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

Thu, Feb 05
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Vueling Airlines
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Iberia
1,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

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

USAUSA
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Icon of flight

Flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depart on average 14 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $155 (€124) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) 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 56m. October 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 $26 (€21)
Distance
187 miles (302 km)
Average flight duration
5h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
$155 (€124)
Flights per day
14
Fastest flight
2h 56m
Cheapest month to travel
October
First flight
05:00
Last flight
21:10
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 $26 (€21)

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

Showing times and prices for Feb 06

Cheapest price

$322

Average price

$697

Fastest journey

4 h 5 m

Average duration

5 h 5 m

Flights per day

30

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 $697 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $322.

Fast flights

It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.

UnitedUA2863 · UA1578
07:45AM4h05
San Diego International Airport
11:50AMSanta Barbara Airport
$3221One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA283 · UA671
06:30AM6h45
San Diego International Airport
01:15PMSanta Barbara Airport
$3221One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA285 · UA2866
06:00PM4h30
San Diego International Airport
10:30PMSanta Barbara Airport
$3221One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA2117 · UA2866
04:00PM6h30
San Diego International Airport
10:30PMSanta Barbara Airport
$3221One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA2076 · UA1578
06:15AM5h35
San Diego International Airport
11:50AMSanta Barbara Airport
$3871One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, flight, and bus 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 bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 48m. 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 bus costs an average of €21, and a flight costs an average of €124.

Distance: 187 miles (302 km)

Compare flight with

Flight
Most popular
Train
Bus

€291

Average price

€40

Average price

€37

Average price

Cheapest

8h 52m

Average total duration

5h 52m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 18m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 19m

Average total duration

5h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.9 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

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, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.

Last updated at 9:19 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
united1:20 PM San Diego, CA
5h46
7:06 PM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
united5:54 PM San Diego, CA
2h56
8:50 PM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last flight of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare train, flight, and bus 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.

Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Mon
Feb 09
Tue
Feb 10
Wed
Feb 11
Thu
Feb 12

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 $155 (€124) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is $365 (€291) ; 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 56m 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 October.
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 train, flight, and bus.
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.
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 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.
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.

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.
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
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

Most popular flights to and from Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA

HomeFlightsFlights in USAFlight Schedules to Santa Barbara, CASan Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Flights

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