I have spent many years of my life with a suitcase in my hand. I love the smell of the airport and the sight of a new city. Many people think that a trip across the ocean must cost a fortune. They believe it is a dream that only rich people can afford. I am here to tell you that this idea is a myth. I have found Cheap Flights To Travel in Europe for prices that will shock you. I once saw a flight for just $188. It is true. You do not need a secret code. You just need a smart plan.
My journey to find the Best Cheap Flights To Travel in Europe started when I realized that airlines use complex math to set their prices. They want to make as much money as possible from every seat. However, I learned how to use their systems against them. I want to share my experience so you can walk through the streets of Paris or Rome without a worry in your mind.
The First Step: When Should You Book?
First of all, I must talk about the best time to click that “buy” button. For a long time, people said that Tuesday was the magic day. I used to believe that too. At that time, it was the standard advice. However, that advice is now old. Airlines change their prices every minute now. They use fast computers to update what they charge.
Through my research, I found that Sunday is actually the best day to book international tickets. A study by Expedia in 2025 showed that you can save up to 17% if you book on a Sunday instead of a Friday. Friday is usually the most expensive day to buy a ticket. Therefore, I always wait for the weekend to finish my plans.
How far in advance should you look? I found that for flights to europe round-trip, you should book between 2 and 6 months before you want to leave. If you wait too long, the prices go up fast. On the contrary, if you book a full year early, you might miss the best deals. The sweet spot for Europe is often around 129 days before the flight. I once booked a trip to Mexico just 59 days out and got a great price, but Europe needs a bit more time.
The Best Tools for the Job
I have a few favorite tools that I use every single day. First of all, google flights to europe is my best friend. It is simple and fast. I love the interactive map. I do not even put in a specific city. I just type “Europe” in the destination box and look at the map. It shows me all the prices at once.
Additionally, I use Momondo. I think it is the best website for cheap flights to europe because it searches over 900 travel sites at once. It is completely free to use and there are no hidden fees. I often set up a Price Alert on Momondo. If the price for a flight to Rome drops, I get an email right away. This helped me find a round trip from New York to Rome for only $389.
On top of that, expedia flights to europe can be very helpful. They sometimes have special deals if you book a hotel and a flight together. I also check Skyscanner because it finds small budget airlines that other sites might miss.
The Strategy of Flexibility
Flexibility is the most important part of my plan. If you have cheap flights to europe flexible dates, you will save hundreds of dollars. I always look for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These days are almost always cheaper than flying on a Friday or Saturday.
Mid-week flights can save you 15% to 20%. Plus, the airports are much quieter. I do not like crowds. Therefore, a Wednesday morning flight is perfect for me. I also look for the first or last flight of the day. These “red-eye” flights are less popular, so the price is lower.
Where Should You Land?
Finding the cheapest places to fly to europe is a game of hubs. I usually look for big airports on the East Coast like New York’s JFK. The competition there is very high. Airlines like TAP Air Portugal, Delta, and British Airways fight for your business.
I found that London Heathrow is often the cheapest place to enter the continent. The average price to fly there is around $109. Barcelona is another great choice with an average price of $141.
Additionally, Denmark is often 20% cheaper to fly into than other countries. I saw that users spent about $188 less on flights to Denmark. On the contrary, Sweden can be 36% more expensive.
The Off-Season Secret
I never travel to Europe during the summer or the winter holidays if I want to save money. That is a trap. Everyone wants to see the Christmas markets in December or the beaches in July. The prices double.
The real magic happens in January, February, and March. This is the off-season. Airlines are desperate to fill seats. I have seen round trip flights to europe under $500 during these months many times. For example, a round trip from New York to London can be as low as $334 in February.
Spring 2026 is also a good time, but you must be careful. I avoid Easter week (April 5) and May Day (May 1). Prices can be 3 times higher on those dates. If you want to travel in May, I suggest you book by mid-February.
The Budget Airline Maze
Once I land in a big hub like London, I use budget airlines to get around. Companies like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air are very common. They offer tickets for very low prices, sometimes just 10 pounds. However, these airlines have many rules.
First of all, you must understand that they charge for everything. They charge for water. They charge for snacks. I always bring my own water bottle and some nuts or a sandwich.
Additionally, their airports are often far from the city. For example, a flight to “Stockholm” might actually land in Vasteras, which is a 90-minute bus ride away. Sometimes the bus costs more than the flight! Therefore, I always check the airport location before I buy the ticket.
The Baggage Fee Guide
This is where most people lose their money. I call it the baggage trap. Here is what I learned about the fees for the major budget carriers in 2026:
- Ryanair: Every ticket includes one small personal bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm). It must fit under the seat. If you want a 10kg overhead bag, you should buy Priority Boarding. If you wait until the gate to check a bag, it could cost you 45.99 Euro.
- EasyJet: You only get one piece of hand luggage. It must be 45 x 36 x 20 cm. If you want a bigger bag, you have to pay more. I noticed that they allow up to 3 checked bags, but the price changes based on when you book.
- Wizz Air: They allow one free bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm). I found that their prices for checked bags are higher in the “high season”. A 20kg bag can cost up to 95 Euro if you are not careful.
Gradually, I became a pro at packing. I only use one backpack. Most budget airlines give you a big discount if you only bring a “personal item”. It saves money and time. I do not have to wait at the baggage carousel. Plus, the airline can not lose my bag if it is on my back.
