Hi! My husband and I have a 2-week trip planned to Slovenia and Croatia in September 2025. We will start our trip in Ljubljana, Slovenia and end in Dubrovnik Croatia. We will fly out of Chicago, and I love direct flights, but that isn't possible to these destinations. What do you think about flying direct to Rome and taking Ryanair airlines to and from our starting destinations? Arriving in Europe, we would spend the night in Rome and take the Ryanair flight the next day. We travel with carry-ons only. Is Ryanair reliable? Am I wasting money and time?
Flights from Chicago (15 hours and a 3-hour layover) is $1,800 per person. There are less expensive flights, but the layover is long or too short. Thanks for your help! Karen
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7241 posts
If you're going to Ljubljana, flying to Rome is a major detour. While Ljubljana airport is small, you can have a look at flights to Venice which is close by. You can also consider Vienna or Munich. Unless you really want to see Rome.
From Dubrovnik, Rome is less of a detour. But book it as a single ticket instead, then you will get a protected connection.
Posted by
2889 posts
We did this going to Sicily. We spent two nights in Rome (but one would have been fine for connection) and then took Ryan Air. We travel with carry on only also and paid more to carry on a regular suitcase (as opposed to very small). It worked out very well.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Thank you for your advice!