Europe is a dream destination for many Indian travelers. From Paris to Rome, London to Switzerland — here's how to find the cheapest flights, navigate the Schengen visa, and plan a budget Europe trip from India.
Best Airlines for India-Europe Flights
Cheapest European Destinations from India
- Istanbul (not Schengen!): Rs. 25,000-40,000 RT — cheapest European city from India
- London: Rs. 30,000-50,000 RT — Air India direct flights keep prices competitive
- Paris: Rs. 35,000-60,000 RT — via Gulf carriers for budget
- Rome/Milan: Rs. 35,000-65,000 RT — great deals via Turkish/Emirates
- Amsterdam: Rs. 35,000-60,000 RT — KLM via Amsterdam or Gulf carriers
Schengen Visa Quick Guide
- What is Schengen? A visa that lets you travel to 27 European countries with ONE visa
- Countries included: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, and 19 more
- NOT Schengen: UK (separate visa), Ireland, Turkey (e-Visa), Russia
- Apply at: Embassy/consulate of the country where you'll spend the most time
- Processing: 15-45 calendar days. Apply 3-6 months before travel.
- Cost: €80 (approx Rs. 7,500) for adults
- Documents: Passport, cover letter, travel insurance, hotel bookings, flight tickets, bank statements (6 months), leave letter
Budget Europe Trip Strategy
- Multi-city flights: Fly into one city, out of another (e.g., fly into Paris, out of Rome) — saves backtracking time and money
- Shoulder season: April-May and September-October — best weather, lower prices than summer peak
- Budget airlines within Europe: Once in Europe, use Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air for Rs. 1,500-5,000 inter-city flights
- Eurail pass: For 3+ countries, a Eurail pass can be cheaper than individual train tickets
- Book accommodation early: Hostels from Rs. 2,000-3,000/night in most European cities