The cheapest airports to fly into in Europe

Picture this: strolling down cobblestone streets, savoring buttery croissants in Paris, or wandering ancient ruins in Rome—all without spending a fortune to get there. Sounds dreamy, right? The good news is that jetting off to Europe doesn’t have to drain your savings. With some clever planning and tips, you can land budget-friendly flights to the continent’s most iconic destinations. With strategic planning and an understanding of which airports offer great deals, travelers can save on transatlantic flights. Unsurprisingly, cheaper airports tend to be located in major metropolitan hubs with a high volume of flights. Below, we’ve updated the list of budget-friendly European airports for 2025, including tips to maximize your savings and optimize your travel plans.

Which Airport Offers Cheap Connections to the U.K.?

Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland

For travelers seeking affordable flights to the U.K. and beyond, Dublin remains a popular choice. As the headquarters of Aer Lingus and a hub for budget airline Ryanair, Dublin offers direct flights to numerous European cities, often at cheap prices. It’s also a gateway to destinations in northern England, with many round trip flights under $50.

Direct Flights From U.S. Cities: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte (seasonal), Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Newark, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Pro Tip: Consider staying in Dublin for a day or two before continuing your journey. The city offers unique experiences like the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. Plus, booking separate flights from Dublin to the U.K. can save you even more compared to connecting flights.

Which Airport Has Cheap Flights and Connections to Eastern Europe?

Rome–Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), Italy

Italy is a popular European destination for U.S. travelers, and Rome’s Fiumicino Airport is a prime entry point. With direct flights from multiple U.S. cities and connections to eastern and southern Europe, Rome is both convenient and cost-effective. The city is a hub for affordable flights to destinations across Italy and Eastern Europe. Airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair provide low-cost options to cities such as Budapest, Dubrovnik, and Warsaw. Airlines often offer competitive pricing, particularly in the off-season.

Direct Flights From U.S. Cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (seasonal), Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Rome’s central location and budget-friendly flights make it a standout for exploring Europe.
Pro Tip: When flying into Rome, book flights to smaller European destinations early to snag great savings. Rome’s popularity makes it a competitive hub, but fares can rise closer to departure dates.

Which Airport Offers Cheap Airline Tickets from the U.S.?

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Spain

Barcelona offers cheap airfare from the U.S. Its status as a hub for Vueling and Ryanair makes it easy to snag budget-friendly flights to Paris, Rome, or London for under $100. Many flights within Spain, such as to Madrid or Seville, are even cheaper. Barcelona’s vibrant culture and budget-friendly connections make it an excellent starting point for your European adventure.

Direct Flights From U.S. Cities: Atlanta, Boston, Newark, New York, Miami, San Francisco, and Philadelphia (seasonal).
Pro Tip: Fly midweek to get our lowest fares to Barcelona. Avoid summer peak months (July and August), as prices tend to skyrocket. Spring and late fall are great times to score deals.

Which Airport Has Great Rail Connections Across Europe?

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands

Backpackers and budget-conscious travelers often flock to Amsterdam Schiphol, and for good reason. As Europe’s third-largest airport by passenger volume, AMS offers direct flights from 20 U.S. cities. Additionally, its adjacent rail station provides access to Europe’s extensive train network, perfect for exploring the continent without additional flights. No wonder, Amsterdam is an excellent entry point for travelers who prefer to explore Europe by train. The airport’s train station, located directly below the main terminal, offers direct routes to major European cities like Brussels, Paris, and Frankfurt. AMS is also a hub for KLM, ensuring competitive flight prices from the U.S.

Amsterdam’s combination of budget airlines and rail connectivity makes it a popular pick for European travel.

Direct Flights From U.S. Cities: Atlanta, Austin (seasonal), Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Pro Tip: Book your train tickets in advance through platforms like Eurail or Trainline to get cheap deals. If you’re traveling light, overnight trains can save on accommodation costs.

Which Airport Offers Cheap Flights to the Rest of Europe?

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, Paris Charles de Gaulle is a fantastic entry point for budget-conscious travelers. With direct flights from 18 U.S. cities, CDG serves as a hub for travelers seeking cheap flights to Europe and beyond. Budget airlines like EasyJet and Vueling operate from here, offering affordable connections to popular European destinations. Additionally, you can easily find flights to North African countries like Morocco and Tunisia.

Direct Flights From U.S. Cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver (seasonal), Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Pro Tip: CDG offers frequent deals on flights to secondary European cities. Sign up for airline newsletters or use fare tracking apps to stay updated. If Paris is on your itinerary, book budget airline tickets to other cities midweek for great available rates.

Final Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Europe

Plan Ahead: Book flights 2-3 months in advance for great deals.
Travel Off-Peak: Avoid flying during summer and holiday seasons to score lower fares.
Be Flexible: Compare different departure airports and consider layovers for additional savings.

A flight to Europe is often a significant expense in a traveler’s budget. With these tips and airport recommendations, you can save money and focus on enjoying your European adventure.