Top 15 Budget Airlines in Europe for Tourists

Traveling across Europe has become much more affordable with the rise of low cost carriers, making it easier for tourists to explore multiple countries on a budget. The top budget airlines in Europe for tourists such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling offer cheap fares and wide route networks across major cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, allowing travellers to enjoy frequent and flexible travel options without high airfare costs.

Each airline comes with its own advantages depending on your travel needs. Ryanair is known for the lowest prices, easyJet offers convenience with better airport access, while Wizz Air is popular for Eastern Europe routes. By comparing baggage rules, seasonal deals, and airport locations, travelers can get the best value and make the most of their European trip while keeping costs low.

What Makes a Budget Airline Genuinely Cheap for Tourists?

Before ranking the airlines, it is important to establish what cheap actually means in the European context. Most travellers compare base fares and stop there. That is exactly why most travellers overpay.

A budget airline is genuinely cheap for tourists when the total cost base fare plus the bags you actually need plus the airport location comes out lower than alternatives. Some carriers with higher headline fares fly into central airports, which can save you 20 to 40 euros in ground transport alone. Others with rock-bottom fares operate from airports 90 minutes outside the city.

The three factors that determine true cost are:

• Base fare at the time you book (which changes by the hour read more about why flight prices change every hour.
• Baggage policy and add-on fees
• Airport location and onward transport cost

Keep all three in mind as you work through the list below.

Comparison Table Of Top 15 Budget Airlines in Europe for Tourists

Airline	Best For	Free Bag Allowance	Primary/Secondary Airport	Hidden Fee Risk	Overall Value
Wizz Air	Eastern Europe, ultra-budget	Personal item only	Mixed	High	Excellent if packing light
Ryanair	Widest network, city breaks	Personal item only	Secondary (mostly)	High	Good with advance planning
easyJet	Convenience, primary airports	Under-seat bag	Primary (mostly)	Medium	Very good overall
Norwegian	Nordics, comfort	Small bag (basic)	Primary	Medium	Strong for Scandinavia
Vueling	Spain, Southern Europe	Personal item only	Primary	Medium	Excellent for Spain trips
Eurowings	Germany, reliability	Small bag	Primary	Low-Medium	Best for German routes
Transavia	Netherlands/France to Med	Personal item	Primary	Medium	Great for specific routes
Jet2	UK tourists, beach holidays	22kg checked bag	Primary (UK)	Low	Best total value for UK travelers
Iberia Express	Iberian Peninsula	Personal item	Primary	Medium	Good for Madrid hub connections
SAS Go Light	Nordic travel, legacy perks	Personal item	Primary	Low	Worth checking vs Norwegian
Volotea	Secondary city pairs	Personal item	Secondary	Low-Medium	Only option on many routes
Pegasus	Turkey, Istanbul hub	Personal item	Primary (SAW)	Medium	Excellent for Turkey + Europe
Widerøe	Norwegian regions	Personal item	Regional	Low	Essential for Norwegian fjords
TUI Airways	Package holidays	Checked bag included	Primary	Very Low	Best for resort packages
Blue Air	Romania, Eastern Europe	Personal item	Primary (Bucharest)	Medium	Good for Romanian routes

1. Wizz Air

Best for:

Central and Eastern Europe, budget first travellers willing to pack light

Wizz Air consistently records the lowest revenue per seat kilometre of any European carrier, which translates directly into the cheapest base fares on the continent. With over 800 routes across 47 countries, it covers a remarkable range of destinations from its hubs in Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw, and Abu Dhabi.

The catch is that Wizz Air’s free allowance covers only a very small personal item roughly the size of a handbag or small backpack. Anything larger, including a typical cabin bag, costs extra. If you are travelling for more than a few days, the WIZZ Priority add-on (which includes a larger overhead cabin bag plus priority boarding) often represents better value than buying baggage separately.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw, London Luton
• Free allowance: 1 small personal item (40x30x20 cm)
• Membership option: Wizz All You Can Fly (fixed annual fee for unlimited flights)
• Flash sales: Occasional fares from 9.99 euros one-way

Booking tip:

Set a fare alert for your route and book within the first 48 hours of a sale going live. Wizz Air’s cheapest fares disappear quickly, especially on newly launched routes.

