How to Score Affordable Flights to Europe's Cheapest Cities in 2025

Planning a European adventure without emptying your wallet is absolutely possible in 2025. Thanks to expanded transatlantic routes and fierce pricing competition among legacy and budget carriers, budget-conscious travelers now enjoy unprecedented options for finding deals. Research from Dollar Flight Club analyzed 50,000 airfare quotes collected on January 27, 2025, for travel spanning January through September 2025, revealing which European destinations offer the best value from major U.S. hubs.

European Destinations Offering Cheapest Flights Right Now

The data shows that certain European cities consistently attract the lowest average fares. Reykjavík, Iceland has emerged as one of the cheapest European cities to fly into, with routes from Atlanta averaging just $800 round-trip. Other standout destinations include Lisbon, Portugal, and Barcelona, Spain, both delivering remarkable value for transatlantic travelers.

The 14 most affordable routes identified all offered average fares under $1,000 round-trip. However, actual prices frequently dip significantly lower. For instance, Atlanta-to-Reykjavík flights have been spotted as low as $400—less than half the average fare.

Route-by-Route Breakdown: Cheapest Flights from Your City

Here’s where you’ll find the best deals depending on your nearest major airport:

From Atlanta (ATL): Reykjavík from $400, London from $480, Helsinki from $545

From Charlotte (CLT): Rome from $483, Dublin from $545, Madrid from $560

From Chicago (ORD): Frankfurt from $435, Rome from $450, Dublin from $510

From Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): Amsterdam from $525, Frankfurt from $540, Rome from $555

From Denver (DEN): Paris from $480, Amsterdam from $525, Frankfurt from $540

From Las Vegas (LAS): Dublin from $520, Madrid from $535, Paris from $550

From Los Angeles (LAX): Paris from $430, Barcelona from $499, Dublin from $515

From Miami (MIA): Barcelona from $410, Munich from $412, Rome from $420

From New York (JFK): Lisbon from $405, Milan from $440, Berlin from $480

From Orlando (MCO): Madrid from $435, London from $520, Rome from $545

Smart Strategies to Maximize Your European Travel Budget

Embrace Layovers and Multi-Destination Itineraries

You’re not locked into staying at your flight’s arrival city. Treat your landing destination as merely a launching point for your European journey. Georgia Fowkes, a seasoned traveler and flight deal specialist, illustrates this strategy perfectly. She once booked a Pittsburgh-to-São Miguel (Azores) route with a Boston stopover for just $387 round-trip. By accepting the layover strategically, she saved nearly $300 compared to direct routing and even managed a mini-reunion with an old friend. The lesson: building flexibility into your itinerary can unlock substantial savings.

Time Your Trip for Shoulder Season

Summer crowds and peak prices plague European travel when families vacation. The shoulder season—that sweet spot between high season and low season—delivers ideal conditions: pleasant weather, open attractions, and significantly reduced airfare. Late spring and early autumn represent your best opportunities for lower fares alongside smaller tourist crowds. You’ll experience Europe authentically without the summer crush.

Get Creative With Accommodations

Hotels represent a major travel expense, but alternatives abound. Hostels offer rock-bottom rates, sometimes as affordable as 12 euros per night, typically featuring shared spaces alongside private room options. Major hotel chains are also expanding European portfolios. Hilton opened 10 resort properties across Greece, Ibiza, and Malta last summer. Hyatt announced plans for new properties in Estonia, Iceland, and Romania as of January 2025, while expanding from just four Spanish locations in 2020 to 55 by late 2024. These expansions provide credit card points redemption opportunities for savvy travelers.

Couchsurfing remains another budget-friendly option, allowing you to stay in locals’ homes—often free of charge through platforms like Couchsurfing.com.

Leverage Train Travel Within Europe

Intra-European train networks provide exceptional value compared to U.S. rail infrastructure. Munich to Salzburg, Austria takes under two hours and frequently costs under $20. Overnight sleeper cars eliminate hotel costs while covering ground simultaneously. This approach transforms transit into both experience and savings.

Why These European Cities Remain the Cheapest to Fly Into

The cheapest European cities to fly into benefit from robust airline competition and consistent demand. Reykjavík and Lisbon serve as gateways to unique experiences—northern lights viewing and geothermal spa culture in Iceland; historic charm in Portugal. Barcelona combines Mediterranean appeal with cultural attractions. This combination of affordability and desirability creates sustained pricing competition, keeping average fares depressed while maintaining flight frequency.

With advance planning and tactical flexibility, your European getaway becomes genuinely accessible. Monitor these routes, travel during optimal seasons, and think creatively about routing—and you’ll join thousands discovering that continental adventure needn’t require excessive spending.