Budget Airline Options for Traveling Around Europe

In the last decade, a number of new, smaller airlines have surfaced offering incredibly low prices for regional European flights. These airlines use regional and alternative city airports so convenience might be sacrificed for price, although these airports are now becoming more integral to inter-Europe travel. If you are short on time, these rates can be cheaper than rail travel and, more importantly, time saving!

Ryan Air
They operate hubs out of London, Dublin and Glasgow to many destinations in mainland Europe. Rates at the time of publication were as low as £1 round trip from London to Dublin (we didn’t forget a zero). Prices generally run in the £20-£90 price range r/t. Be warned, though, that delays and strandings overnight at airports do occur. www.ryanair.com

easyJet
They fly over 28 routes to 18 key cities using hubs in London Stansted and Liverpool, England and Geneva, Switzerland. Prices range from £15 to £60+ round trip. www.easyjet.com

Brussels Airlines/Virgin-Express
From their hub in Brussels they fly to London, Rome, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid and many more European cities starting at 49.99 one-way. Also fly worldwide. www.brusselsairlines.com