11 Cheapest European Cities to Fly Into Right Now

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Unlocking Affordable European Adventures: The Cheapest Entry Points

Choosing the right airport to fly into can make a huge difference in your overall budget. Certain cities consistently offer more affordable flights due to factors like airline competition, airport taxes, and popularity of routes. Let's dive into eleven of the most budget-friendly European cities to fly into right now, making your European dream a reality without emptying your wallet.

Here's a breakdown, considering flight prices, local costs, and potential for onward travel:

City	Country	Why It's Cheap to Fly In	Budget Travel Potential
Oslo	Norway	Competition from budget airlines like Norwegian Air. Often offers deals from North America.	While Norway itself can be pricey, Oslo airport is a hub, making it easy to connect to more affordable Scandinavian destinations.
Stockholm	Sweden	Similar to Oslo, benefits from budget airline presence and frequent transatlantic routes.	Excellent hub for exploring Sweden and other Nordic countries. Consider travel during shoulder seasons.
Warsaw	Poland	Poland often has some of the cheapest flights in Europe, due to a combination of factors including its location and the popularity of budget airlines.	Poland is a very affordable country to travel in. From Warsaw, you can easily explore other Polish cities or venture into neighboring countries.
Budapest	Hungary	Increasingly popular tourist destination with expanding airline routes, leading to competitive pricing.	Budapest is known for its affordability, offering budget-friendly accommodation, food, and activities.
Riga	Latvia	A hub for airBaltic, offering a wide range of connections throughout Europe at competitive prices.	The Baltics are generally more affordable than Western Europe. Riga offers a charming blend of history and modern culture without the high price tag.
Vilnius	Lithuania	Like Riga, Vilnius benefits from being a Baltic capital with growing air travel connections and affordable local costs.	Lithuania offers excellent value for money. Explore the beautiful old town of Vilnius and enjoy budget-friendly dining.
Sofia	Bulgaria	Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, and Sofia's airport reflects this.	Sofia is a fantastic base for exploring Bulgaria's mountains, beaches, and historical sites on a budget.
Bucharest	Romania	Similar to Bulgaria, Romania offers a lower cost of living, resulting in cheaper flights.	Bucharest is a vibrant city with a fascinating history and affordable prices. Consider exploring Transylvania from here.
Porto	Portugal	While Lisbon is more well-known, Porto often offers more competitive flight deals.	Porto is a beautiful city with delicious food and wine, all at reasonable prices. It's also a great starting point for exploring northern Portugal.
Bratislava	Slovakia	Often overshadowed by Vienna (nearby), Bratislava offers a cheaper alternative for flight arrivals.	Bratislava is a compact and walkable city with a charming old town and affordable prices. It's also easy to take a day trip to Vienna.
Brussels (Charleroi Airport)	Belgium	While Brussels Airport (BRU) is larger, Charleroi (CRL) often has significantly cheaper flights due to Ryanair and other budget airlines.	While Belgium itself can be mid-range in cost, flying into Charleroi opens up opportunities for affordable travel within Belgium and neighboring countries like France and the Netherlands. Just factor in the transfer time and cost to Brussels city center.

Tips for Scoring the Cheapest Flights to Europe

Beyond choosing the right city, here are some key strategies to maximize your savings:

Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Flying mid-week or during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can often save you a significant amount of money.

Consider Budget Airlines: Airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Norwegian Air offer incredibly cheap fares, but be mindful of baggage restrictions and extra fees.

Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): Experts recommend booking international flights 2-3 months in advance for the best deals.

Use Flight Comparison Websites: Sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies.

Set Price Alerts: Track flight prices and receive notifications when prices drop.

Consider Connecting Flights: Non-direct flights can sometimes be significantly cheaper than direct routes.

Beyond the Flight: Budget Travel in Europe

Once you arrive in your chosen city, remember that affordable flights are just one piece of the puzzle. To keep your overall trip budget-friendly, consider:

Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb can offer much cheaper alternatives to hotels.

Food: Eat like a local by trying street food, visiting local markets, and cooking some of your own meals.

Transportation: Utilize public transportation or consider renting a bike to explore the city.

Activities: Look for free walking tours, museums with free admission days, and explore parks and natural attractions.

Make Your European Dream a Reality

With careful planning and a willingness to be flexible, exploring Europe on a budget is entirely achievable. By choosing one of these cheapest European cities to fly into and utilizing budget travel strategies, you can unlock an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank. Happy travels!