Let me tell you something about flying from Birmingham Airport: it’s not as limiting as everyone thinks. After spending countless hours comparing flights (and maybe becoming a bit too obsessed with tracking prices), I’ve found some absolute steals that’ll make London travelers jealous. And the best part? You can actually get through security without losing your will to live.
These are the best places in the West Midlands to catch affordable flights, and I’m buzzing to share them. Just last month, I grabbed a ridiculous deal to Barcelona and spent my days between the Gothic Quarter and La Barceloneta, all for less than a weekend in London. Between the tapas bars and beach clubs, I couldn’t believe more people weren’t flying from BHX. Here are 13 destinations that prove you don’t need to trek to Heathrow for an amazing holiday.
#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Birmingham
Looking for cheap places to fly from Birmingham? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.
For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. BHX) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.
In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $425 roundtrip fare from Miami to Birmingham. On average, I save about $315 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!
If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Best Cheap Getaways from Birmingham, UK
Looking for cheap getaways from Birmingham, UK? Visit Dublin for lively pubs and rich history, Amsterdam for scenic canals and vibrant culture, Paris for iconic landmarks and romantic charm, and Barcelona for stunning architecture and Mediterranean beaches. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly getaways from Birmingham, UK.
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
1. Birmingham to Dublin ($55–124 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Ryanair, Aer Lingus (multiple direct flights daily)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for mild weather and fewer tourists
- 🏆 Perfect for: Pub lovers 🍺, history buffs 🏰, weekend breakers 🌉
Dublin is that rare city that actually lives up to its reputation. Just a quick hop from Birmingham, Ireland’s capital delivers incredible pubs, literary history, and the kind of genuine friendliness that makes you want to extend your stay.
Temple Bar district gets all the tourist attention, but the real magic happens in traditional pubs like The Long Hall and Mulligan’s where locals actually drink and live music happens organically rather than for the tourist crowds. The Guinness really does taste better here, but for a more authentic experience, head to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery where you’ll sample small-batch Irish whiskey in the first new distillery to open in Dublin in over 125 years.
For the best deals, Ryanair offers ridiculously cheap direct flights from Birmingham, sometimes dropping below £40 return if you travel light and book during sales.
You’ll return to Birmingham with a newfound appreciation for proper pints, storytelling, and why the Irish have a reputation for being the best craic on the planet.
- Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Dublin
2. Birmingham to Amsterdam ($78–201 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: KLM, easyJet, Flybe (multiple direct flights daily)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for fewer tourists and better deals
- 🏆 Perfect for: Culture seekers 🖼️, canal explorers 🚤, food adventurers 🧀
Amsterdam is like stepping into a completely different world that’s somehow only a 75-minute flight from Birmingham. This compact Dutch capital packs incredible museums, stunning canal views, and vibrant nightlife into a city you can easily explore in a weekend.
Jordaan neighborhood is where locals actually hang out, with its narrow streets lined with independent boutiques, cozy brown cafés, and the kind of specialty shops that sell just one thing but do it perfectly. Head to the Moco Museum where contemporary works by Banksy and Warhol attract a younger crowd, and the queues won’t eat half your day. For food worth traveling for, Foodhallen houses dozens of local vendors under one roof, serving everything from perfect bitterballen to Indonesian street food that reflects the city’s colonial past.
For flights, easyJet often has roundtrip fares under $100 if you book 6–8 weeks ahead and fly midweek. KLM costs more but includes checked bags and better flight times.
One weekend here and you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
- Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Amsterdam
3. Birmingham to Paris ($60–179 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, easyJet, Ryanair (multiple direct flights daily)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather and shorter lines
- 🏆 Perfect for: Art lovers 🎨, food enthusiasts 🥐, romantic escapists 💕
Paris somehow lives up to the hype while still surprising you. Just a 90-minute flight from Birmingham, the French capital delivers incredible architecture, world-class museums, and food that will ruin your local bakery for you forever.
Le Marais is the neighborhood that cool Parisians actually hang out in, filled with trendy boutiques, falafel shops, and the kind of hidden courtyards you’d miss if you only stuck to the tourist circuit. Musée d’Orsay houses the best Impressionist collection in a stunning former train station. For views that rival the Eiffel Tower without the two-hour queue, head to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette department store for a completely free panorama of the city.
For a uniquely Parisian experience that won’t destroy your budget, grab baguette sandwiches from a local bakery and picnic along the Seine River or in the gorgeous Jardin du Luxembourg.
Ryanair and easyJet battle for the cheapest fares from Birmingham, sometimes dropping below $65 roundtrip, while Air France includes checked bags and flies into Charles de Gaulle.
4. Birmingham to Barcelona ($71–216 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Ryanair, Vueling, Jet2 (direct flights available most days)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌊 and September to October 🍷 for beach weather without summer crowds
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, food explorers 🍽️
Barcelona delivers that perfect mix of city break and beach holiday in one package. This Catalan capital somehow balances mind-blowing architecture, incredible food, and sandy beaches all within its city limits.
