Cheap flights to Europe is a dream to so many of Nigerians, The idea of exploring historic cities, experiencing different cultures, and accessing world-class education is exciting. But for most, one major hurdle stands in the way—flight costs.
What if I told you that flying to Europe doesn’t have to cost a fortune? With the right strategies, you can find cheap flights to Europe and embark on an unforgettable journey. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience and expert tips to help you travel on a budget.
My Journey: From Lagos to Paris on a Student Budget
In 2019, I was just like you—an ambitious nigerian students dreaming of studying abroad but worried about expenses. I got accepted into a summer exchange program in France, but the cost of flights from Lagos to Paris was discouraging. A standard ticket was over ₦500,000 ($600), way beyond my budget. But I refused to let that stop me.
I spent weeks researching, testing different travel hacks, and finally, I found a flight for ₦280,000 ($340)—almost half the price! That journey changed my life, and now I’m here to help you do the same.
1. Start Your Search Early
One golden rule of booking cheap flights to Europe is to start early. Airlines release tickets months in advance, and prices tend to be lower when you book ahead. Ideally, begin searching 3 to 6 months before your intended travel date.
Use tools like:
- Google Flights – To compare ticket prices across different airlines.
- Skyscanner – To find the cheapest dates to fly.
- Kayak – To get price alerts when fares drop.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flight prices fluctuate based on demand. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have better chances of finding a deal.
- Midweek flights (Tuesdays & Wednesdays) are usually cheaper than weekend flights.
- Off-peak seasons (February to May & September to November) have lower ticket prices compared to peak travel seasons like December.
- Red-eye flights (overnight flights) tend to be less expensive.
3. Consider Alternative Routes
Direct flights from Nigeria to major European cities like London, Paris, or Amsterdam are often expensive. But flying through a third country can save you a lot.
For example:
- Instead of flying Lagos to London (₦600,000), consider flying Lagos to Istanbul, then Istanbul to London for around ₦350,000.
- Airlines from countries like Turkey (Turkish Airlines) and Ethiopia (Ethiopian Airlines) often have cheaper transit flights.
4. Use Student Discounts & Travel Grants
As a student, you may qualify for discounted fares. Some airlines and agencies offer student discounts, including:
- StudentUniverse – Special deals for students.
- STA Travel – Student and youth discounts.
- Airline Student Programs – Some airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways offer student promotions.
Additionally, many universities and organizations provide travel grants for conferences, exchange programs, or summer schools.
5. Explore Budget Airlines & Low-Cost Carriers
Once you reach Europe, budget airlines can help you travel between countries affordably. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer flights for as low as ₦20,000 ($25).
Instead of flying directly to London or Paris, you can book a cheap flight to Lisbon, Madrid, or Budapest (which often have lower fares) and then use a budget airline to reach your final destination.
6. Use Travel Hacks to Reduce Costs
Here are some expert travel hacks I used:
- Use Incognito Mode – When searching for flights, use private browsing mode to avoid price hikes.
- Book One-Way Tickets Separately – Sometimes booking two one-way flights can be cheaper than a round trip.
- Set Price Alerts – Get notified when fares drop using Google Flights or Skyscanner.
- Use Air Miles & Credit Card Points – If you or a family member have travel points, redeem them for flight discounts.
7. Consider Alternative Airports
Flying to major hubs like Heathrow or Charles de Gaulle can be costly. Instead, try flying into smaller airports like Brussels Charleroi or Milan Bergamo and take a cheap train or bus to your final city.
For example:
- Instead of Lagos to London Heathrow, try Lagos to Dublin, then take a budget flight or ferry to London.
- Instead of Lagos to Paris Charles de Gaulle, try Lagos to Brussels, then take a bus or train to Paris.
8. Work & Study Opportunities While in Europe
Once you land in Europe, there are many ways to sustain yourself. Several countries allow students to work while studying:
- Germany – Part-time jobs for international students (up to 20 hours/week).
- United Kingdom – Work up to 20 hours/week during school and full-time during holidays.
- France – Up to 964 hours per year for international students.
Scholarship opportunities also exist, such as:
- Erasmus+ Scholarships – For exchange students.
- DAAD Scholarships – For Nigerian students in Germany.
- Chevening Scholarships – For Nigerian students in the UK.
9. Enjoy the Travel Experience!
Traveling to Europe isn’t just about studying or working; it’s about exploring, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- Take a Gondola Ride in Venice.
- Explore Berlin’s Historic Sites.
- Hike in the Swiss Alps.
- Experience the Nightlife in Barcelona.
Your Journey Starts Now
If I could find a way to travel to Europe on a student budget, so can you! Don’t let high flight costs discourage you. With the right strategies—booking early, being flexible, using student discounts, and taking advantage of budget airlinesyou can turn your dream into reality.
