Key Highlights
- Discover the cheapest airports in Europe, including major hubs like Dublin, Barcelona, and Paris.
- Learn how intense airline competition and the presence of budget carriers lead to more affordable flights.
- Understand that many of the most affordable European airports are major hubs with high flight volumes from the United States.
- Find out how factors like airport taxes and strategic locations contribute to finding a cheap flight.
- Get smart tips for budget travelers on using flight search engines and being flexible to secure the best deals.
- Explore how choosing the right arrival city can be your gateway to multiple European destinations.
Introduction
Picture this: you are strolling down cobblestone streets, savoring buttery croissants in Paris, or wandering through ancient ruins in Rome—all without spending a fortune to get there. Does that sound like a dream? The good news is that jetting off to iconic European destinations doesn’t have to drain your savings. With some clever planning, you can find international flights with cheap fares. This guide will show you how to land budget-friendly flights and make your European adventure a reality.
The Cheapest Airports to Fly Into in Europe—and How to Find Them
Finding the best flight deals to Europe often starts with knowing where to land. Unsurprisingly, some of the cheapest airports are in major metropolitan hubs with a high volume of flights. This is because more traffic encourages competition among airlines, including budget airlines, which helps drive down prices for you.
Are certain cities in Europe always more affordable to fly into? While fares can change, several airports consistently offer great value for international travelers. Let’s explore some of the top budget-friendly European airports that can serve as your perfect entry point to the continent.
1. Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland
For travelers looking for affordable flights, Dublin Airport (DUB) is a consistently popular choice. As the headquarters of Aer Lingus and a major hub for budget airline Ryanair, Dublin offers an impressive number of direct flights to numerous European cities, often at very low prices. This makes it an excellent starting point for a wider European tour.
From the United States, you can find direct flights to Dublin from cities like Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Its strategic location makes it one of the cheapest airports to fly into in Europe from the US, especially for onward travel to the U.K., with many round trip options available for a great price.
Why not extend your layover? Consider staying in Dublin for a day or two to experience unique attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. Booking a separate, cheap flight from Dublin to another European city can often save you more money than a single connecting ticket.
2. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Spain
Barcelona offers fantastic value for cheap airfare from the U.S. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is a major hub for budget carriers like Vueling and Ryanair, making it simple to find a cheap flight to other Spanish destinations or major European cities. Flights to Paris, Rome, or London can often be found for under $100.
The airport’s convenient location, just 12 km from the city center, and its status as one of Europe’s busiest airports make it a prime gateway. You can catch direct flights from several U.S. cities, including Atlanta, New York, Miami, and San Francisco, making it an accessible and affordable entry point.
With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and budget-friendly connections, Barcelona is an excellent starting point for your European adventure. For the best fares, try flying midweek and avoid the peak summer months of July and August when prices tend to be highest.
3. Lisbon Airport (LIS), Portugal
Lisbon has quickly become a budget-friendly gem for travelers heading to Europe. A huge reason for its affordability is TAP Air Portugal, the nation’s flag carrier, which frequently offers sales and competitive prices on direct flights from U.S. cities like New York and Miami. This makes Lisbon Airport (LIS) a fantastic starting point for your trip.
The airport serves as a major connecting hub, with other carriers like Norse Atlantic Airways and Icelandair also providing competitive routes. This competition helps keep cheap fares available, especially if you book in advance. Lisbon’s location makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring Spain or catching a budget flight to other major European cities.
Besides being a gateway to the rest of Europe, Lisbon itself offers unique experiences, from its historic trams to its vibrant food scene. Flying into one of Europe’s most charismatic and affordable capitals is a smart way to begin your journey.
4. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy
As one of Italy’s largest airports, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is a key entry point for travelers. Handling over 28 million passengers annually, Malpensa is a major hub for many European airlines and is known as one of the cheapest airports in Europe to fly into internationally.
While some travelers wonder if smaller airports offer bigger savings, major hubs like Milan Malpensa often provide better deals due to high flight volumes and intense airline competition. This airport serves a vast network of flights, primarily within Europe and the Mediterranean, making it a strategic and cost-effective choice.
You can find competitive round trip fares from the U.S. on carriers like Qatar Airways. Once you land at Malpensa, you have easy access to the fashion capital of Milan and excellent connections to the rest of Italy and beyond, solidifying its reputation as a top budget-friendly option.
5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France
For travelers planning multi-city European itineraries, Paris is a strategic and economical starting point. As Europe’s second-busiest airport and a hub for Air France, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a fantastic entry point for budget-conscious travelers. It serves a massive metropolitan area and offers connections across the globe.
Finding the best deals based on your arrival airport is easier when you choose a major hub like CDG. Budget airlines like EasyJet and Vueling operate from here, offering affordable connections to popular European destinations. You can also find cheap fares on flights to North African countries like Morocco and Tunisia.
With direct flights from 18 U.S. cities, including Dallas, Denver, and Seattle, CDG is highly accessible. To save even more, sign up for airline newsletters or use fare-tracking apps, and consider booking your onward flights to other European cities for midweek travel.
6. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Netherlands
Backpackers and budget-conscious travelers often flock to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), and for good reason. As Europe’s third-largest airport by passenger volume, AMS offers direct routes from 20 U.S. cities, ensuring competitive pricing. The average price for flights is often kept low due to the high volume and competition.
One of Schiphol’s best features is its adjacent rail station, located directly below the main terminal. This provides seamless access to Europe’s extensive train network, making it perfect for exploring the continent and reaching major cities like Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt without needing additional flights.
As a hub for KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, AMS ensures a steady stream of competitive flight prices from the U.S. This combination of affordable air travel and excellent rail connectivity makes Amsterdam a top pick for travelers looking for a versatile and cost-effective European entry point.
7. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Germany
Berlin has emerged as a top destination for budget travelers, and its modern Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves as a major gateway to Germany and beyond. Since replacing the older airports, BER has become a hub for low-cost carriers, making Berlin one of the cities in Europe that is often more affordable to fly into.
Airlines like SAS and others offer competitive flights, often connecting through other major European hubs like Copenhagen or Stockholm. This competition helps keep cheap fares available, cementing Berlin’s status as a budget-friendly destination. The city’s vibrant culture and rich history are now more accessible than ever.
Once you arrive in Berlin, you’ll find excellent connectivity to other parts of Europe via budget airlines. This makes it not only a fascinating destination in its own right but also a practical and affordable starting point for a larger European adventure.
8. Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Denmark
Copenhagen is frequently listed among the cheapest cities in Europe to fly into, and Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is a big reason why. As a major hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), the airport offers numerous connections throughout Europe, often at competitive prices.
Travelers can enjoy easy access to the city center, which is just 8 km away. The airport’s efficiency and connectivity make it a favorite for those exploring the Nordic region and other major European cities. While flight prices fluctuate, flying during the off-peak season, like spring or fall, can lead to even cheaper fares.
From Copenhagen, you can explore charming streets, see iconic landmarks, and indulge in local cuisine without breaking the bank. The city’s blend of affordability and culture makes flying into CPH a smart choice for any traveler.
9. London Gatwick Airport (LGW), United Kingdom
While London Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport, London Gatwick (LGW) often offers lower prices, making it a strategic choice for savvy travelers. As London’s second-busiest airport, Gatwick is a major base for airlines like British Airways and low-cost carriers such as Norse Atlantic Airways, which offers direct flights from the U.S.
This answers a common question: does flying into a secondary or smaller airport save money? In London’s case, it often does. The intense competition at Gatwick helps push fares down, providing a more affordable entry point into one of the world’s most visited cities.
Located 45 km from central London, Gatwick primarily serves short-haul routes across Europe, making it an excellent hub for onward travel. Its two terminals handle over 46 million passengers annually, proving that you don’t have to fly into the biggest airport to get great deals.
10. Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland
For consistently low airfares, Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport (KEF) is nearly unmatched. Its affordability is due to its strategic location halfway between the United States and mainland Europe, which makes flights shorter and cheaper. This has turned Iceland into a major hub for transatlantic travel.
The airport is home to budget-friendly carriers like Icelandair and the newer low-cost airline PLAY. These airlines specialize in affordable transatlantic flights, offering direct routes from multiple U.S. cities. You can often find one-way fares for under $200, making a round trip to Europe more accessible than ever.
Keflavik allows you to either stay and enjoy the unique experiences of Iceland, like the Northern Lights and volcanic landscapes, or connect onward to other European destinations at a low cost. This flexibility makes KEF a dream for budget-conscious explorers.
What Makes Certain European Airports Cheaper Than Others?
Have you ever wondered why a flight to one European city costs so much less than a flight to another just a few hundred miles away? The secret to the lowest fares often lies in a combination of factors, including fierce airline competition, the strong presence of budget carriers, and lower airport taxes.
Understanding these elements can help you find the best deals when planning your trip. Let’s look closer at what makes certain airports your best bet for affordable travel.
Influence of Airline Competition and Budget Carriers
A major driver of cheap fares is the healthy competition between airlines at certain airports. When multiple carriers, especially budget airlines, compete on the same direct routes, they are forced to offer competitive pricing to attract passengers. This is great news for your wallet.
Hubs that are home to low-cost giants create a ripple effect of savings. Airlines are constantly vying for your business, which leads to frequent sales and lower baseline prices. You can find incredible deals by flying with some of these carriers:
- Ryanair and Wizz Air: These airlines dominate routes across Europe, especially from hubs in Dublin, Barcelona, and Rome.
- Norse Atlantic Airways and French Bee: These newer players specialize in low-cost, long-haul flights from the U.S. to hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin.
- Icelandair and PLAY: These Icelandic carriers offer affordable transatlantic connections through Reykjavik.
By choosing an airport served by these budget airlines, you position yourself to find some of the best deals available for your European vacation.
Impact of Airport Taxes and Fees
Airport taxes and fees are a hidden part of your ticket price that can significantly impact the final cost. Airports charge airlines for services like landing, parking, and passenger handling. Hubs with lower landing fees can pass those savings on to airlines, which in turn offer cheaper tickets to you.
