About Ryanair
Ryanair is Europe's definitive ultra-low-cost carrier — not a legacy airline, not a regional hopper, but a point-to-point machine built around secondary airports and stripped-back fares. The model is simple: fill planes, move fast, charge for everything optional. With 5,044 non-stop routes spanning 226 airports and a total network reach of over 7.2 million kilometres, this is genuinely one of the largest route networks on the continent. No alliance membership, no codeshares worth mentioning, no frills by design. STN is the anchor, but the operation runs through a constellation of hubs from DUB to BGY.
Why fly Ryanair?
Honestly? Price and coverage. Ryanair goes places competitors ignore or abandoned years ago, and it does so at fares that make a last-minute weekend in Sicily feel financially defensible. Italy alone accounts for 947 routes across the network — that's not a coincidence, that's a strategy. Spain adds another 770. If you're routing through BGY (Milan Bergamo, not Malpensa — important distinction) you'll find 109 onward options that no full-service carrier can match at comparable prices. There's no frequent flyer program worth collecting into, no lounge access, no alliance reciprocity. You're here for the ticket price and the sheer density of options. For European short-haul, that trade-off is frequently worth making.
Ryanair hub airports
- STN London — 145 Ryanair routes from United Kingdom
- DUB Dublin — 122 Ryanair routes from Ireland
- CRL Brussels — 115 Ryanair routes from Belgium
- BGY Milan — 109 Ryanair routes from Italy
- AGP Malaga — 91 Ryanair routes from Spain
Top destination countries on Ryanair
- Italy — 947 Ryanair routes
- Spain — 770 Ryanair routes
- United Kingdom — 595 Ryanair routes
- Poland — 345 Ryanair routes
- Germany — 271 Ryanair routes
- France — 262 Ryanair routes
- Greece — 239 Ryanair routes
- Ireland — 211 Ryanair routes
Tips for booking Ryanair
The bag policy will get you if you're not paying attention — measure carefully and prepay online, because gate charges are punishing. Book directly through Ryanair's site rather than third-party aggregators to avoid seat-assignment and check-in complications. STN (Stansted) has 145 routes but is 48 kilometres from central London, so factor transfer time into your real cost calculation. Brussels Charleroi (CRL) has the same dynamic. For the longest haul in the network — Warsaw Modlin (WMI) to Tenerife South (TFS) at 4,089 km — you're still on a single-aisle aircraft with no transatlantic amenities. Manage expectations accordingly and you'll be fine.
Frequently asked questions about Ryanair
Where does Ryanair fly?
Ryanair operates over 5,000 routes across Europe, with a strong focus on Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The airline serves major cities and regional airports throughout Western and Central Europe.
What is Ryanair's main hub?
Ryanair's main hub is London Stansted Airport (STN), which serves as a key base for their European operations.
Is Ryanair a low-cost carrier?
Yes, Ryanair is a low-cost carrier that offers budget-friendly fares across its extensive European network. The airline operates a large point-to-point route network typical of budget airlines.
When should I book Ryanair flights?
Ryanair fares are typically cheapest when booked in advance, ideally 6-8 weeks ahead of travel. The airline offers basic economy fares as well as premium options with added benefits like priority boarding and seat selection.
What are Ryanair's baggage and check-in policies?
Ryanair allows a small personal bag for free, with carry-on and checked baggage available for an additional fee depending on your fare type. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and is recommended to avoid airport fees.