Ah, Europe in the summer! Visions of sun-drenched plazas, sparkling coastlines, and ancient history probably dance in your head. But let’s be real, so do visions of sky-high flight prices and elbow-to-elbow crowds at major landmarks. Summer 2024 saw travel demand roar back, and Summer 2025 is shaping up to be just as busy.


But fear not, budget-savvy wanderlusters! While finding dirt-cheap nonstop fares in July might be tricky, not all European destinations require you to sell a kidney. If you’re dreaming of a European escapade without the layovers and want to keep your wallet relatively happy, focusing on the right destinations (and booking ASAP!) is key.
Ready to swap daydreaming for booking? Here are five European destinations often offering some of the most competitive nonstop flight prices from the U.S. for your Summer 2025 adventure.
1. London, UK (Especially Gatwick – LGW)
- Why it’s Often Cheapest: Massive competition on routes to Heathrow (LHR) plus the significant presence of budget-friendly Norse Atlantic Airways flying directly into Gatwick (LGW) from several US cities keeps prices down. You simply have more airline choices fighting for your booking here than almost anywhere else.
- Flight Intel: Look for nonstop flights from hubs like New York (JFK), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Washington D.C. (IAD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Boston (BOS). With Norse Atlantic (to LGW) or by catching sales on legacy carriers (to LHR), super-early birds might find roundtrip deals starting in the $450 – $650 range, though $600-$800 is more common for summer.
- Summer Perk: From world-class museums (many free!) and royal parks to bustling markets and West End shows, London buzzes in the summer.


2. Dublin, Ireland (DUB)
- Why it’s Often Cheapest: Dublin is the home base for Aer Lingus, which operates many competitive nonstop routes from the US. This competition helps keep fares relatively lower than many other Western European capitals.
- Flight Intel: Aer Lingus flies direct from numerous cities including New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD), Orlando (MCO), Philadelphia (PHL), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and more. Searching early for summer travel (especially June or late August) can yield nonstop roundtrip fares starting around the $500 – $700 mark from East Coast/Midwest hubs.
- Summer Perk: Enjoy Dublin’s lively pub culture spilling onto the streets, explore nearby coastal towns like Howth, and soak up the surprisingly green parks.


3. Oslo, Norway (OSL)
- Why it’s Often Cheapest: This is a major hub for budget carrier Norse Atlantic Airways. While maybe not the first city people think of, Norse’s focus on low-cost long-haul makes Oslo a key entry point for finding budget nonstop fares.
- Flight Intel: Norse flies nonstop to Oslo from New York (JFK), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Los Angeles (LAX), and Orlando (MCO). Because it’s a budget route, finding summer nonstop roundtrip deals starting in the $550 – $750 range is often possible if booked well in advance.
- Summer Perk: Experience the incredibly long daylight hours (“midnight sun”), explore the stunning Oslo Fjord by boat, and enjoy cool museums and parks.


4. Paris, France (CDG / ORY)
- Why it’s Often Cheapest: Similar to London, Paris sees high competition. Norse Atlantic also flies nonstop to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) from New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), providing a crucial budget alternative to legacy carriers like Air France, Delta, United, and American.
- Flight Intel: Check fares from major hubs like New York (JFK/EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), etc. With Norse (to CDG) or by catching sales on the major airlines, starting prices for nonstop roundtrip summer flights can dip into the $550 – $750 range, particularly from JFK via Norse, but expect $700+ to be more typical on legacy carriers.
- Summer Perk: Picnics along the Seine, strolling through blooming gardens like Luxembourg, open-air festivals, and endless cafe terraces for people-watching.


5. Rome, Italy (FCO)
- Why it’s Often Cheapest: Again, Norse Atlantic Airways provides a budget nonstop option into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) from New York (JFK) and (new for 2025) Los Angeles (LAX). This offers a potentially much lower price point than the traditional carriers flying this popular route.
- Flight Intel: Primarily look at JFK and LAX for the lowest Norse fares. While legacy carriers (Delta, American, United, ITA Airways) also fly nonstop from various hubs (like EWR, ORD, BOS, IAD, PHL, ATL), Norse is likely your best bet for finding summer nonstop roundtrips starting potentially in the $600 – $800 range. Legacy carriers will typically be higher.
- Summer Perk: Enjoying gelato while strolling past ancient wonders like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, vibrant evenings in Trastevere, and taking day trips to the coast.


‼️ Important Caveats ‼️
- Prices Fluctuate Wildly: The prices mentioned are potential starting points based on searches in late April 2025 and historical trends. Actual prices change constantly based on demand, how far in advance you book, specific dates, and sales.
- Budget Airlines = Extra Fees: Airlines like Norse Atlantic offer low base fares but typically charge extra for checked bags, carry-on bags, seat selection, meals, and sometimes even drinks. Factor these into your total cost!
- Book EARLY: For summer travel, especially budget nonstop fares, booking months in advance (ideally 6-9 months out, so booking now for Summer 2025 is crucial) gives you the best chance at lower prices.
- Flexibility is Key: Being flexible with your travel dates (flying mid-week vs. weekends, or in early June/late August vs. peak July) can save you significant money.
So there you have it – five gateways to European adventure this summer that could go easier on your wallet for that coveted nonstop flight. Start searching these routes from your preferred airport now, stay flexible with your dates, factor in those budget airline extras, and get ready for an incredible Summer 2025 trip across the pond!
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!


✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.