Cheap flights to Europe

Europe is a year round holiday destination with 50 or so countries offering incredibly diverse landscapes, experiences and attractions for travellers from Australia.

Peak season

Summer (June to August) is peak season for booking cheap flights to Europe and is an ideal time to visit if you have children or have set times when you can holiday. Expect sunny weather, warm temperatures, long days, and for the most part, lots of other holidaymakers. Finding cheap deals on flights, accommodation and tours are more difficult in peak season, so to ensure you get the cheapest flights to Europe book well in advance. If you’re flexible with dates, then visit busy places early or late in the season to avoid the crowds. July and August can see cities empty out of locals, France and Italy especially, but this shouldn’t affect your sightseeing. Some destinations are best visited in peak season, such as the UK and Scandinavia, when the weather is optimal.

Shoulder season

The shoulder seasons (April through to mid-June and September through to October) also see an influx of tourists arriving on flights to Europe. It’s generally a less hectic season but as southern Europe cools off, this makes for more comfortable weather for sightseeing so it can be busy. If you’re after greenery then visit the Mediterranean in spring, while hikers planning on Alpine hiking should book flight tickets for autumn.

Off Season

The tourists taper off after October, and so do the prices with more cheap flights to Europe available. Although you’re contending with colder weather, travelling to Europe in the off season (November through March) can be a big saving and there are more options for accommodation and fewer queues.

Which airlines operate flights to Europe?

Most flights to Europe from Australia have at least one stopover, with a break in Asia or the Middle East. This is a highly competitive route, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a wide range of airlines offering flights to Europe. Some of the budget airlines include: China Southern and Etihad Airways, while traditionally higher priced airlines such as Singapore, Emirates and Qantas have also joined the price war.

What is the best way to travel around Europe

This really depends on your budget, how much time you have, and where you fancy going. Europe is easy to travel as it is incredibly well connected by bus, train, and road networks. Nowadays, you can of course grab a cheap budget flight to anywhere within the continent. You might also consider a coach tour or cruise of a specific region. Train travel is safe and relatively cheap. All major cities are connected. If you fancy driving, there are any number of car hire companies throughout Europe. Road networks are well-maintained, safe and easy to navigate.

What are some things to do in Europe?

Unless you have unlimited time and money, it would be impossible to experience everything Europe has to offer in one trip. However, popular city-break destinations include Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. For a more active holiday, you could visit the Alps which span the borders of five countries. Or for a more relaxing pace, you could head south to the Mediterranean and enjoy the sensational range of cultures and cuisines. For a dream holiday, book your flight to Europe now.

Europe insider information

•  Europe is a diverse continent. Whether you are taking in its historic cities or looking for the sun have a look at our guide for making the most of Summer in Europe.

• If you have always wanted to travel to Europe but have been put off by potential costs here are our best budget tips for railing around Europe.

How long is the flight to Europe?

Flights from Australia to Europe might seem daunting, but with so much to see, it’s worth the trip. The following selection will give you an idea of flight times. From Sydney Kingsford Smith, you can reach Oslo Gardermoen Intl. Airport in Europe’s northeast in around 19h 50min. Or when comparing flights to Europe, you could also fly to Helsinki-Vantaa Intl. in the northwest from Brisbane Intl. in 18h 46min. From Melbourne Intl. Airport you can fly to Berlin Brandenburg Airport in 20h 20min. Flights from Sydney to Athens Eleftherios Intl. Airport take 19h 55min. And from Melbourne you can fly to Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport in 20h 30min. It’s a great time to book cheap flights to Europe.

What do I need to do before my flight to Europe?

No matter where you book flights to in Europe, you will ned a valid passport. You must have at least three months left on your passport, and it should have been issued within the last ten years. Be aware that flights to countries within the EU will have different entry requirements than those outside of the block. Within the EU, you will not need a visa to enter any country. If you are planning on driving, you should bring your valid driving licence. Those with a paper licence may need an International Driver’s Licence (IDP) which should be arranged before travelling. Concerning health insurance, a policy with adequate cover is advised. European Health Insurance Cards are still valid up until their individual expiry date. Make sure to check individual countries entry requirements before booking cheap flights to Europe.