Why Flying to Europe Is Cheaper Than Visiting Indian Hill Stations This Summer (April–June 2025)
If someone told you in 2023 that it’d be cheaper to visit Europe than take a flight to Shimla or Manali, you probably would’ve laughed it off. But fast forward to April–June 2025, and that’s exactly what’s happening.
International flights from India to countries like Italy, France, and Germany are now available from as low as ₹9,645—and that’s not a typo. Thanks to a perfect storm of increased airline competition, strategic pricing, and fluctuating domestic demand, Europe is now a budget-friendly dream for Indian travelers, sometimes even more affordable than hill station vacations in India.
Let’s dive deep into this phenomenon and how you can make the most of it.
The Travel Shift: What’s Driving Cheap Europe Flights?
1. Increased Competition Among Airlines
Several low-cost international carriers, including Wizz Air, Ryanair (for European internal flights), FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Scoot, and even Air India Express, have ramped up international flights targeting Indian travelers. With India’s aviation sector reopening post-pandemic, international routes are now fiercely competitive, especially from hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Pro tip: Most cheapest flights are departing from Delhi and Mumbai with one-stop layovers in the Middle East or Southeast Asia.
2. Off-Season Domestic Travel Boom
Ironically, domestic travel is costlier during these months. Indian hill stations like Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling experience peak tourist footfall between April and June. This seasonal demand drives domestic airfare prices sky-high, making a one-way ticket to Himachal Pradesh cost more than a one-way ticket to Budapest.
3. Dynamic Pricing and Early Booking Advantage
Flight booking platforms and travel aggregators like Skyscanner, MakeMyTrip, and Google Flights have observed a significant decrease in Europe-bound fares for those booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance. Many airlines provide seasonal promotions, and thanks to improved technology, travelers can take advantage of these deals early.
Price Comparison Snapshot (As of April 2025)
| Route | Airline | Approx. One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Budapest | Wizz Air | ₹9,645 |
| Mumbai to Milan | FlyDubai + EasyJet | ₹12,300 |
| Bengaluru to Frankfurt | Lufthansa Deals | ₹13,000 |
| Delhi to Paris | Qatar Airways (Sale Fare) | ₹14,000 |
| Delhi to Manali (via Kullu) | IndiGo | ₹15,400 |
| Kolkata to Bagdogra (Darjeeling) | SpiceJet | ₹12,000–₹16,000 |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Booking early and mid-week often gets the lowest fare.
Why This Is a Game-Changer for Indian Travelers
🌍 Europe Becomes Budget-Friendly
Previously seen as a luxury destination, Europe is now entering budget territory—not just in terms of flights but also thanks to budget stays, hostels, and local transport options.
🏞️ Shift in Summer Travel Preferences
With scorching Indian summers and skyrocketing domestic fares, many millennials and Gen-Z travelers are turning to Europe’s cooler climate and vibrant culture as an affordable escape.
📸 Social Media Travel Influence
With viral reels and travel influencers promoting lesser-known European gems, cities like Sofia, Krakow, Bratislava, and Porto are becoming hotspots for Indian travelers, offering European experiences at Indian prices.
Budget Travel Tips: Europe on a Shoestring
🧳 Book Smart:
- Use flight comparison tools: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper.
- Use filters for “cheapest month” and “nearby airports.”
- Book 6–8 weeks in advance for best prices.
🛏️ Stay Cheap:
- Use hostels (Hostelworld), Airbnb shared rooms, or budget hotels (Booking.com).
- Look for accommodations with a kitchen to save on food.
🚇 Get Around:
- Intra-Europe flights (Ryanair, Wizz Air) start from ₹1,000.
- Eurail or Interrail passes are great for train travel.
- Rent bikes or walk to explore cities.
🍝 Eat Local:
- Street food, bakeries, and supermarkets save you money.
- Countries like Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic have affordable and hearty meals for under ₹400.
Visa & Documentation Tips for Indians
- Apply for a Schengen visa at least 1 month before travel.
- Show confirmed flight, hotel bookings, and travel insurance.
- Maintain financial documents showing your ability to afford the trip.
- Visa fee: ₹7,000 approx.
Bonus: Once you enter one Schengen country, you can visit 26 more without additional visas.
Is This a Trend or Just a Phase?
Experts predict that this price trend might last till early July, after which the European tourist season picks up and prices may rise. However, the trend of Indians choosing international trips over domestic ones is expected to grow, especially with Gen-Z travelers prioritizing experiences over material spending.
Final Thoughts
2025 is rewriting the rules of travel for Indians. With international airfare to Europe dropping below that of domestic hill stations, this summer might just be your chance to say:
“Why go to Manali, when you can sip coffee in Milan?”
Whether it’s wandering through Prague’s cobbled streets, enjoying sunset by the Seine in Paris, or simply living your Euro dreams — Europe is calling, and it’s more affordable than ever.
✈️ Ready to Fly?
Start planning your Europe trip today. Share this blog with your travel squad and make memories that are richer than any hill station selfie. Follow BuzzTimes for more.
