Traveling cheaply from Chile to Europe is a dream for many Chileans. In 2026, with new airlines, more competitive routes, and digital tools, making it happen is easier than ever. In this article, we'll show you how to find affordable flights, when it's best to travel, which destinations to choose, and how to save on accommodation and transportation once you're in Europe.
Throughout the content, you will find practical tips, useful tools, and price comparisons to help you plan your trip without overspending.
Best times of year to travel cheaply from Chile to Europe
Choosing the right time can make a big difference to the price of your trip. April, May, September, and October usually offer the cheapest flights and the least tourist crowds.
During these periods, airlines launch promotions and European cities maintain good weather without the excess of summer visitors.
Avoid traveling in:
July and August: peak season in Europe.
December and January: holidays and vacations in the northern hemisphere.
Holy Week: prices increase due to high demand.
An additional tip: set up price alerts on platforms like Skyscanner , Google Flights , or Kayak and activate notifications for flights from Santiago, Antofagasta, or even Mendoza (Argentina), where there are sometimes lower fares.
Cheapest airlines and routes from Chile to Europe in 2026
In 2026, airlines have expanded their connections from South America to Europe, and some offer particularly competitive prices when combined with smart stopovers.
Airlines with good deals:
Level: low-cost flights from Santiago to Barcelona.
Iberia and Air Europa: seasonal promotions to Madrid with discounts for early purchase.
LATAM Airlines: remains the leader in direct connections, although not always the cheapest.
KLM and Air France: offer competitive fares with stopovers in Amsterdam or Paris.
Norwegian Air (reopening in 2026): an interesting option for cheap flights to Scandinavia.
Tip: Look for flights with layovers in cities like São Paulo, Panama City, or Madrid , where there is usually more availability and a lower final cost.
Effective strategies for getting cheap tickets
Purchase in advance : ideally between 3 and 6 months before the trip .
Activate price alerts : Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to compare and receive notifications.
Fly from alternative airports : consider departing from Mendoza or Buenos Aires, where some European routes are cheaper.
Take advantage of miles and loyalty programs : LATAM Pass or Iberia Plus allow you to redeem flights at discounted prices.
Combine airlines : sometimes, a leg with a European low-cost carrier significantly reduces the final cost.
Cheapest European destinations for Chileans in 2026
Some European countries offer an excellent price-quality ratio and a lower cost of living, ideal for backpackers or travelers on a budget.
Top 5 budget destinations for 2026:
Portugal: Lisbon and Porto combine history, gastronomy and affordable accommodation.
Hungary: Budapest has low prices and a vibrant cultural life.
Poland: Krakow and Warsaw are historical gems with excellent connectivity.
Spain: cities like Valencia or Seville are cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.
Czech Republic: Prague remains an iconic destination with good value for money.
How to save on accommodation in Europe
Staying in Europe can be expensive, but there are many alternatives:
Hostels and guesthouses : ideal for young people or solo travelers.
Airbnb or Booking : allow you to compare prices and book shared rooms or apartments.
Couchsurfing : free accommodation with locals (ideal for authentic cultural experiences).
Workaway or Worldpackers : work exchange for accommodation, popular among Chilean backpackers.
Cheap transport within Europe
Traveling within Europe is easy and, if planned well, very economical:
Low-cost trains: platforms like Omio and Trainline offer tickets with advance discounts.
Intercity buses: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus are reliable and cheap alternatives.
Low-cost domestic flights: airlines such as Ryanair , EasyJet and Wizz Air allow you to travel long distances for less than 30 euros.
Urban transport cards: In large cities, buy weekly or monthly passes to save money.
Budgeting tips for your trip
Estimated daily budget (2026):
Meals: 20–30 euros
Accommodation: 30–50 euros
Shipping: 10–15 euros
Tickets and leisure: 10–20 euros
Daily total: between 70 and 100 euros
Key tips for saving money:
Cook your own meals whenever possible.
Use cards with no international fees such as Wise or Revolut .
Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Walk or use shared bikes instead of taxis.
Documentation and requirements for traveling from Chile to Europe
In 2026, the ETIAS system remains in effect, a mandatory travel authorization for Chileans visiting European Union countries for up to 90 days.
Essential documents:
Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
ETIAS authorization (obtained online).
Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.