This is why some airports, even if they aren’t a major hub for a flag carrier, become attractive destinations for budget airlines. These carriers are always looking to minimize their operational expenses to keep fares low, so they flock to airports with favorable fee structures. For budget travelers, this can make a huge difference in the overall costs.
Can choosing an airport with lower taxes save you money even after factoring in onward travel? Absolutely. The initial savings on your international flight can often be substantial enough to more than cover the cost of a connecting budget flight or train ticket to your final destination.
Proximity to Major Flight Routes from the US
An airport’s location matters. European cities that are geographically well-positioned for transatlantic flights often have more direct flights from major US cities. Cities like Dublin, Lisbon, and Reykjavik serve as natural gateways between North America and Europe, resulting in shorter flight times and lower fuel costs for airlines.
This high volume of direct flights from cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco fosters intense competition, leading to better flight deals for consumers. When you’re searching for your ticket, you’ll notice that these gateway airports consistently offer some of the most affordable options.
Here are a few examples of popular direct flight routes from the U.S. to some of Europe’s cheapest airports:
| European Airport | Direct Flights From US Cities |
|---|---|
| Dublin (DUB) | New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX) |
| Paris (CDG) | New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas (DFW) |
| Lisbon (LIS) | New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Miami (MIA), Boston (BOS) |
| Reykjavik (KEF) | New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD) |
Smart Strategies for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Europe
Knowing which airports are cheapest is only half the battle. To truly secure the best deals, you need the right strategies. Using a powerful flight search engine like Google Flights and being flexible with your travel dates are two of the most effective ways to find the cheapest flights.
These simple but powerful techniques can unlock significant savings, allowing you to spend less on getting there and more on your actual vacation. Here are some smart approaches to put into practice.
Comparing Fares Across Multiple Airports and Cities
Instead of locking yourself into one destination airport, broaden your search. Prices can vary dramatically between major European hubs, even those that are relatively close to each other. Using a flight search engine allows you to compare fares across several airports at once, revealing the cheapest airports for your travel window.
Don’t just check individual airline websites. Meta-search engines are powerful tools that scan hundreds of booking sites to find the best prices. This ensures you see a full range of options for affordable flights.
- Use flexible location searches: Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to enter a broad destination, like “Europe,” to see which cities offer the best deals from your departure point.
- Compare nearby airports: If you plan to visit Paris, check fares into both Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). The savings might be worth the slightly different commute.
- Always cross-check: Once you find a great deal, take a few extra minutes to compare the price on another two or three platforms to confirm you’ve found the lowest fare.
Using Flexible Dates and Fare Alerts
Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to finding great flight deals. If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, you can save hundreds of dollars. Flying during the off-peak season (like spring or fall) or on a weekday instead of a weekend almost always results in lower fares.
Many flight search tools, including Google Flights, offer a calendar view that shows you prices across an entire month. This makes it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly. Even shifting your departure or return by a day or two can make a significant difference.
To make sure you never miss out on the lowest fares, set up fare alerts. You can customize alerts for your desired destination and receive email notifications when prices drop. This proactive approach lets you pounce on limited-time deals before they disappear.
Weighing Layovers vs. Direct Flights for Savings
While direct flights are convenient, they often come with a premium price tag. If you’re willing to add a stop to your journey, you can unlock significant savings. Opting for a flight with one or more layovers can reduce the total ticket cost of a round trip by nearly half compared to a nonstop route.
How do layovers affect the price? The taxes and fees associated with a flight are often divided across the different segments of your journey, which can lower the base fare. Although it means a longer transit time at an intermediate airport, the reduction in overall costs can be substantial.
For budget travelers, the exceptional savings often outweigh the inconvenience of a few extra hours in transit. When searching for cheap fares, always compare the prices of direct flights versus those with connections. You might be surprised by how much you can save.
Conclusion
Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you know which airports offer the best deals. The insights shared about the cheapest airports highlight not only where to fly but also factors that influence pricing, such as competition and fees. Additionally, adopting smart strategies can further maximize your savings. By being flexible with your travel plans and using online tools effectively, you can enjoy a European adventure without overspending. So, start planning your trip today and uncover the most affordable ways to explore this beautiful continent. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it always cheaper to fly into smaller European airports?
Not necessarily. While some smaller airports attract budget airlines by offering discounts, major hubs often have the lowest fares due to intense competition among many carriers. To find the best cheap flight, it’s wise to compare the overall costs for both large and smaller airports near your destination.
How can I decide if a budget airport is worth it after onward travel costs?
To determine if a budget airport is worth it, calculate the total cost. Add the price of your affordable flights to the cost of onward travel (like a train or bus ticket) to the city center or your final destination. If this sum is still less than flying into a more central airport, it’s a good deal.
Which websites or tools help compare flight prices to different airports in Europe?
Use a flight search engine to easily compare flight deals across different European airports. Platforms like Skyscanner, Expedia, and Google Flights are excellent tools. They allow you to search broadly, compare prices on a map or calendar, and find the cheapest airports for your travel dates.