Dreaming of cobblestone streets and historic capitals but dreading the airfare? We get it. The cost of a flight can feel like the biggest hurdle to your European adventure. But what if choosing the right destination could save you hundreds? Let's discover the cheapest European cities to fly into.

This list of cities is based on data from Flight Experts at Going.com, ranked by the volume of flight deals found over the past year. This means more frequent opportunities for you to find cheap flights to these European gateways.

1. Paris, France

It’s no surprise that the City of Light tops the list. With three major airports (including Charles de Gaulle, one of Europe's biggest hubs), competition is fierce, which drives prices down for you. Fly into Paris, and the rest of Europe is at your fingertips via budget airlines or high-speed rail.

Deals in Past Year: 258

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• NYC to Paris: $230 (nonstop)
• Baltimore to Paris: $380

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $40–$50
• Accommodation: $150–$250
• Excursions: $15–$45

2. Dublin, Ireland

The Emerald Isle is an incredible starting point. Not only does it see a huge number of deals from the US, but Dublin Airport (DUB) offers US Preclearance facilities. This means you clear US customs before you even board your flight home, landing like a domestic passenger.

Deals in Past Year: 119

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• Philadelphia to Dublin: $418 (nonstop over St. Patrick's Day)
• NYC to Dublin: $477 (nonstop over the summer)

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $25–$45
• Accommodation: $120–$190
• Excursions: $25–$50

3. London, UK

With six major airports, London is arguably the most connected city in the world. This massive infrastructure means a constant flow of flights and, you guessed it, amazing deals. From London, you can find cheap flights to European cities all year round.

Deals in Past Year: 117

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• Miami/Orlando to London: $212 (nonstop)
• Major US Hubs (Chicago, NYC, LA) to London: $252

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $35–$55
• Accommodation: $180–$250
• Excursions: $30–$65

4. Barcelona, Spain

Sun, architecture, and savings—Barcelona delivers all three. Its El Prat Airport (BCN) is a major hub for budget carriers like Vueling. This makes it a fantastic and affordable launchpad for exploring the Mediterranean, from the Balearic Islands to the coast of Italy.

Deals in Past Year: 92

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• Washington, DC to Barcelona: $379
• Atlanta to Barcelona: $497

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $25–$40
• Accommodation: $110–$170
• Excursions: $25–$50

5. Madrid, Spain

Spain's vibrant capital is not only a destination in itself but also a paradise for budget aviation. Once you land in Madrid, you can find roundtrip flights to other European cities for under $80. Not only is it cheap to fly to, but with its affordable tapas and lodging, it's also one of the cheapest European cities to visit once you're there.

Deals in Past Year: 87

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• Miami to Madrid: $363
• Des Moines/Omaha to Madrid: $453

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $25–$40
• Accommodation: $100–$160
• Excursions: $15–$40

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Home to the ultra-efficient Schiphol Airport (AMS), Amsterdam offers great value and connectivity. As a major hub for SkyTeam airlines, it’s a seamless entry point. Don't want to fly further? Amsterdam's train station is right next to the airport, putting Belgium, Germany, and Northern France just a scenic ride away.

Deals in Past Year: 82

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• Baltimore to Amsterdam: $426
• Boston/NYC to Amsterdam: $475 (nonstop)

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $35–$45
• Accommodation: $150–$220
• Excursions: $15–$35

7. Rome, Italy

The Eternal City is more accessible than you think. Its main airport, Fiumicino (FCO), is well-served from the US, while its secondary airport, Ciampino (CIA), is a hub for budget airlines. This combination makes Rome a perfect gateway for exploring Italy or catching a cheap flight to Greece, Croatia, or Malta.

Deals in Past Year: 79

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• NYC to Rome: $456 (nonstop)
• Chicago to Rome: $490

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $30–$45
• Accommodation: $100–$170
• Excursions: $20–$60

8. Copenhagen, Denmark

Looking to explore Scandinavia on a budget? Copenhagen is your answer. As the busiest hub in Northern Europe, Copenhagen Airport (CPH) offers competitive fares and easy connections to Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki. It’s clean, scenic, and surprisingly affordable to fly into.

Deals in Past Year: 78

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• Miami to Copenhagen: $299
• Washington, DC to Copenhagen: $377

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $35–$50
• Accommodation: $150–$250
• Excursions: $25–$50

9. Milan, Italy

As Italy’s fashion and business capital, Milan is a hub of activity and affordability. Its three airports provide a wealth of options. Fly into Malpensa (MXP) from the US, then hop on a cheap Ryanair or Wizz Air flight from Bergamo (BGY) to explore the rest of Europe.