2. Ryanair

Best for:

Spontaneous city breaks, travellers who book 6-8 weeks in advance

Ryanair operates the widest route network of any budget carrier in Europe. As of 2026, it serves 229 destinations across 37 countries a scale no other low cost airline matches. That coverage means there is almost always a Ryanair option for any intra-European trip, and the base fares regularly dip below 20 euros on competitive routes.

The important caveat for tourists is that Ryanair’s fees structure requires careful management. Standard fares include only a small personal item under the seat ahead of you. A regular cabin bag in the overhead bin requires either a Priority boarding add-on or a separate baggage fee. Tourists who travel with a typical cabin bag and do not account for this will see their fare climb significantly at checkout.

Ryanair also relies heavily on secondary airports London Stansted, Brussels Charleroi, Frankfurt Hahn. Factor in the bus or train to the city centre before comparing against other airlines.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Dublin, London Stansted, Madrid, Rome Ciampino
• Free allowance: 1 small personal item (40x20x25 cm)
• Secondary airport warning: Many Ryanair airports are 45-90 minutes from city centres
• Advance booking sweet spot: 6-10 weeks before departure

To understand how far in advance to book for the cheapest fares, see our guide on the best time to book cheap flights.

3. easyJet

Best for:

Travellers who prioritize convenience and central airport locations

easyJet is the budget airline that most closely bridges the gap between low cost and full service. Its defining advantage for tourists is that it flies predominantly from primary airports London Gatwick, Berlin Brandenburg, Milan Malpensa, Paris Charles de Gaulle. That means less time on buses and more time at your destination.

The airline covers over 1,200 routes across 37 countries and its free under-seat allowance (45x36x20 cm) is among the most generous in the European low-cost sector. For short trips where you can genuinely manage with just a small bag, easyJet’s total cost often comes very close to Ryanair’s despite slightly higher base fares.

Key facts:

• Hubs: London Gatwick, Amsterdam, Geneva, Milan
• Free allowance: 1 under-seat bag (45x36x20 cm)
• On-time performance: Consistently above the European budget airline average
• FLEXI fare: Includes a 23kg checked bag and seat selection

4. Norwegian Air Shuttle

Best for:

Scandinavia routes, travellers who want more comfort at low-cost prices

Norwegian operates across Northern Europe and has historically been the primary driver of affordable fares on Scandinavian routes. It bridges the gap between ultra low-cost carriers and traditional airlines fares are not always the absolute cheapest, but the included allowances, newer aircraft, and free WiFi on many routes make the total value proposition strong for tourists.

If you are flying between any Nordic country and Western Europe, Norwegian is almost always worth checking alongside Ryanair and easyJet.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm
• Free allowance: 1 small bag (42x32x18 cm) in LowFare; 1 carry-on in LowFare+
• Distinguishing feature: Free WiFi on many short-haul European routes
• Book early: Norwegian’s cheapest fares appear 8-12 weeks before departure

5. Vueling

Best for:

Spain-centric itineraries, connections via Barcelona

Vueling is the dominant budget carrier for routes within Spain and between Spain and the rest of Europe. Backed by the International Airlines Group (IAG), it operates with slightly more consistency than pure ultra-low-cost rivals, and its pricing on Spanish domestic and short-haul European routes is competitive.

For tourists exploring Andalusia, the Canary Islands, or hopping between Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, Vueling’s network is genuinely hard to beat. The calendar-based price display on its website is also useful for identifying the cheapest travel dates before committing.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Barcelona El Prat, Madrid Barajas
• Free allowance: Small personal item in Basic fare
• IAG Group benefit: Interlines with British Airways and Iberia for connecting itineraries
• Best routes: Barcelona-Paris, Madrid-Rome, Seville-London

6. Eurowings

Best for:

Germany based routes, travellers who want low cost logic with fewer headaches

Eurowings was ranked the best low cost airline in Europe by Skytrax in 2025, which reflects its reputation for reliability and relatively smooth passenger experience. Part of the Lufthansa Group, it flies to over 210 destinations and its BASIC fare includes a free small bag (40x30x25 cm), which is marginally more generous than some competitors.

