Cheap flights to Europe from the USA are easier to find than many travelers think. This guide’ll show you how to score the best deals, uncover hidden savings, and choose budget-friendly European destinations.
Whether you’re flying for adventure or a quiet escape, we’ll help you get there without overspending.
The Cheapest City in Europe to Fly Into
When searching for cheap flights to Europe from USA, your arrival city can make a big difference. Among the top contenders, Dublin, Lisbon, and Madrid often offer some of the lowest fares, especially from major U.S. hubs.
Dublin, in particular, frequently ranks as the cheapest European city to fly into thanks to budget airlines and strong competition on transatlantic routes. From there, you can access other parts of Europe with low-cost regional carriers.
When Can You Get Cheap Flights to Europe?
Timing is everything. The best months to find cheap fly tickets to Europe are typically January through March and late October through early December. These shoulder and off-peak seasons offer lower prices due to reduced demand.
Flying mid-week—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—can also help you score the cheapest flights to Europe. Set price alerts and book for the best chances 6–8 weeks in advance.
The Cheapest City to Fly Into Italy from USA
Looking for cheap flights to Europe from USA with Italy as your destination? Milan is usually your best bet. Here's why:
- Lower average fares: Milan Malpensa (MXP) often features cheaper fares than Rome or Venice.
- Frequent deals: Flights from U.S. cities like New York, Boston, and Miami regularly go on sale.
- Easy connections: Once in Milan, you can explore Italy or fly elsewhere in Europe with low-cost airlines.
- Well-served airport: MXP is a hub for both full-service and budget carriers, improving your chances of finding cheap fly tickets to Europe.
Cheapest Way to Travel Europe
After landing, traveling across Europe cheaply is easier than it looks. To make the most of your trip:
- Fly with budget airlines – Use carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, or easyJet for short hops between cities.
- Book early – The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting the cheapest flights to Europe and beyond.
- Use long-distance buses – Companies like FlixBus offer ultra-low fares across the continent.
- Get a rail pass – If you plan multiple stops, Eurail or Interrail passes can save money and offer flexibility.
- Travel light – Avoid extra baggage fees by packing efficiently, especially on budget airlines.
These tips help keep your European flights and travel costs as low as possible.
The Cheapest Country in Europe to Fly to from the USA
When looking for cheap flights to Europe from USA, choosing the right country matters. Portugal, Ireland, and Spain often top the list for budget-friendly fares.
Lisbon and Dublin, in particular, are consistently among the cheapest European cities to fly into, offering direct flights from major U.S. cities and serving as excellent gateways to the rest of Europe.
These countries also offer affordable local travel and accommodations, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Cheap Flights to Europe from Chicago
If you're flying out of Chicago, you're in a good spot. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major hub with access to many of the cheapest flights to Europe.
Here's what you can expect:
- Frequent deals to cities like Dublin, Lisbon, and Madrid.
- Budget airlines and major carriers are competing on transatlantic routes.
- Cheaper fares during shoulder seasons (spring and fall).
Searching flexible dates and avoiding peak summer travel can help you land cheap fly tickets Europe-bound.
Best Website for Cheap Flights to Europe
To find the cheapest European flights, using the right tools is key.
Some of the best websites for scoring deals include:
- Google Flights – Great for tracking prices and setting alerts.
- Skyscanner – Known for flexible search features and wide coverage.
- Momondo – Offers deep price comparisons and route options.
- Hopper – Predicts the best time to book using price trends.
These platforms make it easier to compare prices, find cheap flights to Europe from USA—including from cities like Chicago—and book with confidence.
Cheap Flights to Europe from NYC
New York City is one of the best departure points for cheap flights to Europe from the USA. With three major airports—JFK, Newark (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA)—you have a higher chance of finding great deals year-round.
Best tips for NYC travelers
- Use fare alerts to monitor prices to cheap destinations like Dublin, Lisbon, or Barcelona.
- Check for budget airlines like Norse Atlantic or Play Airlines offering low-cost transatlantic options.
- Be flexible with dates—midweek departures are usually cheaper.
Tip: Booking 6–10 weeks in advance from NYC often yields the cheapest flights to Europe.
Cheap Flights to Europe from Seattle
Seattle may be on the West Coast, but it still offers solid options for budget-conscious travelers heading to Europe. Though nonstop flights are limited, connecting routes help keep prices low.
