Here’s where you can find the most affordable glass of champagne in the world

If you’ve ever raised an eyebrow at a champagne bill and thought, “Well that escalated quickly,” you’re not alone. A new Champagne Index from global chauffeur service Blacklane has crunched the numbers on what a single glass of bubbly actually costs around the world – and the results are fizzing with surprises.

Researched by drinks expert Henry Jeffreys, the report analysed 125ml glasses of non-vintage brut champagne across luxury hotels and airport bars in ten international cities, from Tokyo to Dubai. Turns out, you might just want to consider these very important stats when it comes to booking your next break. 

The cheapest city for champagne? Madrid

Crowned the world’s best value champagne destination, Madrid serves up a glass for an average of £17, with prices dipping as low as £15 at the city’s five star Hotel Urban. Proof, if ever it were needed, that great champagne doesn’t have to come with a great bill. 

London vs Paris: a very chic tie

In somewhat of a plot twist, London and Paris are neck and neck, both averaging £24 per glass. London’s benchmark pour? Claridge’s at £24. 

Both cities also stand out for something more interesting than price: their love of grower champagnes. Alongside big name bottles, London and Paris menus feature smaller, critically acclaimed houses, and each a citywide champagne smorgasbord for those who know their fizz.

The most expensive place to pop a cork

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Dubai tops the chart, averaging £36 per glass, with the priciest pour clocking in at £47 at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai. If you’re feeling flush, it’s undoubtedly a glamorous setting to sip in.

Tokyo’s quietly impressive champagne scene

Tokyo emerged as one of the most interesting cities in the index – not just for price (a relatively modest £22 average), but for variety. Expect adventurous lists mixing heritage houses with boutique producers – a sleeper hit for champagne lovers.

Plot twist: airports are… reasonable?

Perhaps the most unexpected revelation? Airport bars are doing the lord’s work. Across the cities surveyed, champagne at airports averaged £16 a glass – barely more than Madrid city prices. Standouts include Nice Airport (£14) and Tokyo Narita (£15), while London Heathrow’s Fortnum & Mason Bar pours its own Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru for £18.50. Suddenly that delayed flight doesn’t seem quite so tedious.

So, where should you toast next? 

If value is your love language, book Madrid. If prestige is the point, Dubai delivers. If you want balance and boutique bottles, consider London, Paris and Tokyo your holy trinity.

Champagne will never not be one of our favourite tipples – but where you order it could save (or cost) you more than £30 a glass. Proof that where you drink matters just as much as what’s in the glass.

The full Champagne Index report is available to view here. For more information on planning international city travel in style, please visit  https://www.blacklane.com/en/.