Planning a trip to Europe but not sure where to land? You’re not alone! With so many airports to choose from, figuring out the cheapest airports to fly into Europe can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, here at Moonsand, we’ve got you covered.
There are some fantastic airports across Europe that are not only budget-friendly for flights from North America but also make it super easy to explore the rest of the continent. If you’re flexible on where to start your trip, searching for cheap flights anywhere in Europe is your best bet. From there, you can easily hop from country to country with Europe’s budget airlines.
Whether you’re looking to hop on a quick flight to another country, spend a couple of days soaking up some local culture on a layover, or just want the best deal possible, this guide will point you to the top airports to kick off your European adventure.
Overview:
- Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland
- Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), Portugal
- Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain
- Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Germany
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy
- Athens International Airport (ATH), Greece
- Brussels Airport (BRU), Belgium
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
1. Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland
Dublin Airport is a top pick for budget-conscious travellers heading to Europe. It’s known for having some of the cheapest flights from North America, especially if you’re flying with Aer Lingus or one of the budget carriers. What makes it even better is that Dublin is a major hub for connecting flights, so you can hop to other European destinations pretty easily once you land.
Plus, you clear U.S. immigration and customs before you leave Ireland on your way home, which is a huge timesaver. This makes it our top pick when it comes to the best European airports to fly to North America from.
If you decide to stay a couple of days, Dublin’s a cracking city with plenty to keep you busy. Wander around the Temple Bar district for some live music and good pints, check out the historic Trinity College and the Book of Kells, or take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse to learn how they make that world-famous stout.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, the stunning Cliffs of Moher are just a few hours’ drive away, and there are plenty of affordable guided tours that’ll take you there for a hassle-free adventure.
Things to do in Dublin:
2. Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), Portugal
Lisbon Portela Airport is one of Europe’s hidden gems for affordable flights, and it’s one of the cheapest airports to fly into Europe from the USA. TAP Air Portugal frequently offers cheap deals, and since Lisbon’s a bit less chaotic than other European airports, it’s a solid gateway into the continent.
From here, you’ll find tons of low-cost flights to other spots in Europe thanks to Ryanair and easyJet who use it as a hub, making onward travel a breeze.
If you’ve got a couple of days to spare on your European getaway, Lisbon is a city you don’t want to skip. Ride the iconic tram 28 through the narrow, hilly streets, devour some pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) at the famous Pastéis de Belém, or soak up the views from São Jorge Castle. The nightlife in Bairro Alto is an absolute vibe, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to chill out with a glass of Portuguese wine.
3. Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain
Madrid Barajas Airport often has killer deals on flights from North America, and it’s an ideal starting point for exploring Europe. It’s one of the busiest airports in Europe, which means more flight options and often cheaper prices thanks to the competition. Iberia and Air Europa frequently run promotions, so if you’re flexible on your dates you can score a bargain.
Plus, since it’s a major capital city, Madrid is super well-connected to other European hotspots, with loads of budget airlines flying out daily.
Sticking around in Madrid? You’re in for a treat. Take a stroll through Retiro Park, explore the grand halls of the Prado Museum, or feast on tapas at Mercado de San Miguel. Don’t miss the Royal Palace - it’s absolutely stunning. And if you’re a football fan, catching a game at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a must.
Madrid's late-night scene is legendary, so be ready for long nights filled with flamenco, rooftop bars, and endless sangria!
Things to do in Madrid:
4. Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF), Iceland
Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is a brilliant gateway to Europe, especially if you're flying from North America. Icelandair’s Stopover Programme lets you spend up to seven days in Iceland at no extra cost before continuing to your final destination in Europe, which is such a win if you want to squeeze in some extra adventure. Plus, Keflavik often has super competitive fares to European cities, making it an affordable jumping-off point.
The fairly new PLAY Airlines is one of the top budget airlines in the world, offering seriously cheap fares from East Coast USA to Iceland for less than $150! That’s what makes Reykjavik arguably the cheapest European airport to fly into.
If you’ve got a couple of days in Iceland, you absolutely have to soak in the Blue Lagoon - it’s just a 20-minute drive from the airport and the perfect spot to unwind after a long flight. Reykjavik itself is a charming, walkable city with colourful streets, cool cafés, and lots of quirky street art.
Check out the Hallgrímskirkja Church for epic views of the city, or hit up one of the many geothermal pools that Iceland is famous for. And if you’re up for a road trip, renting a car and driving along the Golden Circle is a must!
Things to do in Reykjavik:
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5. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Germany
Berlin Brandenburg Airport is a hotspot for North American travellers flying to Europe. Since it’s not as overwhelmingly busy as some other major European airports, you can often find great deals on flights, and it’s a major hub for easy connections to other cities across the continent. Plus, Berlin is smack in the middle of Europe, and its central location makes it one of the cheapest flight destinations in Europe.
