Jazmin Li
Planning a trip to Europe? You're probably looking for ways to save money on your airfare. The good news is that there are several airports in Europe known for offering cheap flights. Here's an introduction to help you find the cheapest airport in Europe to fly into.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Airports in Europe | Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN), Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Dublin International Airport (DUB), Atatürk Airport Istanbul (IST), Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Budapest (BUD), Linate Airport (LIN), Amsterdam, Paris, Stockholm, Rome, Reykjavík, Iceland, Lisbon, Portugal |
| Cheapest Airlines | Scandinavian Airlines, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Turkish Airlines, Finnair, Aeroflot, Emirates, KLM, EasyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air, LEVEL, Vueling |
| Tips for Cheaper Flights | Book 2-3 months in advance, travel off-peak, compare different departure airports, consider layovers, use incognito mode to search for flights, book trains in advance, stay in hostels |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheapest European airports from the US
When it comes to flying to Europe from the US, there are several airports that consistently offer affordable options. While there is no single airport that is always the cheapest, here are some destinations to consider for budget-friendly travel:
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin Airport is home to Aer Lingus and Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier. Over a dozen US cities offer direct flights to Dublin, from which you can easily and affordably access Wales, England, and other Western European destinations. Booking separate flights from Dublin to the UK can often save you money compared to connecting flights.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) is a prominent gateway to other European destinations and consistently offers cheap flights from the US. It is a hub for low-cost airlines such as LEVEL and Vueling, and round-trip fares to other major European cities are often very affordable.
Milan, Italy
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is Italy's second busiest hub and typically offers the cheapest direct flights into the country for travellers from the US. Connections to other parts of Italy and Europe are easily accessible, with many budget flights originating from the nearby Bergamo Airport (BGY).
Paris, France
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is Europe's second busiest airport and a fantastic entry point for budget-conscious travellers. It offers direct flights from 18 US cities and serves as a hub for budget airlines like EasyJet and Vueling, providing affordable connections to popular European destinations. Paris Orly Airport is another affordable option in the city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam Airport's train station, located directly below the main terminal, offers direct routes to major European cities like Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt. It is also a hub for KLM, ensuring competitive flight prices from the US. The city's combination of budget airlines and rail connectivity makes it a popular choice for European travel.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is currently one of the cheapest European cities to fly into from the US. Sweden's capital offers a perfect blend of nature and city life, with urban parks and neighbouring areas filled with forests and lakes.
In addition to these destinations, Lisbon, Rome, Copenhagen, and London's Gatwick Airport are also known to offer relatively affordable flight options for travellers from the US. Remember that prices can vary depending on the time of year, exact dates, and departure points.
Tucson Airport: Free Wi-Fi for Travelers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheapest European cities to fly to
The cheapest airport in Europe to fly to is a highly variable question, depending on factors such as the time of year, the day of the week, and where you are flying from. However, there are a few European cities that are consistently mentioned as being among the cheapest to fly to.
One of these is Barcelona, Spain, which is served by Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN). BCN is a hub for several low-cost airlines, such as LEVEL and Vueling, and round-trip fares to other major European cities tend to be affordable.
Another Spanish city with an affordable airport is Madrid, served by Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). This airport is the fourth-largest in Europe and the busiest in Spain, meaning high turnover and competitive prices.
Milan, Italy, is also mentioned as a relatively inexpensive destination. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is Italy's second-busiest hub and typically offers the cheapest direct flights into the country for travellers coming from the US. Nearby Bergamo Airport (BGY) also offers many budget flights to other parts of Italy and Europe.
Rome is usually one of the most expensive Italian cities to fly into due to its popularity, but Milan is a great alternative for those seeking cheaper options.
For those travelling from the US, Dublin, Ireland, is a good option. Dublin Airport (DUB) is home to Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, and Aer Lingus, another of Europe's cheapest operators. Over a dozen US cities offer direct flights to Dublin, from which travellers can easily and affordably access Wales, England, and other western European destinations.
