- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Flights from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depart on average 52 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $196 (€157) but you can travel from only $64 (€51) by bus.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:59. The fastest flight covers the 306 miles (494 km) distance in 1h 12m. January is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 306 miles (494 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $196 (€157) |
Flights per day 52 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 12m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Cheapest price
$307
Average price
$330
Fastest journey
1 h 12 m
Average duration
1 h 17 m
Flights per day
2
Distance
494 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Davis, 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 Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $330 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $307.
Of the 2 flights that leave Davis, CA for Santa Barbara, CA onSat, Jun 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 the direct flights cover the 494 km distance in an average of 1 h 17 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 12 m .
On Sat, Jun 06 the longest flights will take 1 h 21 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 Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $196.
Distance: 306 miles (494 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$313 Average price | $216 Average price | $71 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 37m Average total duration 11h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 29m Average total duration 9h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $145 (€117) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $216 (€174).
A bus is $242 (€195) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $313 (€252).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 59m.
Train takes on average 11h 7m.
The table below shows live departures for Davis, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flights for tomorrow, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:37 AM Davis, CA | 1h12 | 1:49 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:14 AM Davis, 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 bus, train, 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 strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families for interactive exhibits and rooftop activities.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, Channel maritime culture, and local ocean exploration.
Classic waterfront promenade with ocean views, harbor access, and one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
Main downtown corridor for walking, shopping, people-watching, and easy access to major attractions.
Celebrated botanical garden estate in Montecito with extraordinary themed gardens; advance reservations are typical.
Central Coast barbecue tradition featuring oak-grilled beef tri-tip, often served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region's most iconic local meals.
A beloved local sandwich made with sliced Santa Maria-style tri-tip on bread, commonly found at casual grills and roadside spots across the area.
Seasonal local prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, prized for their sweetness and delicate texture. They are a standout coastal seafood specialty when available.
Respected waterfront-adjacent restaurant specializing in Italian-inspired coastal cuisine, pasta, and polished service.
Well-known New American restaurant in the Funk Zone with stylish interiors, seasonal ingredients, and strong local wine offerings.
Established Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, and cocktails in an elegant but energetic downtown setting.
Santa Barbara is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but most visitors spend more than in many other California cities.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tipping is expected for service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Davis, 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.

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