A continent packed with history and a dizzying display of countries and cultures, Europe is a dream destination for many travelers.
It’s mesmerizing how easily you can scoot from country to country affordably and efficiently. You could be spend part of your day visiting the Crown Jewels of London, then hop on a two-hour train and spend the rest of it ogling over the Eiffel Tower or cozied up at a Parisian cafe.
But finding affordable flights to Europe can be a challenge. Whether you’re planning a trip for business, leisure, or an extended stay, knowing the cheapest European cities to fly into can save you hundreds of dollars.
Let’s explore some of the best options to maximize your savings and minimize your stress when booking flights.
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights
Why knowing the cheapest European cities to fly into matters
Flight prices fluctuate significantly depending on where you’re flying from and which European destination you’re aiming for. By identifying the cheapest place to fly into Europe, you can make an informed decision and stretch your travel budget further. This is especially useful for travelers with flexible plans, allowing you to explore more than one destination or enjoy longer stays.
Let’s say, for example, you want to visit Rome.
Rome can be an expensive city to fly into, with some fares reaching up to $900 or more from North America. If you’re flexible, consider flying into Milan instead, where flight deals tend to be much cheaper. Flights to Milan can be found for as low as $350 from major US cities, making it a more budget-friendly option.
From Milan, you could either:
Take a train: The Trenitalia high-speed train from Milan to Rome takes about three hours, and tickets can range from $35 to $80 depending on the time of year.
Book a low-cost flight: Another option is to hop on a low-cost airline like Ryanair or Vueling for a quick flight from Milan to Rome, often available for $30-$70 depending on timing.
Factors that affect flight prices to Europe
Several factors can affect how cheap or expensive your flight to Europe will be. Some of these include:
- Seasonality: Flights tend to be cheaper during the shoulder season (late fall and early spring) compared to peak travel months like summer and winter holidays.
- Hub cities: Major cities with large international airports, especially those that serve as airline hubs, often offer cheaper flights.
- Airline competition: Cities with multiple airlines vying for passengers tend to have more competitive pricing.
- Distance: Flying into Western Europe is generally cheaper for those coming from North America compared to destinations in Eastern Europe or Scandinavia.
- Budget airlines: Many low-cost carriers operate in and out of certain European cities, offering affordable fares.
The cheapest European cities to fly into
Now let’s get to the point! Where are the cheapest European cities to fly into?
Upon your search, it’s essential to know which airports tend to offer more budget-friendly options. We scoured data over the past 12 months and beyond to determine which cities notoriously offer the cheapest airfare. Here are the top destinations:
1. Dublin, Ireland
Based on Dollar Flight Club’s flight deals data, Dublin is one of the cheapest European cities to fly into—especially from North American airports like New York’s JFK and Chicago’s ORD. Flights are typically available in the range of $272-$376, depending on the season and airline. Dublin’s competitive pricing remains a strong point, especially with budget airlines like Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik offers some of the most affordable transatlantic flights thanks to low-cost carriers like PLAY Airlines and Icelandair, which offer deals from major hubs like Washington DC’s DCA and JFK. Flights to Reykjavik during off-peak periods are frequently found in the $300-$400 range our data shows. Not only is it one of the cheapest European countries to fly, but Reykjavik also serves as a great layover for those heading to mainland Europe. Bonus: You get to explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes!
3. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is often one of the cheapest Western European cities to fly into, especially with airlines like Iberia and budget carriers offering direct routes. Deals are frequently seen for flights from cities like Boston’s BOS and ORD. Based on the data, flights to Madrid in economy class average around $350 to $450 depending on the time of year, making it a solid contender for budget-conscious travelers. As Spain’s bustling capital, it provides easy access to other European destinations via train or budget flights, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become a top spot for affordable flights from North America, particularly with low-cost airlines entering the market. Recent deals from New York to Lisbon have been in the range of $300 to $400. Portugal is not only the cheapest European country to fly to, but it’s also a hub for travelers looking to explore Southern Europe, North Africa, or hop across the Atlantic to the Azores or Madeira Islands.
5. London, United Kingdom
While London Heathrow might not always seem like a budget option, London Gatwick and London Stansted frequently offer cheap flights from major US cities, especially from airports like Baltimore’s BWI and JFK. Our data shows that even in peak seasons, flights can be found for as low as $275-$400, depending on the carrier and airport. Additionally, with fierce competition among airlines and plenty of flight options, you can often find deals to the British capital, especially during off-peak times.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is another European city with consistently affordable flight options. It serves as a major hub for both KLM and low-cost carriers, offering competitive prices for travelers heading to Europe. Plus, with the extensive train network from Amsterdam, it’s easy to travel to neighboring countries cheaply.
7. Warsaw, Poland
Poland offers a surprising value for travelers, and Warsaw’s Chopin Airport is one of the cheapest European cities to fly into from North America. Deals from major US cities like Chicago frequently appear around the $300 mark, making it an affordable gateway into Eastern Europe.
8. Brussels, Belgium
As a central hub for many European countries and home to the EU headquarters, Brussels attracts a variety of airlines, helping to drive down flight prices. Recent deals to Brussels (BRU) show flights ranging from around $552 to $697, depending on the origin airport and the airlines involved. It’s one of the cheapest places to fly into Europe and is conveniently located for exploring France, the Netherlands, and Germany.
9. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is one of the largest international flight hubs in Europe, making it one of the cheapest options to fly into. Our data shows flight prices ranging from $541 to $555 for deals originating from airports like Philadelphia’s PHL and Houston’s HOU, with major airlines like Air France, KLM, and Delta serving the route.
10. Paris, France
Despite its reputation as one of the most expensive cities in Europe, flights to Paris are incredibly affordable. You can find deals from major US airports like JFK and BOS ranging from $286 to $571. Carriers like easyJet, Iberia, and Norse Atlantic Airways offer competitive pricing. Plus, its strategic location and excellent rail connections make it easy to explore other major European destinations like Brussels, Amsterdam, and London, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights to Europe
- Be flexible with dates: The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the more likely you are to find a good deal.
- Use flight search engines: Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo can help you compare prices across multiple airlines and find the cheapest flight options.
- Look for budget airlines: Keep an eye on low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, which offer budget-friendly flights within Europe.
- Check multiple airports: Some cities, like London and Paris, have multiple airports. Don’t forget to search for flights to all of them to find the best deal.
- Sign up for flight deal alerts: Simply join Dollar Flight Club for free and enter your email address. Let us know the airport you’d like to fly from and we’ll start doing our magic finding you flight deals to your dream destinations (including European gems!) for up to 90 percent off.
- Book in advance: While last-minute deals do exist, you’re more likely to get a cheaper flight by booking several months ahead of your travel dates.
- Sign up for Dollar
