Deals

The 10 Cheapest Flight Routes in Europe for 2026

Feb 20, 2026 7 min read

Discover the most affordable ways to fly across Europe this year, from hidden gems to well-known budget routes that cost less than a taxi ride.

Europe's Cheapest Flight Routes in 2026

Europe's low-cost carrier revolution means you can fly between major cities for less than the price of a decent dinner. Here are the ten cheapest routes we have tracked this year, based on average one-way fares.

1. London (STN) → Dublin (DUB) — from £9.99

Ryanair dominates this route with multiple daily frequencies. The Irish Sea crossing takes just over an hour, making it perfect for weekend city breaks. Book on Tuesday mornings for the lowest fares.

2. Barcelona (BCN) → Milan (MIL) — from €14.99

Vueling and Ryanair battle it out on this Mediterranean corridor. Flight time is under two hours, connecting two of Europe's most vibrant cities for less than a pizza in either destination.

3. Berlin (BER) → London (STN) — from €12.99

Ryanair and easyJet offer rock-bottom fares on this route. The 1h 50m flight connects two of Europe's most exciting capitals. Berlin's new Brandenburg Airport has streamlined the experience.

4. Paris (BVA) → Porto (OPO) — from €14.99

Ryanair flies from Beauvais to Porto, connecting France with Portugal's increasingly popular second city. Porto's wine cellars, riverside charm, and affordable dining make it exceptional value.

5. Rome (CIA) → Budapest (BUD) — from €9.99

Ryanair and Wizz Air compete fiercely on this route. Budapest remains one of Europe's best-value capitals, with thermal baths, ruin bars, and stunning architecture.

6. Warsaw (WAW) → Vilnius (VNO) — from €12.99

This short hop between two Baltic-adjacent capitals takes just 1h 15m. Vilnius is emerging as a hidden gem with its baroque old town and thriving food scene.

7. Madrid (MAD) → Lisbon (LIS) — from €19.99

The Iberian corridor is served by Iberia Express, Ryanair, and TAP. At just 1h 15m, it is one of Europe's shortest international routes and consistently affordable.

8. Stockholm (NYO) → Copenhagen (CPH) — from €15.99

Scandinavian budget travel is possible thanks to Norwegian and Ryanair. This Nordic route connects two design-forward capitals in under 1h 20m.

9. Vienna (VIE) → Prague (PRG) — from €19.99

This Central European classic takes just 50 minutes by air. Both cities offer world-class culture, coffee houses, and architecture at reasonable prices.

10. Athens (ATH) → Thessaloniki (SKG) — from €19.99

Greece's domestic trunk route connects the capital with the northern metropolis. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express offer frequent service on this 55-minute flight.

Tips for Booking Ultra-Cheap European Flights

•Book 4-6 weeks ahead for the best prices on budget carriers

•Fly carry-on only to avoid baggage fees that can triple the fare

•Use the airline's app — mobile-only deals are increasingly common

•Consider midweek travel — Tuesday and Wednesday flights are consistently cheapest

•Check both airports — many cities have secondary airports with lower fees

cheapest flights Europecheap European flights 2026budget airlines Europecheap flights in Europe

Ready to Find Cheap Flights?

Compare prices from 500+ airlines and find the best deals on your next trip.

Search Flights