Other European cities that are mentioned as having affordable airports include Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Paris, France; and Reykjavík, Iceland.
To find the cheapest flights, it is recommended to use a flight fare comparison website and to book in advance. Additionally, travelling during the shoulder season (late spring or early fall) can offer lower prices and smaller crowds.
Pearson Airport's COVID Testing: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheapest airports for internal European travel
There are several airports in Europe that are considered to be cheap to fly into. The cheapest airport for you will depend on where you are flying from, where you are going, and when you are travelling. For example, if you are flying from the US, you can find cheap flights to Barcelona, Milan, and Dublin. If you are flying internally within Europe, it is worth considering budget airlines such as LEVEL, Vueling, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, which operate from several European airports.
Barcelona
Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) is a prominent gateway to other European destinations. It is a hub for various low-cost airlines, such as LEVEL and Vueling, and round-trip fares to other major European cities can be extremely affordable.
Milan
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is Italy's second-busiest hub and usually has the cheapest direct flights into the country for travellers coming from the US. Once in Milan, you can easily connect to other parts of Italy and Europe, with many budget flights originating from the nearby Bergamo Airport (BGY).
Dublin
Dublin International Airport (DUB) is home to Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, and Aer Lingus, one of the cheapest operators in Europe. Over a dozen US cities offer direct flights to Dublin, from which you can then easily and affordably access Wales, England, and other western European destinations.
Rome
Rome's Fiumicino Airport is a prime entry point for travellers from the US, with direct flights from multiple US cities and connections to eastern and southern Europe. Airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair provide low-cost options to cities such as Budapest, Dubrovnik, and Warsaw.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main hub for Scandinavian Airlines and handles the most international arrivals in the region. From here, you have easy access to other Nordic countries, as well as major European hubs situated southward.
Madrid
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is the fourth-largest airport in Europe and the busiest in Spain. With a high turnover, they can keep prices low, and nearly every airline operates a route there.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) is a hub for KLM, ensuring competitive flight prices from the US. The airport's train station, located directly below the main terminal, offers direct routes to major European cities like Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt. Amsterdam's combination of budget airlines and rail connectivity makes it a popular pick for European travel.
It is worth noting that the cost of your flight will depend on several factors, including the time of year you are travelling, how far in advance you book, and the day of the week you fly. Additionally, while some airports are known for offering cheaper flights, you may find that flying into a more expensive airport and then travelling by train or bus to your final destination is more cost-effective.
Portland Airport: Hotel Convenience for Travelers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.49 $14.99
Cheapest time to fly to Europe
When planning a trip to Europe, it's important to consider the best times to visit to get the cheapest flights. The peak season in Europe runs from June to August, with July being the busiest month. During this time, Europe's top destinations like Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona are at their most crowded, resulting in higher accommodation prices and long lines at major attractions. Beach destinations, such as the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, and the Greek Islands, are also in full swing. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid travelling during these months if you are looking for cheaper flights.
The off-season, from November to March, is considered the best time to find cheaper flights and accommodation. During this period, demand is lower, and airlines tend to drop fares to attract passengers. This is an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious travellers to explore major European cities without the crowds and with discounted rates.
The shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October, offer a balance between pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and better prices.
In terms of days of the week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the least expensive, but this is not always the case. It is also worth noting that booking in advance does not necessarily guarantee cheaper flights, as some airlines take advantage of high demand and maintain high prices. However, it is still recommended to book flights 2 to 3 months in advance to increase the chances of finding a good deal.
Now, let's discuss some of the cheapest airports to fly into in Europe. Here are a few options:
- Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) in Spain: This airport consistently offers cheap flights from the US and is a hub for low-cost airlines like LEVEL and Vueling. It also provides wallet-friendly round-trip fares to other European cities.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy: As Italy's second-busiest hub, Milan Malpensa Airport usually has the cheapest direct flights into the country for travellers from the US. Nearby Bergamo Airport (BGY) also offers many budget-friendly flight options to other parts of Italy and Europe.