For tourists flying out of German cities or into destinations across Central Europe, Eurowings is a strong default choice. It is not always the absolute cheapest on any given route, but it is consistently reliable and flies into main airports.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg, Stuttgart
• Free allowance: Small bag (40x30x25 cm) in BASIC fare
• Skytrax award: Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe 2025
• Added benefit: Part of Star Alliance ecosystem via Lufthansa Group

7. Transavia

Best for:

Netherlands and France-based travellers, beach destination routes

Transavia is owned by the Air France-KLM Group and was ranked fifth best low cost airline globally by Skytrax. It focuses on routes from the Netherlands and France to sunny Southern European and North African destinations think Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Morocco. Its pricing is consistently competitive, and the backing of a major airline group brings a level of operational reliability that pure ultra-low-cost carriers sometimes lack.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Orly
• Free allowance: Small under-seat bag; cabin bag costs extra
• Best for: Amsterdam to Lisbon, Paris to Athens, Amsterdam to Marrakech
• Distinguishing feature: Integrates with KLM network for seamless connections

8. Jet2

Best for:

British tourists heading to Mediterranean beach resorts

Jet2 occupies a unique position in the European budget market. It is technically a low cost carrier, but its policies are considerably more relaxed than rivals like Ryanair. Most fare categories include a 22kg checked bag, which immediately removes one of the biggest sources of hidden cost. It also has a strong reputation for customer service and operates flight-plus-hotel packages.

For UK tourists flying to Spain, Greece, Turkey, or the Canary Islands, Jet2 often delivers better total value than carriers with lower headline fares.

Key facts:

• Hubs: 13 UK airports including Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh
• Checked bag: Included in most fares (22kg)
• Best for: Sun and beach destinations across the Mediterranean
• Over 75 destinations and 570 routes

9. Iberia Express

Best for:

Travellers connecting through Madrid, Spain-to-Europe routes

Iberia Express is the low cost subsidiary of Iberia and benefits from access to Iberia’s wider network while maintaining competitive base fares. It is particularly useful for tourists who want to fly into Madrid and then connect to another European destination on one ticket, or for those exploring Spain without paying full Iberia prices.

Key facts:

• Hub: Madrid Barajas (Terminal 1)
• Free allowance: 1 personal item in the Base fare
• Best routes: Madrid London, Madrid Rome, Madrid Amsterdam
• Iberia connection benefit: Can interline with Iberia for wider reach

10. SAS Go Light

Best for:

Scandinavia to Western Europe, travellers who want a legacy carrier at low-cost prices

SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) introduced its Go Light fare specifically to compete with budget carriers. It strips the ticket to its essentials while still offering the reliability and airport infrastructure of a full-service legacy airline. For tourists flying Nordic routes, this is worth checking before defaulting to Norwegian or Ryanair.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm
• Go Light fare: Includes only a small personal item
• Best routes: Copenhagen-London, Stockholm-Paris, Oslo-Amsterdam
• Frequent flyer benefit: EuroBonus points even on budget fares

11. Volotea

Best for:

Tourists wanting direct flights between mid-size European cities

Volotea fills a niche that larger budget carriers ignore. Rather than competing on the busiest trunk routes, it focuses on direct connections between secondary and regional airports across France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. In 2026, it operates over 430 routes connecting more than 110 small and mid-sized cities in 17 countries and more than half of those routes are exclusive, meaning Volotea is the only airline flying them.

If your itinerary involves a smaller city like Nantes, Palermo, or Santorini without routing through a major hub, Volotea is often the only direct option available.

