How to Book the Cheapest Flights for European Adventures

Flights often make up a big chunk of your travel budget—but they don’t have to.

Our team found that travellers who use flexible dates, smart tools, and budget airline strategies save hundreds on European air travel. With dozens of low-cost carriers operating across the continent, it’s possible to hop between cities for the price of lunch—if you know how to book.

Europe’s budget airline scene is booming. But along with the deals come fees, route quirks, and limited flexibility. Knowing the rules and planning ahead helps you book confidently without falling into costly traps.

Whether you’re planning a multi-city backpacking trip or a last-minute weekend getaway, this guide will help you find the cheapest flights for your European adventures.

Pro Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates and airports—it’s the #1 way to unlock the lowest fares.

Quick Guide: Booking Cheap Flights in Europe

1. Use flight search engines with flexible date options.
2. Compare prices on multiple budget airlines.
3. Book flights 4–8 weeks in advance for best prices.
4. Travel midweek or during off-peak hours.
5. Watch out for extra fees and baggage limits.

Important: Cheapest isn’t always best—factor in travel time, airport distance, and hidden fees before clicking “book.”

Why Europe Is Ideal for Budget Flights

With dozens of countries clustered together and competitive low-cost airlines, Europe is one of the easiest regions to explore affordably by air.

Budget airlines offer flights for as low as €10–€50 between cities like:

• Berlin to Prague
• Rome to Barcelona
• London to Budapest
• Amsterdam to Lisbon

These routes open up fast, affordable travel—ideal for spontaneous getaways or budget backpacking.

Step-by-Step: How to Find the Cheapest Flights

1. Use the Right Flight Search Tools

Start your search with engines that specialise in finding deals:

• Google Flights: Great for date flexibility and calendar view
• Skyscanner: Search “Everywhere” to find the cheapest destinations
• Kiwi.com: Combines airlines for custom itineraries
• Momondo: Highlights historical price trends and cheaper days to fly
• Hopper: Predicts when prices will rise or fall

Set up alerts and track prices for a few weeks before buying.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports

The biggest savings come from flexibility:

• Fly midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheapest)
• Choose early morning or late night flights
• Use alternate airports—London has six, Paris has three
• Shift your departure/return by a day or two to slash costs

Tip: Use “flexible date” calendars to see the cheapest combinations.

3. Know the Best Time to Book

Timing matters. For most European flights:

• Book 4–8 weeks in advance for short-haul flights
• For peak summer (June–August), book 2–3 months ahead
• Avoid booking too early or too late—prices often spike both ways

Last-minute flights can be cheap occasionally, but that’s the exception, not the rule.

4. Mix and Match Airlines and Airports

You don’t have to book round-trip with the same airline. Instead:

• Fly into one city and out of another (open-jaw tickets)
• Use one-way fares from different budget airlines
• Pair air travel with trains or buses for intercity connections
• Use apps like Rome2Rio to connect the dots easily

Example: Fly Ryanair into Milan, then take a FlixBus to Venice instead of flying again.

5. Watch for Hidden Fees and Restrictions

Budget airlines make money from extras. Avoid surprises by checking:

• Baggage rules: Many only allow a small personal item
• Seat selection fees: Often optional
• Check-in policies: Some require app check-in or charge at the airport
• Airport distance: Cheap tickets might land you far from the city centre

Read the fine print. A €15 flight isn’t a deal if you pay €60 in extras.

Best Budget Airlines in Europe

These carriers dominate the European low-cost flight market:

1. Ryanair (Ireland)

• Huge network across Europe
• Ultra-low fares
• Strict baggage and check-in policies

2. easyJet (UK)

• Slightly more flexible than Ryanair
• Good customer service
• Frequent sales

3. Wizz Air (Hungary)

• Focus on Eastern and Central Europe
• Good value for off-the-beaten-path cities

4. Vueling (Spain)

• Popular in Southern Europe
• Good for Spain, France, and Italy routes

5. Transavia (Netherlands/France)

• Solid option for Western Europe
• Often cheaper than national carriers

Each airline has its quirks—do your homework before booking.

Budget-Friendly Flight Hacks

Boost your savings with these lesser-known tips:

• Browse in incognito mode to avoid dynamic pricing
• Clear cookies before comparing prices
• Use airline apps—some deals are mobile-only
• Book in local currency if cheaper than your home currency
• Check promo codes and student discounts
• Sign up for newsletters—flash sales happen often

And always compare the total cost—not just the base fare.

Combine Flights with Other Travel Options

Sometimes flights aren’t the best choice. Depending on the distance:

• Trains (e.g., Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe) offer comfort and central stations
• Buses (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) can be cheaper for short trips
• Night trains save on accommodation
• Ferries (e.g., Greece, Italy, Scandinavia) offer scenic alternatives

Mix modes of transport to optimise budget and time.

Warning: Be cautious of ultra-tight connections or back-to-back budget flights. Delays happen—and budget airlines aren’t obligated to help if you miss the next leg.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap European Flights

1. How early should I arrive at the airport for a budget flight?

Arrive at least 2 hours early, especially for Ryanair or Wizz Air. Many budget airlines have strict check-in and boarding times.

2. Can I bring a backpack as carry-on?

Yes, but size matters. Most airlines only allow a small personal item for free (e.g., 40x20x25 cm). Larger bags often require a paid upgrade.

3. Are budget flights safe?

Absolutely. All EU-based airlines follow strict safety regulations, regardless of price. The difference is in comfort and service, not safety.

4. What if I need to change my flight?

Budget tickets are often non-refundable and non-changeable unless you buy add-ons. Always double-check dates and names before booking.

5. Should I print my boarding pass?

Some budget airlines (especially Ryanair) charge if you don’t check in online or forget your boarding pass. Use their app or print ahead.

Travel Far, Spend Less, and Fly Smart

Booking cheap flights in Europe is all about strategy. With a little flexibility, the right tools, and an eye for the fine print, you can explore the continent affordably—without sacrificing experience.

So plan ahead, compare smartly, and always read the rules. Whether you’re chasing history in Rome or sunsets in Santorini, budget travel means more money for what matters most: the memories you’ll make along the way.