Deals in Past Year: 69

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• San Francisco to Milan: $423
• Washington, DC to Milan: $476

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $35–$45
• Accommodation: $120–$180
• Excursions: $20–$45

10. Reykjavík, Iceland

While smaller than other cities on this list, Reykjavík punches way above its weight in travel deals. Icelandair's hub strategy makes it an easy and often cheap stopover from many US cities. It’s the perfect destination for a unique adventure filled with glaciers, geysers, and great flight prices.

Deals in Past Year: 66

Example Roundtrip Fares:

• NYC to Reykjavík: $322
• Dallas to Reykjavík: $375

Average Daily On-Ground Costs:

• Food: $40–$60
• Accommodation: $100–$150
• Excursions: $20–$50

How to Book: Your Ultimate Strategy for Scoring Cheap Flights

Knowing where to fly is half the battle. Now, let’s cover how to ensure you get the absolute best price on that flight. Forget endless searching; these strategies are your best bet for securing cheap airline tickets.

1. Master the "Goldilocks" Booking Window

The sweet spot for booking international flights is 2 to 8 months in advance. Booking too early or too late is where you'll find the highest prices. For peak season travel like summer, start looking on the earlier side of that window.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports

If you can, search with flexible dates. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is almost always cheaper. Also, don't forget the "Greek Islands Trick": if your dream destination is expensive, check flights to a larger hub nearby and take a budget flight for the last leg.

3. Let the Deals Find You with Price Alerts

Stop spending hours manually searching. Set up price alerts for your desired destinations. A good service will scan thousands of flights daily and email you when a great deal—or even a rare "Mistake Fare"—pops up.

4. Leverage Points, Miles, and Multi-City Flights

Sign up for airline loyalty programs—they're free! Every flight can earn you points toward future discounts. Also check the "multi-city" search option. Sometimes adding another city to your itinerary can be cheaper than a simple roundtrip.

5. Get Creative with One-Way Fares

Don't assume a roundtrip ticket is always the cheapest option. Sometimes, booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines (e.g., flying to London on Airline A, and returning from Paris on Airline B) can unlock significant savings, especially for multi-destination trips.

Your Digital Toolkit: Top Apps for Travel Planning & Booking

Smart travelers are organized travelers. These digital tools are essential for saving both time and money, helping you find cheap flights and manage your trip with ease.

Finding Flights & Deals

Skyscanner: Excellent for price comparison and discovering the cheapest destination with its "Everywhere" feature if your dates are flexible.

Google Flights: Features a powerful calendar view to easily spot the cheapest days to fly over an entire month, and lets you track flight prices.

Going.com (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights): A premium deal alert service that sends curated flight deals for international and domestic flights directly to your inbox.

Booking Accommodation

Booking.com: Offers a vast selection of hotels, apartments, and even unique stays, often with flexible cancellation policies. It's great for diverse budgets and travel styles.

Hostelworld: The go-to app for budget travelers seeking affordable and social hostel accommodations around the globe. You can read reviews and book directly.

Airbnb: Perfect for finding unique local experiences and a wide range of accommodation types, from rooms to entire homes, ideal for longer stays or group travel.

Organizing Your Itinerary

TripIt: A lifesaver for keeping plans straight. Simply forward your confirmation emails (flights, hotels, car rentals), and it automatically builds a master itinerary for you, keeping all your travel details organized in one accessible place.

Google Maps: Essential for navigation, discovering local attractions, restaurants, and planning public transport routes during your trip. You can even download offline maps.

PackPoint: Helps you create a packing list based on your destination, trip length, weather forecast, and planned activities. Never forget an essential again!

Quick Answers for Smart Travelers (FAQ)

• What are the absolute cheapest cities to fly into?

Based on the lowest deal prices found, London and Paris consistently offer roundtrip fares in the $200s from major US cities.

• What are the best budget airlines for traveling within Europe?

Once you land, look to Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling. They offer extensive routes and incredibly low fares for hopping between countries.

• Which US airport is best for finding cheap flights to Europe?

New York (JFK) is the undisputed champion. With over 70 international airlines, the competition creates more routes and lower prices for travelers.

• When are the cheapest months to fly to Europe?

Typically January, February, and November.