Key facts:

• Hubs: Nantes, Venice, Palermo, Seville
• Focus: Secondary cities with exclusive routes
• Best for: Avoiding hub connections on regional European travel
• 2026 network: 430+ routes, 110+ cities, 17 countries

12. Pegasus Airlines

Best for:

Tourists routing through Turkey, Middle East and Europe connections

Pegasus is Turkey’s dominant low-cost carrier and offers a highly effective way to reach both European and Middle Eastern destinations via Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport. For tourists traveling to Turkey itself or using Istanbul as a transit point, Pegasus fares are among the most competitive available. The airline also flies directly to a number of European cities from its base.

Key facts:

• Hub: Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)
• Free allowance: 1 small personal item in basic Eco fare
• Best routes: Istanbul to London, Berlin, Paris, Rome
• Bonus: Excellent for pairing a Turkey visit with a wider European trip

13. Widerøe

Best for:

Norway’s regional airports, off-the-beaten-path Norwegian fjord destinations

Widerøe is not a name most international tourists recognize, but it is essential for anyone exploring Norway beyond Oslo and Bergen. It operates the largest regional network in Scandinavia, connecting smaller coastal towns and fjord communities that no other carrier serves. Fares are budget-level given the routes, and for travelers who want to reach Lofoten, Alesund, or Bodo without a 10-hour drive, Widerøe is the answer.

Key facts:

• Hub: Bergen, Oslo
• Specialty: Norway’s regional network, turboprop aircraft for short runways
• Best for: Tourists exploring Norwegian fjords and coastal communities
• Key note: Book early as seats on popular fjord routes sell out fast

14. TUI Airways

Best for:

Tourists who want flights and accommodation bundled at a low overall price

TUI Airways is connected to TUI Group, one of the world’s largest travel and tourism companies. It primarily operates charter and package holiday flights rather than point to point low cost routes. What makes it genuinely valuable is that checked baggage is typically included in ticket prices a rarity in the budget sector and package deals combining flights and hotels frequently undercut what you would pay booking each component separately.

Key facts:

• Hubs: London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham
• Checked bag: Usually included
• Best for: Mediterranean resort holidays booked as packages
• Key advantage: All-in pricing removes hidden fee risk

15. Blue Air

Best for:

Romania based travel, Eastern Europe on a tight budget

Blue Air is Romania’s main budget carrier and serves routes across Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Middle East from its base at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport. Fares are competitive on Romanian routes that larger carriers underserve, and the airline has gradually expanded its network. It is a useful option for tourists exploring Romania or connecting through Bucharest.

Key facts:

• Hub: Bucharest Henri Coanda (OTP)
• Best for: Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova connections
• Free allowance: Small personal item in base fare
• Growing network: Western Europe routes from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara

Booking Platform Comparison

Knowing which airline to fly is only half the equation. Where you search for the ticket also affects the price you see and the fees you pay. Different platforms surface different fares, and some add their own service fees at checkout.

Platform	Best For	Fare Coverage	Hidden Fees	Best Feature
Google Flights	Initial research and date flexibility	Broad, includes most budget carriers	None (redirects to airline)	Calendar view, price tracking
Skyscanner	Multi-carrier comparison and alerts	Very broad, including some LCCs	None (redirects)	“Everywhere” destination search
Kayak	Price history and prediction	Broad	Service fee possible	Price history charts
Direct airline website	Final booking	Airline-specific only	None added	Cheapest seat selection, no extra fees
Hopper	Timing predictions and price alerts	Broad	None	Buy/wait prediction with accuracy data

For a deeper comparison between two of the most popular search tools, read our guide on Skyscanner vs Google Flights to understand which platform finds cheaper fares on specific route types.

How to Get the Lowest Price on European Budget Airlines: A Step by Step Method

Most tourists pay more than they need to because they search once, see a price, and either book or dismiss it. The approach below consistently produces lower fares.

Step 1: Search with Google Flights first

Use the calendar view to identify the cheapest departure and return dates within your flexibility range. Google Flights is not a booking platform it is a research tool. Do not book here yet.

Step 2: Cross check on Skyscanner

Use Skyscanner’s Everywhere feature if your destination is flexible, or search specific routes to confirm the pricing Google Flights showed. Look for fares that differ between platforms, as some carriers appear on one but not the other.

