Euro summer was the big travel trend in 2023, and it’s stood the test of time because people are still planning their Greek beach escapades and pasta-fueled Italian dreams in 2024. If you’re in the US and thinking of kick-starting a Euro summer of your own, but don’t want to break the bank, then this is your guide to the cheapest European cities to fly into from the US!
Flying to Europe
This article will cover the cheapest European cities to fly into from the States, but don’t worry if your desired destination isn’t on the list – the beauty of Europe is that it’s so easy to get around. From short flights around the continent to quick train rides and bus options, you can tour Europe quickly and cheaply from basically anywhere!
If you’re looking to pack as many European cities and adventures into your vacation as possible, check out Contiki’s multi-country European tours. You won’t have to pay for extra transportation or worry about delays and cancellations, we do it all for you!
Image source:Contiki
Finding an airline
The first step to securing cheap flights is to secure yourself a budget airline. Some great options include Icelandair, Turkish Airlines, and Aer Lingus. You may make a short layover before arriving at your final destination – but anything to save some cash, right?
If you’re really not keen on having a layover, keep your eyes peeled for flight deals! There’s a whole trick to getting cheap flights to Europe and it includes clearing your cache, buying on certain days, etc. but as long as you keep your wits about you and don’t jump at the first offer you’ll be able to snag some great bargains.
Another way to get budget flights is to make the most of your credit card rewards. A lot of credit card companies have offers on where certain amounts of money spent means certain amounts of airline points are given. So make sure you read up on those.
Certain times of year are cheaper to fly as well, and we have a guide on the cheapest times to fly to Europe! And you can read this article for more travel hacking information.
Cheapest European cities to fly into
Right, so, without further ado let’s get into the cheapest European cities to fly into from the US so that you can explore Europe and all its wonders to your heart’s content!
1. London, England
Not only is London one of the cheapest European cities to fly into from the US, it’s also one of the most strategic! Being one of Europe’s biggest hubs and having 6 airports in the vicinity, you can get to anywhere else in the continent super easily, making it a great starting point.
London Heathrow is one of the largest airports in Europe and has some of the best deals, and London Gatwick also has some great offers as well, so be sure to check them when booking cheap. Once you’re in the city, make sure to get yourself a proper British cup of tea or pint, and visit some of the capital’s regal sites. You can do England in a Week with Contiki to escape the capital as well, and see what else the UK has to boast about (it’s probably more than you think!).
Image source:Contiki
2. Madrid, Spain
You can never go wrong with a little bit of Spanish sun, so you’re lucky that Madrid has managed to make this list! With delicious tapas to try at every street corner, glorious weather, and an easy-to-navigate city, we can’t recommend this part of Spain more! Plus, our Best of Spain trip starts in Madrid, so you can see even more of the country for less money – it’s a win win! Fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport for a smooth transition from one side of the Atlantic to the other and let yourself be swept away by total bliss.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
While Copenhagen itself is not the cheapest of cities, it’s one of the cheapest to fly into and it’s so worth a visit despite the krone you’ll be spending there. You’ll be flying into Copenhagen Airport (which, I have to say, is one of the nicest and cleanest airports I’ve ever been to!), and from there you can take a quick train ride into the city.
With pastel coloured streets, museums for all the art and history lovers, interior design stores that’ll make you want to re-feng shui your whole house, and pastries that are to die for, you can’t go wrong with a stay here. If you’re stuck on things to do in Copenhagen, check out this guide to 48 hours in the city.
Image source:Contiki
4. Milan, Italy
Fashion capital of Europe, and perhaps the world, Milan is one of the most beautiful Italian cities ever! You’ll fall in love with the Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Palazzo Castiglioni – buildings with stunning architecture that speak to the royal vibe this city brings.
By flying into Malpensa Airport, you’ll arrive in Milan and have the whole of Italy at your door. Milan is in the north with mountains and lakes, so you’re a quick drive away from the breathtaking Lake Como, as well as the Dolomite mountains, and you’re not far from the lagoons of Venice!
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Another of the cheapest cities in Europe to fly into is Lisbon: a gorgeous city right on the Portuguese coast blessed with glittering oceans, the creamy taste of pastel de nata, and the iconic sights of the sky blue azulejo tiles. In addition to this, Lisbon is pretty well connected, so if you want to travel to the famous Algarve region for extra sunkissed days, or head to Porto in the north for a taste of delicious wine, then it’s no trouble at all!
Image source:Contiki
6. Paris, France
City of love, and one of the cheapest European city to fly into – Paris is at the top of every traveller’s bucket list, so you’ll be thrilled to know that a flight into Charles de Gaulle airport won’t cost you as much as you think! Imagine waltzing by the Eiffel tower with a croissant or two stuffed in your cheeks, or making your way down the Jardin des Tuileries while the sun sets over the Haussman architecture. I can’t imagine anything better than that.
Another huge European hub, Paris is a great city to fly into if you’re planning a multi-country excursion as you can easily fly to other capital cities or take the train!
7. Hamburg, Germany
Fairytale vibes are sure to come with a visit to Hamburg in Germany. The city itself boasts some beautiful coffee-shop lined streets with coloured roofs and spires, as well as a river running through it, but you can’t go wrong with a day trip out. Germany is a country filled with lush greenery and castles left behind, so it’s kind of like travelling through a book by the Brothers Grimm.
Easy and cheap to get to, Germany is a fantastic country (if you’re going in the late summer early autumn you should head to Oktoberfest) and it also serves as a gateway to the sunny Eastern European cities which are not only unique but cheap and cheerful, and less crowded! You can get a whole new perspective on Europe from here, so we highly recommend making the flight to Hamburg!
Image source:Moritz Kindler / unsplash
8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Classic, charming, and full of good times, if you get the chance for a cheap trip to Amsterdam, you take it! Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the world’s third-busiest airport by international passenger numbers if you can believe it, and it’s extremely well-connected. After a few days spent strolling along the canal, sipping coffees, smelling the rainbow array of tulips, you can set off by train to another corner of Europe. So what are you waiting for?
9. Dublin, Ireland
Attracting tourists from all over the world because of its jubilant nightlife, lively pub scene, and awe-striking landscapes, Dublin and Ireland as a whole is a bucket list must. As many Irish immigrants made it to the States, it’s possible you may have some heritage on the Emerald Isle. If that’s the case, why not take advantage of the cheap flights to discover some personal history?
Get a pint of Guinness with your face printed in foam (this is the kind of technology that really rakes in those tourism dollars), live some Normal People scenes at Trinity College, get singing and dancing with the locals during pub nights, and explore stunning museums and cathedrals. It’s charming and green, and you’re not too far from the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher.
Image source:Anna Church / unsplash
10. Stockholm, Sweden
If you prefer lush mountains and thick forests over beaches and coasts for your summer vibes, then Sweden is the right destination for you. Stockholm is currently one of the cheapest European cities to fly into, so you better take advantage of these deals while they last! Filled with urban parks, Sweden’s capital has the perfect blend of nature and city so you can get a breath of fresh air and retain some modern comforts.
But, if you really want to get rugged, then you can venture out of Stockholm and into the neighbouring areas which are sprinkled with forests and lakes around every corner. Sweden is a true nature lover’s paradise, and it’s a great place to run away to in the summer.
