Overview
Roswell, New Mexico, is one of America's most intriguing small cities — forever linked to the mysterious events of 1947 and now a magnet for curious travellers, road-trippers and space enthusiasts alike. Set against the wide-open high desert of south-eastern New Mexico, Roswell blends quirky alien-themed attractions with genuine Southwestern charm, nearby nature reserves and dark desert skies. For UK travellers after something a little different from the usual US city break, flights to Roswell open the door to an unforgettable slice of Americana.
Best time to fly to Roswell
Roswell enjoys a high-desert climate with over 280 days of sunshine a year, so it's a pleasant destination for much of the year. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) bring the most comfortable temperatures for exploring on foot. Summer can be hot, with July being especially popular thanks to the famous Roswell UFO Festival — book well ahead if you're travelling then, as flights and hotels sell out quickly. Winters are mild by day but can turn cold at night, so pack layers. Use the When to book chart above to see how fares typically move throughout the year and time your booking accordingly.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Roswell, so your journey will involve at least one connection. Most UK travellers fly from London or another major UK airport to a US hub such as Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) with carriers including British Airways or American Airlines, a journey of around nine to ten hours. From DFW, American Eagle operates regional connecting flights into Roswell International Air Center (ROW), a short hop of around an hour and a half. All told, expect a total journey time of roughly 13–16 hours depending on your connection.
Things to do in Roswell
Roswell rewards curious travellers with a mix of quirky attractions and genuine natural beauty. Top highlights include:
- International UFO Museum and Research Center: The city's most famous attraction, exploring the 1947 Roswell incident and decades of UFO lore.
- Bottomless Lakes State Park: A cluster of striking blue-green sinkhole lakes just outside town, great for walking, picnicking and swimming.
- Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge: A haven for migratory birds and wildlife amid dramatic desert wetlands.
- Roswell Museum: Free entry, with art, history and space-related exhibits including rocketry pioneer Robert Goddard's work.
- Historic Downtown Roswell: Alien-themed shopfronts, murals and local diners give the town its distinctive character.
At Roswell International Air Center (ROW)
Roswell International Air Center sits around five miles south of downtown Roswell. There's no dedicated public transport link into the city, so most visitors arrange a hire car in advance or use a taxi or rideshare service for the short transfer, which typically takes 10–15 minutes.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Roswell
- Book two to three months ahead, especially if travelling around the July UFO Festival when demand spikes.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, tends to be cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible with your travel dates and use the price charts on this page to spot the best value days to fly.
- Compare connecting options through different US hubs, as routing via alternative gateway cities can sometimes reduce the overall fare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travelling to Roswell for tourism or business for up to 90 days can usually enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme, provided they have a valid ESTA authorisation arranged in advance online. The local currency is the US Dollar (USD). As a high-desert destination, pack sun protection and stay hydrated, and note that summer daytime temperatures can be intense.