Step 3: Identify the total true cost

Go to the airline’s website and add your actual baggage requirements to the base fare. A 12-euro Ryanair fare with a cabin bag can become 50 euros. A 35 euro easyJet fare with the same bag might be 60 euros. The gap is smaller than it appears.

Step 4: Book directly on the airlines website

Once you have confirmed the true cost, book directly. This avoids third party service fees, gives you access to the airline’s manage my booking tools, and makes it easier to handle any flight rescheduling or delay situations that arise.

Step 5: Check in online as early as possible

European budget carriers open online check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure. Checking in online avoids airport check-in fees (Ryanair charges for this) and lets you confirm your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. For a full breakdown of the check in decision, see our guide on online check in vs airport check in.

Best Booking Windows for European Budget Airlines

Timing matters more on intra-European routes than on long-haul flights, because the booking cycles are shorter and prices change more aggressively.

Travel Season	Recommended Booking Window	Expected Savings vs Late Booking	Notes
Summer (Jul-Aug)	10-14 weeks before	35-50%	Book by mid-April for July travel
Spring (Apr-Jun)	6-8 weeks before	25-35%	Best prices appear Feb-Mar
Autumn (Sep-Oct)	4-6 weeks before	20-30%	Shoulder season, more flexibility
Winter (Nov-Feb)	2-6 weeks before	15-25%	Fewer tourists, prices softer
Christmas/New Year	12-16 weeks before	30-45%	Books out very early

For a comprehensive analysis of booking timing across different route types, see our detailed guide on the best time to book international flights.

Hidden Costs That Inflate European Budget Airline Fares

Understanding the fee structure of European low-cost carriers is what separates tourists who pay the advertised price from those who pay significantly more. Here are the costs most travelers do not anticipate until they are at the checkout screen.

Cabin bag fees

The biggest source of surprise cost. Ryanair and Wizz Air charge 20 to 40 euros for an overhead cabin bag unless you have purchased priority boarding or a bag add on. Always calculate this before comparing fares.

Seat selection fees

Budget carriers charge 5 to 25 euros per person per flight for seat selection. On a return trip with two passengers, that is potentially 100 euros in seat fees alone. If seat selection is not important to you, skip it and accept a random assignment.

Airport check in fees

Ryanair charges 55 euros for checking in at the airport rather than online. This is avoidable by checking in via the app or website, but tourists who are unaware of this rule can face a very expensive surprise at the departure desk.

Airport ground transport

A Ryanair fare to London Stansted followed by a 30 euro train ticket to central London may be less competitive than an easyJet fare to London Gatwick with a 15 euro train ticket. Always compare the total door-to-door cost.

Baggage policy enforcement

Budget airlines in Europe are subject to ongoing legal disputes over cabin bag fees. European Parliament guidelines published in January 2026 stated that passengers should be entitled to one personal item and one small piece of hand luggage free of charge. Several carriers are contesting this, but the regulatory environment is shifting. Check the airline’s current terms before every booking, even if you flew with them recently. For current baggage rules across airlines, our airline baggage policies guide has up to date information.

Which Budget Airline Should You Choose?

The right airline depends on your specific priorities. Use this framework to decide quickly.

If your priority is the lowest possible total fare

Start with Wizz Air and Ryanair, but always add your baggage requirements before comparing. Pack in a personal item only if at all possible.

If your priority is primary airport access

EasyJet, Eurowings, or Norwegian will serve you better than Ryanair or Wizz Air. The ground transport savings often cover the fare difference.

If your priority is connecting secondary cities directly

Volotea is often the only airline flying the route you need. Check it before looking at alternatives with connections.

If you are a UK tourist heading to the Mediterranean

Jet2’s included checked baggage and strong customer service record make it worth comparing even against cheaper headline fares.

If you are flying within Scandinavia

Norwegian and SAS Go Light are your primary choices, with Widerøe essential for regional Norwegian connections.

