Photo: Contiki
Cobblestoned streets, historical landmarks, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and pastries that keep you coming back for more. Dreaming of it all? Then it looks like Europe is on the cards! The journey from the Land Down Under to the wonderful continent can be long. So, if you’re looking to get the best value for money on your flights – you’re not alone.
Luckily, we’ve curated a list of the cheapest places in Europe to fly into from Australia – so you can save up all that money on a well-deserved sea-side paradise. So where do we begin our European Escapade?
1. London, United Kingdom
Top international airport: London Heathrow Airport
You might be wondering – how the heck is London on this list? How does that make sense? London might just be the farthest away from any other major city in Europe, but turns out, it is actually one of the cheapest places to fly to in Europe from Australia.
The reason? Just the sheer number of people flying from Australia to London. According to records, the UK is the most-visited country in Europe by Australians. So with London being an in-demand destination, and multiple operators offering flights – flying to London from Australia actually gets quite cheap. The best part of it all? The options for getting from London to any other city in mainland Europe are endless. Cheap flights? Yep. Trains? Of course. Affordable coach rides? 100%. No wonder most European trips begin in London.
- Sydney: Approx. $1,253
- Melbourne: Approx. $1,230 (Source: momondo)
Image source:Contiki
2. Istanbul, Turkey
Top international airport: iGA Istanbul Airport
Okay, this one’s a no-brainer. Turkey is geographically closer to Australia. That means less distance covered. Fewer emissions. Lesser cost to the airline. Lesser cost for you.
While there’s some debate about whether Turkey can be called a part of Europe, it’s a great entry point if you’re looking to head to the Eastern parts of the continent like Croatia and Greece. And of course, Istanbul is very much worth a visit too. You could visit the church-turned-mosque-turned-museum – Hagia Sophia or admire the kaleidoscope of architectural beauty at the Süleymaniye Mosque. Or maybe give your tastebuds a sweet treat with some delish Baklava. It’s budget-friendly. It’s a feast for your eyes and taste buds. What more do we need in life?
- Sydney: Approx. $1,082
- Melbourne: Approx. $1,128 (Source: momondo)
3. Paris, France
Top international airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nothing like the sight of the sparkling Eiffel Tower at midnight. And nothing like snagging a dirt-cheap flight to witness it with your own eyes, am I right? Okay. Maybe not dirt cheap, but pretty darn affordable I’d say.
There’s so much to discover in France. World-class wineries. Wonderful rivieras. Lush landscapes. Historical architecture. There’s something for everyone. Maybe that’s why France is actually one of the most visited European countries by Australians. Not only is it a great starting point for any European trip, but just a few hours out from the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can visit jaw-dropping French sights and places. Way to start your European endeavour, huh?
- Sydney: Approx. $1,139
- Melbourne: Approx. $1,122 (Source:momondo)
4. Rome, Italy
Top international airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino
How could you not go to Rome when you’re in Europe? So it’s a wonderful thing that flying from Australia to Rome tends to be cheaper than most other cities, including ones in Italy! In fact, some airlines offer direct flights from Perth to Rome and back, 3 times a week during the European summer. And from Sydney to Rome – every day. Gelato (and spaghetti, and pizza!), here we come!
- Sydney: Approx. $1,056
- Melbourne: Approx. $1,021 (Source: momondo)
Image source:Contiki
5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Top international airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Hallo, holland. How could we ever forget the stunning city of Amsterdam? While there aren’t any direct flights from any city in Australia to Amsterdam – there are quite a few of them with layovers. The good thing about layovers? Cheaper flights. That’s right. Amsterdam is one of the cheapest places in Europe to fly into from Australia. Usually, you’ll find cheap flights between December to March (some as cheap as $500!) since the weather in the ‘Venice of the North’ is chilly. But hey, that also means fewer people and no selfie sticks poking your face. And have you seen the pictures of those stunning Christmas markets? Sounds ideal, tbh.
- Sydney: Approx $1,186 to $1,889
- Melbourne: Approx $1,200 to $1,94 (Source: momondo)
6. Madrid, Spain
Top international airport: Madrid–Barajas Airport
Marvellous museums, amazing architecture, football fanatics, passionate parties – Madrid will completely upgrade your idea of what a ‘good time’ looks like. And the good thing is – getting there from Australia won’t break the bank. Most flight-price trends show that flying to Madrid–Barajas Airport from Australia can be cheaper compared to some other European cities. Which is great because we all could use some fresh churros in our lives.
- Sydney: Approx $1,470
- Melbourne: Approx $1,450 to $1,880 (Source: momondo)
7. Athens, Greece
Top international airport: Athens International Airport – Eleftherios Venizelos
Golden sunsets. Azure waters. Pearl-white buildings. Is this the exact description of heaven or what? Well, lucky for us – getting to this heaven isn’t too expensive. Athens is one of the cheapest places in Europe to fly into from Australia. Again, geographically it makes perfect sense. But more importantly, Athens can be a great starting point for a European trip. What better introduction to Europe than the rugged landscapes and intriguing ancient architecture of Greece?
