cheapest airports to fly into europe

There are several cheapest airports to fly Into Europe from the US, including Copenhagen Airport in Denmark, Dublin Airport in Ireland, and others. These airports across Europe are not only budget-friendly for flights from the United States but also make it super easy to explore the rest of the continent.

Europe is one of the most popular places for American visitors. The good news is that you don’t have to spend all of your savings on a trip to Europe. You can find cheap flights to the most famous locations on the continent with a little planning and advice.

Whether you’re planning a short trip, a layover, or simply looking for the best deal, this guide will help you find the most affordable airports to start your European adventure. The list of inexpensive European airports for 2025 has been updated below, along with the least expensive places to visit in Europe and advice on how to save the most money.

Top 8 Cheapest Airports to Fly Into Europe From the US (2025)

Here are the top 8 cheapest airports to travel to Europe from the United States, based on the volume of passengers, airfare to their airline hubs, and other relevant information.

1. Dublin Airport (DUB)

Dublin Airport is a popular choice for travelers on a tight budget going to Europe. Known for providing the cheapest flights from North America, it serves as the home base for both Aer Lingus and Ryanair, the biggest low-cost airline in Europe.

  • It is a reliable and affordable option to explore Wales, England, and other destinations in northern England, with many round-trip flights under $50.
  • This hub is a great place to start exploring popular locations in the UK and Ireland, including Manchester, Cardiff, and the Isle of Man, as well as a number of cities in Western Europe.
  • Additionally, Dublin’s pre-clearance facilities make your arrival as easy as possible by allowing you to bypass those annoying customs lines at checkpoints.

2. Barcelona’s El Prat Airport (BCN)

Spain’s second-busiest airport, Barcelona’s El Prat Airport (BCN), is one of the cheapest airports to fly into Europe. Barcelona’s advantageous location allows it to visit Mediterranean cruises, with easy rail connections that enable travel throughout Spain and Southern France.

  • Many airlines offer frequent and reasonably priced flights to BCN from major U.S. and international destinations, including Iberia, Vueling, and a number of low-cost carriers.
  • To begin your journey across Europe, you can easily arrive here with an inexpensive direct flight from major US cities like New York City or Washington, DC.
  • It is a popular alternative for travelers from North America and beyond on a tight budget because of its affordable airfare options and frequent flight offers.

3. Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Next on our list is the Copenhagen International Airport, which has average flight costs of around $792. Located just 5 miles from the city center, the Copenhagen Airport is one of the cheapest airports, particularly for  Northern Europe. 

  • The busiest airport in Northern Europe, Copenhagen Airport (CPH), connects the Danish capital to the Faroe Islands as well as other Nordic locations, including Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki.
  • In addition to being the primary hub for Scandinavian Airlines, CPH serves multiple airlines. 
  • This enables US tourists to experience Denmark’s woodlands, white cliffs, abandoned dunes, and stunning historical and cultural landmarks without going over budget. 

4. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

The second-busiest hub in Italy is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), usually offers the most affordable direct flights into Italy for visitors from the United States. 

  • Offers direct service to New York and Miami, as well as seasonal service to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • It offers flights to and from the United States with an average round-trip ticket of $781. 
  • Overall, for travelers who want to go to Milan without any delays, Milan Malpensa is a better choice than Linate.

5. Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

Madrid Barajas Airport frequently offers incredible discounts on flights from North America is a great place to start your European exploration. Due to competition, it provides more flight options with low fares, as it is one of the busiest airports in Europe.

  • The major airline of Spain, Iberia Airlines, has its headquarters in Madrid and frequently offers extremely affordable fares.
  • Madrid is a haven for low-cost flights, and the airport serves nearly 200 destinations worldwide.
  • It costs less than $80 round-trip, and occasionally much less, to get to the majority of major cities in Western or Central Europe.

6. Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)

Lisbon Portela Airport is one of the cheapest airports to fly into Europe, especially for travelers coming from the U.S. and Canada. In addition to being a reliable entry point into the continent, Lisbon’s airport is a little less hectic than other European airports.

  • TAP Air Portugal regularly offers affordable flights to Lisbon Airport. However, Ryanair and easyJet use it as a hub to offer a plethora of cheap flight deals to various locations in Europe, making subsequent travel a breeze.
  • Additionally, Portugal frequently offers affordable airfare and reduced airport taxes, all of which contribute to lower overall travel expenses.

7. Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)

Rome’s Fiumicino Airport is a prime entry point that offers most cheap flights to US travelers. It is a convenient and affordable airport with direct flights from several US cities and links to eastern and southern Europe. The city serves as a hub for reasonably priced flights to Eastern European and Italian locations.

  • Low-cost flights are offered to places including Budapest, Dubrovnik, and Warsaw by airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair.
  • The airlines frequently provide competitive fares, especially during the off-season.
  • It provides direct flights from various US cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (seasonal), Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Rome’s central location.

8. Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF)

Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is an excellent entrance to Europe, particularly if you are traveling from North America. Icelandair’s Stopover Programme allows you to spend up to seven days in Iceland at no additional expense before going on to your final destination in Europe. 

  • Keflavik frequently offers extremely low prices to European destinations, making it a cheap gateway to Europe.
  • The fairly new PLAY Airlines serving Reykjavik,  the top budget airlines in the world, offers seriously cheap fares from the East Coast USA to Iceland for less than $150!
  • Furthermore, Iceland’s advantageous location between North America and Europe enables airlines to run shorter flights, which lowers ticket prices and operating expenses.
  • Travelers can use Reykjavik’s layover alternatives before going on to well-known European cities like London, Paris, or Berlin, making KEF a great low-cost travel destination.

Also Read:

Traveling to Europe is often a significant financial investment for travelers, with numerous cheap airports. Naturally, less expensive airports are typically found in large cities with lots of flights. With a few suggestions and recommendations, you may save money while enjoying your European journey. Additionally, you can visit the most affordable places, including Budapest, Hungary; Brno, Czech Republic; and Poznan, Poland, to explore Europe.

FAQs

What is the Cheapest City in Europe to Fly Into?

Several European locations, such as Dublin, London, and Madrid, regularly have some of the cheapest flights from the United States.

What are the least expensive airports to fly into Europe?

Dublin (DUB), Lisbon (LIS), Madrid (MAD), and Milan (MXP) are often cited as the cheapest airports to fly to Europe from the United States. Other options include Copenhagen (CPH), Warsaw (WAW), and certain airports in London.

What is the least expensive month to fly to Europe?

March is the most affordable month of the year for American tourists visiting Europe, while July is the most costly.

What is the cheapest day of the week to fly from the US to Europe?

With the lowest overall averages of $786 and $642 for your departure and return, respectively, Wednesday is the most affordable day of the week.

What is the cheapest European country to travel to from the USA?

Portugal is typically the least expensive European destination from the United States, with Lisbon offering a particularly low-cost entrance. The Czech Republic, Croatia, and Hungary are other affordable choices.

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THE AUTHOR

Arthur Morena

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