San Diego, CA SAN to Santa Barbara, CA SBA Flights

Thu, May 07
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Journey information

Overview: San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flight

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Icon of flight

Flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depart on average 29 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $124 (€99) but you can travel from only $34 (€27) by bus.

The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 21:10. The fastest flight covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 2h 42m. June is the cheapest month to fly.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $34 (€27)
Distance
187 miles (302 km)
Average flight duration
5h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
$124 (€99)
Flights per day
29
Fastest flight
2h 42m
First flight
5:00 AM
Last flight
9:10 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $34 (€27)

The cheapest and fastest flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$218

Average price

$689

Fastest journey

1 h 10 m

Average duration

2 h 23 m

Flights per day

34

Distance

302 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $689 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $218.

Fast flights

Of the 34 flights that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Barbara, CA onThu, May 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 07 the direct flights cover the 302 km distance in an average of 2 h 23 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .

On Thu, May 07 the longest flights will take 3 h 51 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.

  • Alaska AirlinesAS3066
    10:35 PM1h10
    San Diego International Airport
    11:45 PMSanta Barbara Airport
    $2181One-way
    0 transfers
  • Alaska AirlinesAS3064
    1:06 PM1h10
    San Diego International Airport
    2:16 PMSanta Barbara Airport
    $2181One-way
    0 transfers
  • UnitedUA5384 · UA5893
    10:55 AM2h44
    San Diego International Airport
    1:39 PMSanta Barbara Airport
    $3111One-way
    1 transfer
  • UnitedUA435 · UA1578
    6:20 AM5h47
    San Diego International Airport
    12:07 PMSanta Barbara Airport
    $3111One-way
    1 transfer
  • UnitedUA2309 · UA5464
    11:04 AM4h30
    San Diego International Airport
    3:34 PMSanta Barbara Airport
    $3111One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $124.

Distance: 187 miles (302 km)

Compare flight with

Flight
Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$260

Average price

$50

Average price

Cheapest

$59

Average price

$53

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

8h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 37m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 18m

Average total duration

5h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 19m

Average total duration

5h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.9 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

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.

The cheapest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a train with an average price of $50 (€40).

This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:

A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $59 (€47).

A train is $210 (€167) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $260 (€207).

The fastest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 37m.

Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 48m.

Bus takes on average 5h 49m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.

Live departures

San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flight times

The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flights for today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
unitedUA2309 · UA546411:04 AM San Diego International Airport
4h30
3:34 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA1565 · UA247912:40 PM San Diego International Airport
8h23
9:03 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5515 · UA24791:05 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport
7h58
9:03 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
alaska_airlinesAS30641:06 PM San Diego International Airport
1h10
2:16 PM Santa Barbara Airport0 transfersDirect
unitedUA1763 · UA17181:35 PM San Diego International Airport
4h18
5:53 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5599 · UA55451:43 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport
8h34
10:17 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5599 · UA1427 · UA47961:43 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport
10h01
11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport2 transfers
unitedUA5599 · UA17991:43 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport
6h23
8:06 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5599 · UA2303 · UA47961:43 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport
10h01
11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport2 transfers
unitedUA5599 · UA17181:43 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport
4h10
5:53 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA2117 · UA17994:26 PM San Diego International Airport
3h40
8:06 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA2117 · UA55454:26 PM San Diego International Airport
5h51
10:17 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5341 · UA47966:05 PM San Diego International Airport
5h39
11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA1302 · UA55456:26 PM San Diego International Airport
3h51
10:17 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA519 · UA6717:00 PM San Diego International Airport
18h14
1:14 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
alaska_airlinesAS30669:30 PM San Diego International Airport
1h10
10:40 PM Santa Barbara Airport0 transfersDirect
Thursday, May 7
unitedUA2057 · UA2741 · UA17996:20 AM San Diego International Airport
13h46
8:06 PM Santa Barbara Airport2 transfers
unitedUA435 · UA15786:20 AM San Diego International Airport
5h47
12:07 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA2057 · UA58936:20 AM San Diego International Airport
7h19
1:39 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA2057 · UA47966:20 AM San Diego International Airport
17h24
11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA2057 · UA1006 · UA17996:20 AM San Diego International Airport
13h46
8:06 PM Santa Barbara Airport2 transfers
unitedUA1714 · UA24796:32 AM San Diego International Airport
14h31
9:03 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA1714 · UA6716:32 AM San Diego International Airport
6h42
1:14 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA2274 · UA15787:15 AM San Diego International Airport
4h52
12:07 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5519 · UA15787:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport
4h37
12:07 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5519 · UA54647:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport
8h04
3:34 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5519 · UA17997:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport
12h36
8:06 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5519 · UA1164 · UA58937:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport
6h09
1:39 PM Santa Barbara Airport2 transfers
unitedUA5519 · UA17187:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport
10h23
5:53 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5520 · UA24798:30 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport
12h33
9:03 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA2476 · UA24798:54 AM San Diego International Airport
12h09
9:03 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA1328 · UA54649:09 AM San Diego International Airport
6h25
3:34 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5384 · UA589310:55 AM San Diego International Airport
2h44
1:39 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA5384 · UA479610:55 AM San Diego International Airport
12h49
11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer
unitedUA1337 · UA247911:00 AM San Diego International Airport
10h03
9:03 PM Santa Barbara Airport1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus, train, or flight