- Sydney: Approx. $1,321
- Melbourne: Approx. $1,331 (Source: momondo)
Image source:Andrea Leopardi / unsplash
8. Budapest, Hungary
Top international airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
Looking to travel to Eastern Europe? Even though you may not find as many flight bargains for Eastern Europe as you do for the more popular tourist spots – there’s one place that’ll help you save. Hello, Budapest! This city not only straddles the majestic Danube River but also offers a budget traveller’s dream with its delightful mix of history, culture, and affordability. What more could we ask for?
Budapest also makes for a great stopover point if you’re more interested in the Western parts of Europe.
- Sydney: Approx $1,480 to $1,900
- Melbourne: Approx $1,500 to $1,900 (Source: momondo)
What are the cheapest months to fly from Australia to Europe?
Usually, travelling during the off-season or shoulder-season (between winter and summer) is cheaper than flying into Europe. That means the months between September to May are perfect if you’re looking to save some of those precious bucks. If you’re looking for some sneaky hacks to find when the cheapest time to fly to Europe is, we already have a guide that would help.
Sure, spending a summer in Europe is always a great idea. But have you seen those Christmas markets? And those wonderful parks tinted with red and maroon during autumn? Those are equally beautiful, and won’t make a giant hole in your wallet. I’d be booking my trip to Europe right about now if I were you.
Where is the cheapest place to fly to in Europe from Australia?
Most experts suggest that Istanbul is the cheapest place to fly to in Europe from Australia. Lucky for us, visiting the marvellous ‘Temple of Artemis’ (and tasting some freshly-made Turkish delight) is on the bucket-list anyway!
And if you’re looking for the cheapest countries in Europe in general, we’ve got a guide that might help.
Image source:Olivia Anne Snyder / unsplash
Top tips to find cheap flights to Europe from Australia
Swap wings for wheels
Catching a flight all the way to your destination? It’s a good option. But the best part about travelling Europe is that it’s SO well-connected. Road or rail – there are endless (and more affordable) options to get to your starting point.
So if you’re looking for a major budget hack, just book a flight to the cheapest city to fly to in Europe from Australia you can find. And it’s okay even if it’s an entirely different country, because you can catch a coach for the rest of your journey (kinda like a Contiki trip!). And hey, a good road trip never hurt no one.
Use budget-friendly airlines
Obvious, but true. Forget about first-class champagne showers. A can of soda with a side of “aren’t-you-glad-you-saved-so-much” is enough to make everyone happy (especially when you’re flying from one side of the world to another).
Book the connecting flight yourself
I know, I know. Booking flights to Europe and back? With layovers? On your own? Sounds like a nightmare. But really it’s not as bad as you think. Especially when you see how much money you’ll save. All you need is to keep about 4-5 hours in between the two flights, so you can comfortably pass through the security check and baggage claim. And get on board your next one. This way, you get cheap flights and if you wanna turn that layover into a mini-vacation – you can’t really go wrong there.
Turn your notifications on
The simplest way to find cheap flights is to turn your Google flight notifications on. This way, you can get alerts for when the flights you’ve been searching for are cheaper or falling. When the phones rage, you save.
Image source:Louis Magnotti / unsplash
Timing is key
In this game of grabbing the best possible prices for your flights from Australia to Europe, timing is everything. So don’t wait too long to book your flight tickets! You’re likely to find cheaper flights the sooner you book them. And of course, being flexible about when you can fly there helps too.
Mix and match airlines
From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Lisbon, these affordable gateways beckon Australian travellers to embark on a European adventure without the financial strain. Each destination boasts a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability, proving that the dream of exploring Europe can be a reality for every jet setter. So, pack your bags, set your sights on these budget-friendly gateways, and let the magic of Europe unfold without a hefty price tag. Bon voyage!
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No-one likes being flooded by promotional emails trying to tell you to buy something all the time. But there are some definite advantages to that too. Like discounts!!! Most airlines and other booking sites will occasionally send through offers and discounts that you can use to save quite a significant amount of money. So keep an eye out for those sneaky promotional emails. And of course, subscribe to them too.
Ready for your European Adventure?
So. Now that you have all the info you need about which is the cheapest place to fly to in Europe from Australia. And you have some juicy hacks to help you make the most of your budget. You really have nothing to wait for.
While there are quite a few ways to explore the European continent on your own, one of the best ways is to join a Contiki trip! Accommodation, transport, breakfasts, and some crazy (and some wholesome) experiences are all included in the price. Not to mention, you get to make a new set of memories with a bunch of friends that you’ll never forget. Do ya need more convincing?