Advanced Flight Hacking
Later in my travel career, I discovered even better tricks. One of them is Hidden City Ticketing. This is when you book a flight with a layover in the city where you actually want to go. For example, a flight from New York to Nashville with a stop in Atlanta might be cheaper than a direct flight to Atlanta. You just get off the plane in Atlanta and do not take the second flight.
However, there are big risks with this. You can only bring a carry-on bag. If you check a bag, it will go to the final city! Also, the airline will cancel the rest of your ticket if you skip a leg. Therefore, I only do this for one-way flights to europe. I use a site called Skiplagged to find these deals.
Another trick is Currency Arbitrage. I use a VPN to change my location to a country like Mexico or Turkey. Sometimes the price is lower in the local currency. I once saved 10% by booking in Mexican Pesos.
Finally, I always look for Positioning Flights. If a flight from my home city is too expensive, I fly to a nearby hub first. For example, I found that flying from Salt Lake City to Denver was only $48. Then, I took a cheap flight from Denver to London for $342. My total cost was much lower than booking a direct flight from Salt Lake City.
My Favorite Newsletters
I do not have time to search for deals every hour. I let experts do the work for me. I subscribe to several email lists. Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) is a great one. They send “mistake fares” and huge sales right to my inbox.
I also like the Dollar Flight Club. They send text alerts when they find a deal. Recently, they found flights to London for under $500 round trip. Thrifty Traveler is another good choice for international deals. These services help me stay one step ahead of the crowd.
Preparing for Your Trip
Before you leave, you must check your documents. Most European countries need your passport to be valid for 6 months after you arrive. I always carry a paper copy of my passport and my national ID card.
Additionally, I check if I need a Visa Check at the airport. Some budget airlines make you stand in line to get a stamp on your boarding pass before you go through security. If you do not do this, they might not let you board the plane. I learned this the hard way once!
The 24-Hour Rule
I always remember the 24-hour rule. In the United States, law says that you can cancel a flight for free within 24 hours of booking. If I see a good deal, I book it immediately. Then, I spend the next few hours checking other sites. If I find something better, I cancel the first one. It is a great way to lock in a price while you still think about it.
FAQ
What is the cheapest European place to fly to?
London Heathrow is the most affordable spot to enter the continent with an average airfare of $109. Barcelona-El Prat follows closely with an average price of $141. Additionally, a flight to Riga typically costs about $55, which is 77% less than the average price in Europe.
Which country has the cheapest flight in Europe?
Denmark is the cheapest country to visit. Travelers spend about $188 less on tickets to this nation than other places. On the contrary, Sweden is the most expensive and costs 36% more.
What is the cheapest airline to fly within Europe?
Ryanair is a top choice for travelers who want low prices. It offers tickets for as little as 12 to 15 Euros. Plus, it is a very popular airline for short trips.
How to get the cheapest flights around Europe?
First of all, you should fly with budget carriers like EasyJet or Wizz Air. These flights are often cheaper than the train. Also, you must book your seats 2 to 6 months in advance for the best deals.
Which month is cheapest to fly to Europe?
January, February, and early March are the best months for low prices. Airlines are desperate to fill empty seats during this off-season time. Therefore, prices can drop by 50% compared to the holidays.
Is Portugal or Spain cheaper?
Flights from New York to Barcelona start at $335. Similarly, flights to Lisbon start at $353. Spain is slightly more affordable for airfare based on these recent search results.
What is the best European low cost airline?
Many travelers consider Ryanair their first preference because the prices are so low. It offers an amazing experience for the price you pay. Wizz Air and easyJet are also top competitors in the market.
How do I plan a budget friendly trip?
You must be flexible with your travel dates and your destination. Use search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare many options at once. Additionally, avoid peak travel seasons like summer or Easter.
Who is the largest low cost airline in Europe?
Ryanair holds the title of the largest budget carrier on the continent. It has a fleet of 603 aircraft as of the middle of 2025. This airline group includes other names like Buzz and Malta Air.
What is the cheapest way to travel within Europe?
Flying on a budget airline is the most economical choice for most travelers. It frequently costs less than taking a bus or a train between cities. Just remember to pack light to avoid extra fees.
Which airline is actually the cheapest?
Ryanair usually has the lowest base fares of all carriers. However, you must be careful because they charge extra for everything from water to seat selection. Wizz Air also has very low prices but high fees during the high season.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
A typical budget trip with flights and hotels can cost around $2,500. Therefore, 1,000 euros may not be enough for a full two weeks unless you find very cheap lodging.
What is the trick to find cheap flights?
One expert trick is hidden city ticketing, where you get off at a layover city. You can also use currency arbitrage by booking in a foreign currency like the Turkish Lira. Plus, positioning flights to a nearby hub can save you hundreds of dollars.
Which country in Europe is most affordable to visit?
Portugal, Poland, and the Czech Republic are the top value destinations for 2026. These countries offer a high quality of life for a lower cost than Western Europe. Slovenia and Malta are also breakout spots for budget travelers.
Concluding words
You can visit the most beautiful cities in the world without spending a fortune. Flexibility and timing are the secrets to finding round trip flights under $500. Use Google Flights to see the cheapest entry points like London or Barcelona. You must watch out for hidden baggage fees on carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air. Finally, have the guts to book your seat during the off-season to save the most money.