Destination | Typical Low Fare | Notes |
---|---|---|
Dublin (via East Coast) | $450–$600 | Common with 1 stop |
Amsterdam | $500–$650 | Delta and KLM seasonal offers |
London Gatwick | $480–$620 | Available through Norse Atlantic |
Quick tips:
- Consider flying to the East Coast first, then catching a cheaper flight to Europe.
- Search through sites that include multi-airline combinations for flexible routing.
The Cheapest Airport in Europe to Fly Into
Not all European airports are created equal when it comes to price. If you're after the cheapest European flights, these airports consistently offer better deals:
- Dublin Airport (DUB) – Often the cheapest thanks to direct, low-cost flights and minimal taxes.
- Lisbon Airport (LIS) – Portugal’s capital offers affordable transatlantic options, especially in shoulder seasons.
- Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) – A hub for many budget carriers, with frequent deals from the U.S.
- Barcelona El Prat (BCN) – Popular for its mix of affordability and access to cheap onward flights.
- Milan Malpensa (MXP) – Italy’s cheapest entry point with frequent offers.
Choosing one of these airports can save you hundreds, especially when combined with onward budget flights across Europe.
The Country in Europe Which Has the Cheapest Flight Tickets
When searching for cheap flights to Europe from USA, Ireland consistently offers some of the lowest prices. Thanks to Dublin’s well-connected airport and frequent competition between major carriers and budget airlines, it's often the first stop for U.S. travelers looking to save.
Other cheap-entry countries include:
- Portugal – Especially Lisbon, with frequent deals from cities like NYC and Miami.
- Spain – Madrid and Barcelona often see reduced fares, particularly in off-peak seasons.
These countries not only offer affordable entry but also give access to cheap flight tickets within Europe through low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Vueling.
The Cheapest Country to Buy Airline Tickets
If you’re booking flights within Europe or beyond, Poland and Hungary are among the cheapest countries to purchase airline tickets. Here’s why:
- Lower taxes and fees: Tickets originating from Warsaw or Budapest tend to cost less due to reduced airport charges.
- Strong budget airline presence: Wizz Air and Ryanair operate heavily in Eastern Europe.
- Currency advantage: If you're paying in USD, favorable exchange rates in some Central and Eastern European countries may lower final costs.
So if you're already in Europe, consider buying onward tickets from these hubs to save.
The Best and Cheapest Month to Fly to Europe
To find the cheapest flights to Europe from USA, timing your trip is everything. Based on years of pricing data, these months stand out:
Month | Why It’s Cheapest |
---|---|
January | Post-holiday dip in demand, cold weather deters crowds |
February | Similar low demand, good for winter city breaks |
November | Fewer tourists, especially after early November |
For the best deals:
- Book 6–8 weeks in advance.
- Travel mid-week, especially Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Use fare comparison sites with flexible date tools to spot price drops.
Flying during these months can help you secure the cheapest European flights without sacrificing too much on experience.
Cheap International Flights
Finding cheap international flights from the USA—especially to Europe—comes down to knowing when, where, and how to search.
Key departure hubs like New York, Chicago, and Miami regularly offer discounted fares to cities such as Dublin, Lisbon, and Madrid.
Use flexible date tools on booking platforms to spot the cheapest flight to Europe quickly.
How to Get International Flights Cheaply?
Here are five essential tips to book cheap international flights:
- Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights.
- Set price alerts weeks in advance.
- Fly mid-week—Tuesday and Wednesday are often cheapest.
- Be flexible with your destination and dates.
- Book during sales, especially airline-specific promotions.
Get 50% Off on a Flight
Scoring up to 50% off a flight is possible when you:
Strategy | Details |
---|---|
Sign up for deal newsletters | Sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying |
Use travel credit card points | Combine rewards with flash sales |
Watch for error fares | Rare, but they offer steep discounts |
Book during major sales | Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal fare drops |
These methods are best used together to boost your chances of landing cheap fly tickets Europe-bound.
How to Save Money Flying Internationally?
To save money flying internationally:
- Avoid extra fees by traveling with a carry-on only.
- Use alternate airports—flying into a secondary airport is often cheaper.
- Consider stopovers—connecting flights can lower the total fare.
- Travel in off-peak months like February or November for the cheapest flights to Europe.
A smart booking strategy, combined with flexible planning, can cut costs significantly.