- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Flights from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depart on average 38 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $195 (€160) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
There are 5 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 23:00. The fastest flight covers the 278 miles (448 km) distance in 1h 17m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 278 miles (448 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $195 (€160) |
Flights per day 38 |
Direct flights 5 |
Fastest flight 1h 17m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
Cheapest price
$348
Average price
$350
Fastest journey
1 h 21 m
Average duration
1 h 24 m
Flights per day
2
Distance
448 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $350 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $348.
Of the 2 flights that leave Berkeley, CA for Santa Barbara, CA onSun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct flights cover the 448 km distance in an average of 1 h 24 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 21 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the longest flights will take 1 h 27 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $195.
Distance: 278 miles (448 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$324 Average price | $91 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 1m Average total duration 9h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.3 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $47 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $91 (€74).
A bus is $280 (€229) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $324 (€265).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 20m.
Train takes on average 9h 31m.
The table below shows live departures for Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flights for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:25 PM Berkeley, CA | 1h25 | 5:50 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 1:14 AM Berkeley, CA | 1h21 | 2:35 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, known for interactive exhibits and a rooftop experience.
Museum on local history with adobe-era collections, archives and exhibits focused on the city and county.
Historic pier with ocean views, strolling, marine exhibits and easy access to the waterfront.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings and public spaces, ideal for walking and people-watching.
Scenic coastal area spanning the harbor and beachfront, popular for walking, biking and sunset views.
Regional Central Coast barbecue, usually tri-tip grilled over red oak and served with salsa, pinquito beans, garlic bread, and salad. It is one of the area’s most iconic local food traditions.
Sea urchin from the Santa Barbara Channel is a local delicacy, prized for its sweet, briny flavor. It often appears in simple pasta dishes that highlight the freshness of the seafood.
Fresh local fish in tacos reflects Santa Barbara’s coastal location and strong California-Mexican food culture. They are commonly served grilled or battered with cabbage, salsa, and lime.
Popular New American restaurant in the Funk Zone, known for seasonal Central Coast ingredients and polished but relaxed dining.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, and a lively upscale atmosphere near the waterfront.
Established harbor seafood restaurant popular for clam chowder, oysters, and marina views in a casual setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining near the coast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for excellent service, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Berkeley, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flights use the San Francisco International Airport to Santa Barbara Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Berkeley, CA and Santa Barbara, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Santa Barbara Airport is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Barbara Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants available, including The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Costa Terraza
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located near the baggage claim area.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need