Cheapest cities to fly to in Europe in 2025: Money-saving tips from the US

Want to go on a trip to Europe but worried about expensive flights? Don’t worry—according to the latest data from flight trading platforms, flight prices to Europe in 2025 are highly competitive, with many low-cost carriers and traditional airlines expanding transatlantic routes. This means travelers can find unprecedentedly abundant deals.

Which European cities are the cheapest?

Data shows that Reykjavik in Iceland, Lisbon in Portugal, and Barcelona in Spain have become the most affordable European destinations departing from the US. Based on an analysis of 50,000 flight tickets (collected on January 27, 2025, covering travel from January to September), the average round-trip ticket prices from the US’s top 10 airports to 14 major European routes are all below $1,000.

Iceland is particularly noteworthy. The round-trip average fare from Atlanta to Reykjavik is only $800, with special deals as low as $400. This opens opportunities for travelers dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights or soaking in the famous geothermal hot springs at Blue Lagoon.

Cheapest routes from major US airports

Departing from different US cities, the cheapest European destinations vary:

Eastern hubs: Flights from JFK to Lisbon as low as $405, from Atlanta to Reykjavik for only $400. Travelers from Charlotte can reach Rome for $483.

Midwest and West: Flights from Chicago to Frankfurt start at $435, Denver travelers can fly to Paris for $480, and the cheapest route from Los Angeles is to Barcelona at $499.

South and Southwest: Miami travelers enjoy fierce price competition—flights to Barcelona for only $410, Munich at $412, and Rome at $420. Las Vegas to Dublin starts at $520.

These prices are based on real data from hybrid airlines (including traditional and budget carriers), but actual prices may vary flexibly depending on specific departure dates and times.

Money-saving tips for traveling in Europe

Flexibly choose layover locations

Don’t limit your thinking to your arrival destination. An experienced traveler once flew from Pittsburgh to the Azores in Portugal, with a one-day stop in Boston, spending only $387—nearly $300 less than a direct flight. This “begin with the end in mind” planning approach saved her money and allowed her to catch up with old friends in Boston and enjoy local clam chowder.

Choose off-peak and shoulder seasons

Summer is the peak travel season in Europe, with soaring flight and hotel prices. In contrast, shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) offer mild weather, seasonal activities, and lower prices. Consider departing in late spring or early autumn to avoid crowds and save a lot.

Multiple accommodation options

Hotels are not the only choice. Hostels offer rooms starting at €12 per night (though dormitory beds and shared facilities, some private rooms are also available). International hotel chains are expanding in Europe, allowing points redemption—for example, Hilton opened 10 resorts in Greece, Ibiza, and Malta last year, and Hyatt announced entering markets in Estonia, Iceland, and Romania.

For ultimate savings, the couchsurfing movement remains active—staying for free with locals via platforms like Couchsurfing is the most economical option.

Europe’s train network is a money-saving tool

Don’t forget Europe’s extensive train system. From Munich to Salzburg in Austria takes less than two hours, with tickets often under $20. Night trains with sleeper cabins can save a night’s hotel cost, further reducing overall expenses.

By combining these strategies—choosing the cheapest European departure cities, utilizing layovers, avoiding peak seasons, exploring alternative accommodations, and making full use of Europe’s transportation network—budget travelers can realize their European dreams at far lower costs than expected.