If you want everything included

TUI package deals can undercut the combined price of a budget fare plus hotel considerably, especially for resort destinations.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make with European Budget Airlines

Most travelers overpay not because the cheap fares do not exist, but because they make avoidable decisions at the wrong moment.

Mistake 1: Comparing only base fares

The headline fare means nothing without adding your actual baggage. Two minutes of calculation at the airline’s website tells you the real price.

Mistake 2: Booking too early on popular summer routes

While early booking is generally good advice, there are situations where booking 6 to 8 weeks before departure produces better fares than booking 6 months out, because airlines often release promotional inventory in that mid range window.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the airport location

A 15 euro fare to an airport 90 minutes from the city can cost more in total than a 45-euro fare to a central airport. Always include ground transport in your comparison.

Mistake 4: Not reading the baggage rules before packing

Budget airline baggage dimensions differ significantly between carriers, and the fees for non compliance at the gate are steep. Always check your specific airline’s rules before you pack.

Mistake 5: Assuming cancellation and refund policies are the same across carriers

They are not. Some budget airlines offer no fee flight credit, others charge substantial change fees. Before booking a non refundable fare, understand what your options are if plans change. Our guide on refundable vs non refundable flights explains the key differences.

Conclusion

European budget airlines have genuinely transformed how tourists explore the continent. What was once a multi-day journey requiring an overnight train or an expensive full-service ticket is now a two-hour hop costing less than a restaurant dinner if you book correctly.

The 15 airlines covered in this guide each serve a specific type of travelLer. Wizz Air and Ryanair reward those willing to pack light and plan ahead. easyJet and Eurowings deliver reliability and airport convenience at near-budget prices. Jet2 and TUI suit UK tourists who value what is included over what is cheapest. Volotea, Pegasus, and Widerøe serve niches no other carrier covers as effectively. The key insight is that no single airline is best for every route the smartest travelers match the airline to the trip, not to a brand preference.

Before you book any European budget flight, compare the total cost including your actual baggage, factor in ground transport from the airport, and book directly on the airline’s website once you have decided. That process takes 10 minutes and consistently saves 30 to 60 euros per booking. Compare flights now before prices increase on your target dates European summer fares in particular move upward fast as the season approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest budget airline in Europe overall?

Wizz Air consistently records the lowest average fares in Europe when measuring revenue per seat kilometre. However, Ryanair often matches or undercuts Wizz Air on specific routes, particularly in Western Europe. The cheapest airline for your trip depends on your departure airport and destination. Always compare both on the same route before booking.

How far in advance should I book budget airline tickets in Europe?

For summer travel, book 10 to 14 weeks before departure. For shoulder season travel, 4 to 8 weeks before departure typically produces the best fares. Booking too early (6+ months out) on intra-European routes does not always yield the lowest price, as promotional inventory is often released closer to the flight date.

Are last minute budget flights ever cheaper in Europe?

Occasionally, but not reliably. Last-minute fares on popular routes are almost always higher because remaining seats carry peak pricing. Last-minute deals are more likely on thin routes with low demand or during off-peak travel periods. For reliable cheap fares, planning ahead is still the better strategy.

Do European budget airlines charge for carry on bags?

Many do. Ryanair and Wizz Air only include a small under-seat personal item in their base fares. A standard cabin bag that fits in the overhead locker requires either a priority boarding add-on or a separate baggage fee. easyJet and Norwegian are more generous with their base fare allowances. Always check the specific airline’s baggage rules on the booking page before completing your purchase.

Which European budget airline is best for traveling with checked luggage?

Jet2 includes a 22kg checked bag in most fares, making it the most cost effective option for tourists who need to check luggage. TUI also typically includes checked baggage in its fares. Other carriers charge between 20 and 45 euros per checked bag per flight, so consider this when comparing total costs.

Is it safe to book connecting flights across different European budget airlines?

It requires careful planning. If you book two separate tickets on different airlines, a delay on the first flight will not give you any protection on the second. Airlines are not responsible for missed connections on self-booked itineraries. For connections, always leave at least 3 hours between flights and understand the rebooking policies before committing. For more information, see our guide on self transfer flights.