If you’re planning to hang around Berlin, get ready for a mix of history, culture, and a truly epic nightlife scene. Explore the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery for a bit of history, and be sure to visit the iconic Brandenburg Gate.
If you’re into museums, Museum Island is your go-to spot - it’s packed with world-class galleries. And of course, you can’t leave Berlin without experiencing a classic techno club night. If you’re not into clubbing, don’t worry - there’s no shortage of traditional beer gardens and quirky rooftop bars to chill out in!
Things to do in Berlin:
6. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy
Milan Malpensa Airport is a fantastic option for flying into Europe on a budget, especially if you’re keen to explore Italy or hop around to nearby countries. It’s well-served by airlines like Alitalia and easyJet, and you’ll often find decent deals on flights from North America. Plus, Milan’s got great train connections, making it easy to head off to other Italian gems like Florence, Venice, or Rome.
Milan itself is the fashion capital of the world, but it’s got way more going on than just high-end shopping. Take in the stunning architecture of the Duomo di Milano (climbing to the rooftop is a must!), wander through the fancy Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, or feast your eyes on Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” painting.
Milan’s aperitivo scene is the stuff of legends, so be sure to hit up a bar in the Navigli district for a spritz and some Italian snacks before you continue your European adventure!
7. Athens International Airport (ATH), Greece
Athens International Airport is a fantastic entry point to Europe, especially if you’re looking to explore the Mediterranean or head straight to those iconic Greek islands - one of our favourite solo travel destinations. Flights to Athens from North America can be surprisingly affordable, and once you’re there, it doesn’t hurt that Athens is one of the cheapest international airports in Europe.
If you’re staying in Athens on a layover, you’re in for a treat. The airport’s only about 40 minutes from the city centre by train, so it’s super easy to get into town. Don’t miss the Acropolis - it’s an absolute must-see! And be sure to wander around the Plaka district, where you can sip ouzo, sample gyros, and snap a billion photos of the quirky cobbled streets.
Athens is also a fantastic launchpad for ferry trips to islands like Santorini or Mykonos if you’re up for a bit of island-hopping before tackling the rest of Europe.
8. Brussels Airport (BRU), Belgium
Brussels Airport is another top pick for flying into Europe, with plenty of well-priced flights and super easy connections. It’s home to Brussels Airlines, which means you’ll find loads of flights from North America, plus lots of affordable options for connecting flights to other European cities.
Once you land, getting into Brussels city centre is a breeze - the train takes just 20 minutes, and you’ll be in the heart of all the action. Spend some time wandering around the Grand Place, which is even more impressive in person than it looks in pictures! Indulge in some Belgian waffles, frites with mayo, and of course, sample a few local beers (Brussels has some of the best beer bars in Europe!).
If you’re into comics, don’t miss the Comic Strip Centre, and be sure to snap a pic of the quirky Manneken Pis statue. And since Brussels is so central, it’s a great base for day trips to places like Bruges or Ghent too!
9. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany
Frankfurt Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, but don’t let that put you off - it’s a brilliant spot to start your European adventure. It’s a major hub for Lufthansa, so you’ll find plenty of flights from North America, often at competitive prices. Plus, Frankfurt offers tons of direct flights to pretty much any European city you can think of, making it perfect if you’re planning to jet off to multiple destinations.
If you’ve got time for a layover in Frankfurt, hop on the train from the airport, and you’ll be in the city centre in just 15 minutes. Take a stroll along the River Main, visit the historic Römer Square with its picture-perfect medieval buildings, or head up to the top of the Main Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Frankfurt’s also got some great museums if you’re into that sort of thing, like the Städel Museum and the German Film Museum. And of course, don’t leave without grabbing a pretzel and a pint of local cider - it’s a Frankfurt classic!
FAQs About Cheapest Airports to Fly into Europe
Why are flights to some European airports cheaper than others?
This all comes down to demand, competition, and location. Bigger and busier airports like Dublin or Madrid have more flights and budget airlines, which keeps prices low due to the competition. Smaller airports have fewer options, which means that flying in or out of them is often pricier.
What are the cheapest months to fly to Europe?
Winter (except around Christmas) is usually the cheapest time to fly. After that, the shoulder seasons - spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) - offer good deals. Summer (June to August) is the priciest, with fares often more than doubling.
Are budget airlines worth it for long-haul flights to Europe?
Yes, but watch out for extra fees! They’re great if you pack light and don’t mind skipping frills. Just compare total costs with regular airlines to make sure it’s really a deal.
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