- 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 San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depart on average 38 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $125 (€101) but you can travel from only $43 (€35) by bus.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:50, the last at 23:30. The fastest flight covers the 277 miles (446 km) distance in 1h 16m. June is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 277 miles (446 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $125 (€101) |
Flights per day 38 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 16m |
First flight 12:50 AM |
Last flight 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Cheapest price
$245
Average price
$666
Fastest journey
1 h 22 m
Average duration
1 h 25 m
Flights per day
63
Distance
446 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $666 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $245.
Of the 63 flights that leave San Francisco, CA for Santa Barbara, CA onWed, Jun 17, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct flights cover the 446 km distance in an average of 1 h 25 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 22 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 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.
UA5464
UA1578
UA5862
UA5721
UA2866
UA2866
UA1578
UA5464
UA5862
UA5721Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. 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 $43, and a flight costs an average of $125.
Distance: 277 miles (446 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|---|
$296 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price |
4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 24m Average total duration 8h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 9h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.3 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
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 San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $18 (€14) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $95 (€77).
A bus is $219 (€177) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $296 (€240).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 54m.
Train takes on average 9h 44m.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flights for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA279 · UA1008 | 12:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h45 | 11:35 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1479 · UA2479 | 5:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 15h55 | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1479 · UA671 | 5:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h02 | 1:02 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA6404 · AA4927 | 5:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h32 | 6:12 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA6294+ AA1668+ AA4927 | 5:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h22 | 6:12 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6294+ AA2032 · AA1731 | 5:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 16h09 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6294+ AA1994 · AA1731 | 5:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 16h09 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6294+ AA1994+ AA4927 | 5:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h22 | 6:12 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6294+ AA1668 · AA1731 | 5:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 16h09 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2127 · UA5460 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 3h17 | 9:17 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1233 · UA2479 | 6:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 14h40 | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1233 · UA671 | 6:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h47 | 1:02 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2414 · AA1731 | 8:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 13h44 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2414+ AA4927 | 8:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h57 | 6:12 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2348 · UA2479 | 8:31 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h24 | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1896 · UA4796 | 8:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 14h54 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA6336+ AA1994+ AA4927 | 9:04 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h08 | 6:12 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6336+ AA2032 · AA1731 | 9:04 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h55 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6336+ AA1994 · AA1731 | 9:04 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h55 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6428+ AA1994+ AA4927 | 10:07 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h05 | 6:12 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6428+ AA1994 · AA1731 | 10:07 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h52 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6428+ AA2032 · AA1731 | 10:07 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h52 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA457 · UA4796 | 10:19 AM San Francisco International Airport | 13h25 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA643 · UA2132 · UA2479 | 10:20 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h35 | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1578 | 10:29 AM San Francisco International Airport | 1h23 | 11:52 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1604 · UA2479 | 10:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h15 | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1604 · UA2240 · UA4796 | 10:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 13h04 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6330+ AA2032 · AA1731 | 11:37 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h22 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2744 · UA1730 · UA4796 | 12:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h34 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1506 · UA4796 | 12:15 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h29 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2548+ AA4927 | 12:21 PM San Francisco International Airport | 5h51 | 6:12 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2548 · AA1731 | 12:21 PM San Francisco International Airport | 9h38 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA540 · UA2240 · UA4796 | 12:43 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h01 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA540 · UA2791 · UA4796 | 12:43 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h01 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA540 · UA2479 | 12:43 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h12 | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA6188+ AA2032 · AA1731 | 1:35 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h24 | 9:59 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA6188+ AA1362+ AA4031 | 1:35 PM San Francisco International Airport | 19h35 | 9:10 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5464 | 1:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1h27 | 3:17 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2610 · UA4796 | 1:55 PM San Francisco International Airport | 9h49 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1265 · UA1730 · UA4796 | 2:00 PM San Francisco International Airport | 9h44 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1596 · UA2791 · UA4796 | 2:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 9h24 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1596 · UA2479 | 2:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h35 | 8:55 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5862 | 4:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1h27 | 5:37 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1754 · UA4796 | 4:11 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h33 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1561 · UA5636 · UA4796 | 4:47 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h57 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5721 | 6:16 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1h26 | 7:42 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1427 · UA4796 | 6:45 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h59 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1427 · UA5460 | 6:45 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h32 | 9:17 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2544+ AA4031 | 6:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h14 | 9:10 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2409 · UA4796 | 7:45 PM San Francisco International Airport | 3h59 | 11:44 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2409 · UA5460 | 7:45 PM San Francisco International Airport | 13h32 | 9:17 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2019 · UA671 | 7:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 17h06 | 1:02 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2850 · UA5460 | 8:55 PM San Francisco International Airport | 12h22 | 9:17 AM Santa Barbara Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2866 | 9:23 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1h22 | 10:45 PM Santa Barbara Airport | 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 San Francisco, 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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