El Born neighborhood feels like Barcelona’s beating heart, with narrow medieval streets housing trendy cocktail bars, tapas spots, and the kind of boutiques where you’ll find clothes nobody else owns back home. Gaudí’s architecture is everywhere, but skip the hours-long queues at Sagrada Familia and head to less crowded masterpieces like Casa Batlló or Park Güell for your Instagram fix.
Ryanair and Vueling offer the cheapest direct flights from Birmingham, with roundtrip fares under $80. Time your visit in months like May and September to experience the best of this city.
5. Birmingham to Berlin ($89–208 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa (direct flights available several days a week)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌳 for outdoor beer gardens and March to April 🎭 for cultural events
- 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, nightlife enthusiasts 🕺, alternative culture seekers 🎨
Berlin is what happens when artists, historians, and night owls build a city together. It’s bold, affordable, and packed with culture in every form.
Kreuzberg is where you’ll find the best mix of cheap eats, street art, and bars that don’t close until you’ve made questionable life choices. Grab a legendary döner kebab from Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap, then walk it off at the East Side Gallery, where murals stretch along a real section of the Berlin Wall. And for a uniquely Berlin experience, spend Sunday at Mauerpark where the famous flea market and outdoor karaoke sessions attract thousands of locals and visitors alike.
Ryanair often has the lowest fares from Birmingham, with roundtrip deals under $100 if booked early. easyJet may offer better times for slightly more. Avoid big trade show weeks if you want reasonable hotel rates.
6. Birmingham to Warsaw ($105–238 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines (direct flights several days a week)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌻 for outdoor festivals and December 🎄 for magical Christmas markets
- 🏆 Perfect for: History explorers 🏰, budget travelers 💰, vodka enthusiasts 🥂
Warsaw is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals, offering rich history, local eats, and buzzing nightlife without the Western Europe price tag.
Old Town looks medieval but was actually reconstructed from rubble after the war, which is pretty mind-blowing when you see it. The colorful buildings and market square are perfect for those “look where I am” posts, and it’s way less crowded than Prague or Krakow. For food that’ll blow your mind without breaking the bank, hit up a milk bar (bar mleczny) like Prasowy or Bambino where locals get traditional Polish comfort food for like $3 a meal.
Ryanair and Wizz Air often run roundtrip deals under $120 if you book early and fly midweek. This city is actually awesome year-round unlike some seasonal destinations.
Warsaw’s mix of resilience and culture makes it one of the best-value escapes in Europe.
7. Birmingham to Budapest ($117-$247 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair (direct flights several days a week)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍁 for perfect thermal bath weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Spa lovers 🧖♀️, ruin bar hoppers 🍻, architecture photographers 📸
Budapest is basically what happens when you give a beautiful city ridiculous affordability. This Hungarian capital offers thermal spas, epic architecture, and the best nightlife in Central Europe for literally half what you’d spend in London.
The 7th District (Jewish Quarter) is packed with the famous ruin bars, abandoned buildings transformed into the coolest drinking spots you’ll ever visit. Szimpla Kert is the original and still the best, where you can sip local beers surrounded by weird art and random bathtubs turned into seating. During the day, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths are a must. Yes, they’re touristy, but floating in steaming outdoor pools with a beer in hand while surrounded by gorgeous architecture in perfect spring or fall weather is a legit life experience.
For flights, Wizz Air typically runs the cheapest flights from Birmingham, with roundtrip deals under $130 if you book six to eight weeks ahead.
8. Birmingham to Prague ($133–252 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Jet2, Ryanair (direct flights several days a week)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for perfect walking weather without tourist hordes
- 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture fans 🏰, beer lovers 🍺, budget travelers 💰
Prague looks like Disney built a city for adults. This Czech capital has ridiculous Gothic architecture, dirt-cheap beer, and the kind of nightlife that makes for stories you’ll be telling for years.
Malá Strana district sits below the famous castle and is way less crowded than the Old Town, with winding cobblestone streets and local pubs where you can try Pilsner Urquell straight from the tank. Walk the stunning Charles Bridge at sunrise for crowd-free views, then grab hearty Czech fare at Lokál Dlouhááá, where dishes cost half what you’ll pay at touristy spots.
Jet2 and Ryanair often run roundtrip deals under $140 if you book during sales. Fly midweek for lower fares and fewer crowds.Time your visit in spring or fall for perfect weather and fewer crowds.
Prague’s charm is no secret, but explore just a little deeper and it still manages to surprise.
9. Birmingham to Madrid ($121–243 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Ryanair, Iberia, easyJet (direct flights most days of the week)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌞 and September to October 🍷 for perfect temps without the brutal summer heat
- 🏆 Perfect for: Art enthusiasts 🎨, food fanatics 🍽️, late-night partiers 🕺
Madrid offers everything you want in a Spanish getaway, minus the crowds of the coast. This capital city blends world-class culture, energetic nightlife, and surprisingly budget-friendly eats.