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.

Thu
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13

FAQs: San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Flight

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.

FAQs
Cheap plane tickets from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can start from as little as $124 (€99) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $260 (€207) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 2h 42m to travel the 187 miles (302 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 9:10 PM.
Flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA generally leave from San Diego International Airport and arrive in Santa Barbara Airport.San Diego International Airport is 2 miles (4 km) away from San Diego, CA city centre and Santa Barbara Airport is 0 miles (1 km) from Santa Barbara, CA city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Since neither San Diego, CA nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
There is no time difference between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Santa Barbara, CA are:
  • Santa Barbara Mission, a historic Spanish mission known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens
  • Stearns Wharf, a popular pier offering shops, restaurants, and scenic ocean views
  • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre garden showcasing California native plants and picturesque landscapes
  • Santa Barbara Zoo, a family-friendly attraction featuring diverse animal exhibits and interactive experiences
  • Lotusland, a unique botanical garden with exotic plants and themed gardens.
The best events to attend in Santa Barbara, CA include:
  • Santa Barbara International Film Festival, a prestigious event showcasing independent films and attracting filmmakers from around the world
  • Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a vibrant celebration of Santa Barbara's rich cultural heritage with parades, music, and traditional food
  • Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival, an annual festival celebrating the local fishing industry with fresh seafood tastings and family-friendly activities.
The best things to do in Santa Barbara, CA include:
  • State Street, a vibrant downtown area filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment options
  • Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of artwork from around the world
  • Take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its beautiful vineyards and excellent wines
  • Enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and city
  • Visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, which highlights the region's rich maritime history.
The best holidays to experience in Santa Barbara, CA include:
  • Independence Day, vibrant fireworks and festive celebrations along the coast
  • Labor Day, pleasant weather perfect for beach activities and local events
  • Memorial Day, a great time for outdoor adventures with fewer crowds.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
The best season to visit Santa Barbara, CA is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Santa Barbara, CA is during April-October.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular airports

Popular airports from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

San Diego
Santa Barbara
The major airport for departures in San Diego is San Diego International Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Diego International Airport for your trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeCar Rental
Amenities at airport
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ShowerShower
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Car RentalCar Rental
information
address
Address
3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
carConnection
Car connection
I-5, exit Sassafras St
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Shops in terminals 1 and 2, including Duty-Free and Hudson News.
Parking
Parking
  • Parking available, price varies.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurants in terminals 1 and 2, including fast food and sit-down options like The Counter and Phil's BBQ
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available throughout the airport.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotels nearby, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Mari within walking distance.
Shower
Shower
  • Showers available at the Airspace Lounge, access fee required.
Lounge
Lounge
  • Lounges available, including United Club and Airspace Lounge.
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Lost and Found located in terminal 2 East, baggage claim area.
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Car rental services available at Rental Car Center, free shuttle from terminals
Public transit options for San Diego International Airport
  • Bus Route 992, Airport Station, 4.8 km
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)Accessibility
Amenities at airport
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
address
Address
2198 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA
phone
Phone Number
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible

More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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