nonstop from New York JFK to Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Catania in Sicily and Olbia in Sardinia. Rome flies all year. Several of the others are seasonal.
Does United fly nonstop from Newark to Rome?
Yes. United flies nonstop from Newark (EWR) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) all year, and it’s the only airline on that route. United also flies nonstop from Newark to Milan, Venice, Naples, Palermo and Bari.
How long is the flight from New York to Rome?
About 8 hours 20 minutes nonstop from JFK or Newark to Rome. The return flight takes around 9 to 10 hours.
Can I fly nonstop from New York to Sicily?
Yes, in season. Delta flies JFK to Catania and United flies Newark to Palermo, usually from late spring to early autumn.
Which is better for Italy, Delta One or United Polaris?
Both offer a lie-flat seat with direct aisle access, premium bedding and multi-course dining. Delta has more Italian destinations from JFK and suites with doors on some Rome flights. United is the natural choice from Newark and the only nonstop to Palermo and Bari. The best choice often depends on your airport and your dates.
Ready to plan your trip? Whether it’s Rome for a long weekend, a summer in Sicily or a business trip to Milan, our team compares Delta, United and every other nonstop from New York and finds you the best business class fare. Request your free quote or call us 24/7 on +1-850-502-5028.
Route information is based on airline announcements and published schedules as of October 2026. Airlines change routes, dates and aircraft each season, so please check the latest schedule before you book.