- Dublin Airport: Dublin is home to Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier. Over a dozen US cities offer direct flights to Dublin, from where you can easily and affordably access Wales, England, and other Western European destinations.
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark: Copenhagen Airport is the main hub for Scandinavian Airlines and handles the most international arrivals in the region. It provides easy access to other Nordic countries and major European hubs to the south.
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) in Spain: According to Thrifty Traveler, this airport offers competitive prices for flights from almost any time of the year, as many airlines operate routes to this destination.
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands: Amsterdam's combination of budget airlines and its excellent rail connectivity makes it a popular choice for European travel. The airport's train station offers direct routes to Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt.
Winston-Salem, NC: Which Airport is Best?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$11.12
Cheapest ways to travel in Europe
When it comes to finding the cheapest ways to travel in Europe, there are several options to consider.
Flights
Firstly, let's address the cost of flying to Europe. While there is no single airport that is always the cheapest, some airports in Europe tend to offer more affordable flight options. These include:
- Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) in Spain, which is a hub for low-cost airlines and offers wallet-friendly round-trip fares to other major European cities.
- Dublin Airport (DUB) in Ireland, which is home to Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier. From Dublin, you can easily and affordably access Wales, England, and other western European destinations.
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark, which is the main hub for Scandinavian Airlines and provides easy access to other Nordic countries and major European hubs.
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) in Spain, which is known for its competitive flight prices as many airlines operate routes through this airport.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy, which typically offers the cheapest direct flights to the country for travellers from the U.S., with connections to other parts of Italy and Europe easily accessible.
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands, which combines budget airlines with excellent rail connectivity to other European cities.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in France, which often has deals on flights to secondary European cities and is a good option for midweek budget flights to other cities in France.
To find the best flight deals, it is recommended to use incognito tabs when searching, as websites can track your IP address and raise prices if you return to the same deal. Additionally, booking 2-3 months in advance, travelling off-peak, and being flexible with departure airports and layovers can help you save money.
Trains
Once you are in Europe, trains are a popular method of transportation for exploring the continent. They are easily accessible and can be convenient if you are short on time. While an Interrail pass can be expensive, it offers the flexibility to hop on and off trains in 33 countries. However, this pass is only available to European residents, with discounts for those under 27 or over 60.
Buses
Buses are another affordable option for travelling within Europe, especially if you have a small budget and can travel light. Flixbus is a well-known bus line that operates in most European countries, offering an economical way to get from one major city to another. Eurolines, National Express, Ouibus, Baltour, ALSA, and IC Bus are also reliable bus companies serving various European countries. Booking last minute or in advance can both be economical, depending on the bus company.
Airports' Pre-Security Bathrooms: A Traveler's Convenience or Myth?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several airports in Europe that are considered to be the cheapest to fly into. These include Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) in Spain, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy, and Dublin International Airport (DUB) in Ireland.
Here are some tips to find cheap flights to Europe:
- Use a flight fare comparison website to compare prices across different airlines.
- Consider flying during the shoulder season, which is the period between the high season and offseason, to find lower prices and avoid crowds.
- Be flexible with your departure airport and consider layovers, as they can sometimes offer additional savings.
- Sign up for airline newsletters or use fare tracking apps to stay informed about deals and discounts.
- Book your flights 2-3 months in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts.
Yes, certain cities in Europe are known for having affordable airfare. These include Reykjavík, Iceland; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; and Budapest, Hungary. These cities often have low-cost airlines operating there, making them excellent options for budget-conscious travellers.
In addition to finding a cheap airport to fly into, here are some other ways to save money when travelling to Europe:
- Consider staying in a hostel instead of a hotel. Hostels offer low-cost lodging options, with some providing private rooms as well.
- Take advantage of Europe's extensive train network by flying into an airport with an adjacent rail station, such as Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS). This allows you to explore other European cities by train at a lower cost.
- Look for deals on flights to secondary European cities, as these can often be cheaper than flying into major hubs.
