Affordable European Destinations from U.S. Airports in 2025
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Planning a European getaway doesn’t have to break the bank. With numerous budget and legacy airlines expanding their transatlantic routes, travelers have more options and opportunities for cost-effective flights. Cities like ReykjavÃk, Iceland; Lisbon, Portugal; and Barcelona, Spain, are among the most affordable European destinations to fly to from the U.S.
Top Affordable Routes from U.S. to Europe in 2025
Based on data from Dollar Flight Club, an airfare deals website, several routes offer consistently low fares. The following table highlights 14 routes with average round-trip fares under $1,000:
| U.S. Airport | European Airport | Average Round-Trip Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) | ReykjavÃk (KEF) | $800 |
| Atlanta (ATL) | London (LON) | $840 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) | Amsterdam (AMS) | $900 |
| Denver (DEN) | Amsterdam (AMS) | $900 |
| Denver (DEN) | Paris (CDG) | $900 |
| Miami (MIA) | Munich (MUC) | $900 |
| Atlanta (ATL) | Helsinki (HEL) | $940 |
| Chicago (ORD) | Dublin (DUB) | $950 |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Barcelona (BCN) | $950 |
| Miami (MIA) | Rome (FCO) | $950 |
| Miami (MIA) | Barcelona (BCN) | $950 |
| New York (JFK) | Lisbon (LIS) | $950 |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | Dublin (DUB) | $970 |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Dublin (DUB) | $980 |
Note: These average fares are based on an analysis of 50,000 fares pulled on January 27, 2025, for trips from January through September 2025. The data included fares from a mix of legacy and budget carriers. (nerdwallet.com)
Tips for Securing Affordable Flights
To maximize savings on your European journey, consider the following strategies:
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Flexible Travel Dates: Being open to different travel dates can help you find lower fares. For instance, flights on certain days may be significantly cheaper.
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Long Layovers and Stopovers: Opting for flights with longer layovers or stopovers can lead to substantial savings. For example, a traveler from Pittsburgh to São Miguel Island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago found that a day-long stopover in Boston reduced her round-trip flight cost from nearly $700 to $387. (nerdwallet.com)
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Shoulder Season Travel: Traveling during the shoulder season—late spring or early fall—can offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak summer months.
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Alternative Accommodations: Consider staying in hostels, which can offer stays as low as 12 euros a night. Additionally, platforms like Couchsurfing.com provide opportunities to stay with locals for free, enhancing cultural immersion. (nerdwallet.com)
- Train Travel Within Europe: Utilize Europe’s extensive train network for cost-effective and scenic travel between cities. For example, a train ride from Munich to Salzburg, Austria, takes less than two hours and can cost under $20. (nerdwallet.com)
Maximizing Travel Rewards
To further reduce travel expenses, consider using travel credit cards that offer rewards and benefits tailored to your preferences. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provide flexibility and valuable perks for travelers. (nerdwallet.com)
By strategically planning your trip and utilizing these tips, you can enjoy a memorable European experience without overspending.