Retiro Park is where locals hang in spring, rowing boats and lounging as flowers start to bloom. Plaza Mayor is the perfect spot to people-watch while sipping sangria without freezing like winter visitors. The Prado Museum lets you see famous art without fighting through summer crowds. Hit up Mercado de San Miguel for tapas hopping, or try the local specialty bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich) at El Brillante near Atocha station.
Flight-wise, Ryanair often drops fares below $130 if you fly midweek and book six to eight weeks out. Skip August if you hate extreme heat and empty city streets.
Whether you’re here for the art, the food, or the midnight energy, Madrid makes every hour count.
- Read next: Cheap Flights from Madrid
10. Birmingham to Brussels ($144–204 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Brussels Airlines, Ryanair (multiple direct flights daily)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌷 for outdoor cafes and December 🎄 for magical Christmas markets
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beer connoisseurs 🍺, chocolate addicts 🍫, architecture photographers 📸
Brussels is that European capital everyone skips but shouldn’t. Just a 75-minute flight from Birmingham, this Belgian city offers ridiculous beer, mind-blowing chocolate, and gorgeous architecture without the insane crowds you’ll find in Paris or Amsterdam.
Saint-Gilles is the neighborhood locals actually hang out in, packed with art nouveau buildings, cool bars, and the kind of chocolate shops where free samples are basically a human right. Grand Place is that ridiculously ornate main square that looks like something from a fantasy movie with gold-decorated guild halls. And Delirium Café holds the world record for most beers available (like 2,000+) so you can try something new every hour for days.
Brussels Airlines and Ryanair both offer frequent nonstop flights, with roundtrip deals often under $150 if you book midweek. Avoid EU summit weeks to keep hotel prices down.
11. Birmingham to Lisbon ($93–228 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal (direct flights several days a week)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌞 and September to October 🍇 for perfect weather without summer crowds
- 🏆 Perfect for: Sun seekers ☀️, seafood lovers 🐟, photography enthusiasts 📸
Lisbon blends beach-town charm with city energy, all at prices that make the rest of Western Europe look expensive. This Portuguese capital is built on hills, so your legs will hate you but your Instagram will absolutely pop off.
Alfama district is the oldest part of the city, with narrow winding streets and the kind of authentic vibes that are getting harder to find in Europe. Here you’ll find tiny bars like Tasca do Chico where locals perform live Fado music that’s actually moving, even if you don’t understand a word. For food that’ll change your life, Time Out Market houses the city’s best restaurants under one roof, where you can try Portugal’s famous pastel de nata (custard tarts) from Manteigaria that will ruin all other desserts for you.
For flights, Ryanair regularly drops roundtrip fares below $100 with light packing and early booking. Travel in May or October for sunshine without the summer spike.
12. Birmingham to Milan ($105–239 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet (direct flights available most days)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for fashion weeks and pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Fashion enthusiasts 👗, design lovers 🛋️, aperitivo addicts 🍸
Milan is where Italy gets down to business but still knows how to party. This fashion capital offers incredible architecture, world-class shopping, and the kind of food scene that makes you question why you ever eat anywhere else, all just a quick flight from Birmingham.
The Duomo is that iconic cathedral with spiky gothic towers you can actually walk on the roof of for insane city views. Navigli district is where locals hang along the canals drinking Aperol Spritz and snacking on free appetizers during happy hour. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the fanciest shopping mall ever with marble floors and a glass dome, even if you’re just window shopping.
Ryanair and easyJet often drop roundtrip fares under $120 if you book six to eight weeks out. Midweek flights offer the best deals.
After a weekend surrounded by effortlessly stylish Italians, don’t be surprised if returning to Birmingham has you suddenly questioning your entire wardrobe and considering a pasta-based diet.
13. Birmingham to Riga ($147–265 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- 🛫 Best Airlines: airBaltic, Ryanair, Wizz Air (direct flights several days a week)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 for perfect Baltic weather and December 🎄 for magical Christmas markets
- 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture fans 🏰, budget travelers 💰, bar hoppers 🍻
Riga is that perfect European city most people completely sleep on. Latvia’s capital offers stunning Art Nouveau buildings, ridiculously cheap drinks, and the kind of authentic experience that’s getting harder to find in more touristy destinations.
The Old Town is straight-up gorgeous with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, but the real magic happens in the Art Nouveau District where over 700 buildings are decorated with weird faces and creatures that make for perfect Instagram backdrops. And don’t miss the beach town of Jūrmala just 30 minutes away by train, where locals escape the city for pine forests and white sand beaches that you’d never expect this far north.
Ryanair and Wizz Air offer the cheapest direct flights from Birmingham, especially with midweek travel and early booking. July and August bring warm weather, while December’s festive lights and cozy markets make it a great cold-season pick.
Riga proves you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a truly rich and beautiful European getaway.
- Read Next: 9 Best Budget Airlines with Great Reviews
