R5 280+ Cheap flights to Europe

Peak season: Depending on where it is you are heading, Europe’s peak tourism season varies dramatically. Most flights to and from Europe are more expensive during the summer months and school holidays, which run from May through September. If you are planning on visiting Spain or Greece, however, you’ll find that visiting during the winter months can be just as enjoyable as these countries experience year-round good weather. Just keep in mind that regardless of where you’re planning on touching down in Europe, ensure that you book your flight tickets well in advance to save on the price of airfare, especially if you’re looking at booking flights over the summer months. Off season: As with the summer Europe’s summer, the off season for tourism can vary widely depending on where exactly you plan on going. Eastern European countries have icy winters characterized by heavy snowfall, which might not be ideal for outdoor explorers, but it does offer plenty of fantastic skiing holiday opportunities. Popular destinations such as Germany and France have their off seasons during the winter months, which may see you landing cheap flight deals to Europe from the months of October through April.

Johannesburg to Paris 10 hours, 50 minutes Johannesburg to Madrid 10 hours, 25 minutes Johannesburg to Frankfurt 10 hours, 40 minutes

There are plenty of airlines which all offer cheap flights to and from Europe, and which one you end up using, will likely depend on where exactly you plan on going and what your budget is. British Airways, Lufthansa, South African Airways, Air France, and KLM Royal Dutch Airways are but five of the major airlines operating flights between South Africa and Europe. The cheapest flights to Europe can often be found with British Airlines, although booking your flights with an airline such as South African Airlines may provide you with more onboard comfort. Go ahead and compare all of your options to determine which airline’s offerings best suit your individual needs.

Madrid There is an Airport Express bus that runs from the Madrid airport to the city center, which is a good option to use if you plan to disembark at one of its three routine stops. To get to your final destination after getting off the Airport Express, you can take the metro, but this might not be ideal for travelers with a lot of baggage. Alternatively, you can take a cab from the airport, but keep in mind that they are a lot more expensive to use than the bus, unless the fair is split among four people traveling together. One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from the airport to the Madrid city center is to hop on the metro bus and catch a ride to the city. Paris You can quickly and easily reach the Paris city center by using the metro bus which runs from the airport. There are also a lot of buses that operate transfers between the airport and the city, although these take longer than the metro but are a little cheaper. If you’re not on a tight budget, you may also want to consider using a taxi, which is one of the most expensive ways to get to the city center, but also offer the quickest transport services to the city center of Paris from the airport. Frankfurt Germany’s rail system is very safe and efficient, and it’s also one of the best ways to get to the city center of Frankfurt. Some hotels offer a free shuttle service from the airport, so be sure to inquire whether or not your hotel offers this service. Alternatively, you may make use of one of the buses which operate transfers to and from the city center. The buses are some the cheapest and most convenient way to get to the city center if you’re not on a tight schedule.

The best way to get around mainland Europe is by road or rail. Purchasing a railcard is a flexible and convenient option for exploring multiple countries. Buses usually take longer but are often cheaper than trains, especially when you book in advance. If you plan to explore further off the beaten tourist track, check options for car hire at your destination airport before flying to Europe. Travellers who prefer to see the world on two wheels will also appreciate the many cross-country cycle routes. You can also find many affordable flights to destinations away from the mainland continent such as UK, Iceland, and the Balearic Islands.

Comprising a total of 51 countries, Europe is home to diverse cultures, cuisines, languages and natural landscapes. Anyone who wishes to book flights to Europe will have a wealth of places to explore no matter their interest. If you are travelling in autumn, pay a visit to Germany's annual Oktoberfest, a festival full of music, traditional dress and plenty of beer. Keen to spend time outdoors? Get your hiking boots on and explore the Scottish highlands, trek through Germany's Black Forest or hit the beach and bathe in the warm waters of the Mediterranean along France's southern coast.

You can find Europe flight deals from several hubs around South Africa. Some of the fastest flights to Europe from South Africa depart from Johannesburg. Fly direct to Paris in around 10h 55min or to London in around 11h 10min. The quickest flights to Europe from Cape Town include the direct Lufthansa route to Frankfurt, which takes around 11h 55min. Flights with one or more stopovers may take considerably longer but may offer more flexibility when you travel. There is often little or no time difference between destinations in South Africa and Europe, so we recommend trying to find cheap flights to Europe in the evening so that you arrive at your destination in the morning.

Before you book your Europe airfare, find out the visa requirements for your destination. South African citizens must have a Schengen visa to travel to any country in the Schengen zone, such as France and Germany. Some countries outside the Schengen zone, such as the UK, also require individual visas. Don't forget the additional cost of visas when you compare flights to Europe. You should also compare rates at currency exchange bureaus to get the best deal and check your phone plan as rates vary across Europe. And remember, while English is widely spoken across Europe, not everyone speaks English. It may also be useful to brush up on the language of the country you are visiting so you can easily communicate with locals.

Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Europe on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Condor is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Europe.

Duesseldorf Intl is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Europe. One-way flights to Duesseldorf Intl typically cost R155, while return flights cost around R242.

A return flight to Europe will typically cost around R74, however they can be found for as little as R59.

For those looking to save time traveling to Europe, Johannesburg offers the quickest one-way flight (9 hours 55 minutes).

Yes. Those touching down at Kastrup Copenhagen can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

Yes. Kastrup Copenhagen has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport is the closest property to Kastrup Copenhagen (0,0 km away from Kastrup Copenhagen).