Journey information
Overview: Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL flight
Flights from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL depart on average 32 times per day, taking around 8h 9m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $494 (€402) but you can travel from only $286 (€233) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 00:30, the last at 22:18. The fastest flight covers the 1803 miles (2903 km) distance in 8h 9m. October is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1803 miles (2903 km) |
Average flight duration 8h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $494 (€402) |
Flights per day 32 |
Fastest flight 8h 9m |
Cheapest month to travel October |
First flight 00:30 |
Last flight 22:18 |
Travel Information
Compare flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €233. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €233, and a flight costs an average of €402.
Distance: 1803 miles (2903 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€402 Average price | €303 Average price | €233 Average price Cheapest |
11h 9m Average total duration Fastest 8h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 54h 48m Average total duration 54h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 63h 35m Average total duration 63h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
FAQs: Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Chicago Air and Water Show, an exhilarating display of military and civilian aircraft performing daring maneuvers over Lake Michigan
- Lollapalooza, a massive music festival featuring top artists across multiple genres in Grant Park
- Chicago Gourmet, a premier culinary event celebrating the city's vibrant food scene with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine pairings.
- Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer with vibrant outdoor activities and events
- Independence Day, spectacular fireworks and festive celebrations throughout the city
- Labor Day, a lively atmosphere with various festivals and pleasant weather.
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.
popular airports
Popular airports from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
- Shops available, including gift shops and newsstands near the main terminal.
- Parking available near the terminal, approximately 1.3€ (200 JPY) per hour.
- Restaurants available, including The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Costa Terraza
- Available outside the terminal.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available throughout the airport.
- Lounge available, First Class Lounge.
- Lost and Found located in the main terminal.
- Car rental services available, including Hertz and Avis counters in the terminal
- Bus line 11, Goleta Amtrak Station, 7 miles
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
- Shops are located in all terminals, including duty-free and brands like Hudson and MAC Cosmetics.
- Parking available with options including hourly, daily, and economy lots, approximately 2.85€ ($3) per hour.
- Restaurants are located in all terminals, offering a variety of cuisines including American and intertiol. Top options include Tortas Frontera and Publican Tavern.
- Available outside the terminal.
- Elevators, ramps, toilets
- Available throughout the airport.
- Hotels such as Hilton Chicago O'Hare are located on airport grounds, with others like the Hyatt Regency nearby.
- Showers are available in some lounges, such as the United Club, but access may require a fee or membership.
- Lounges available, including United Club and American Airlines Admirals Club.
- Lost and Found located in terminal 1, near the baggage claim area.
- Car rental services are available at the Multi-Modal Facility, with companies like Hertz and Avis.
- CTA Blue Line, O'Hare Station, 45 minutes to city center
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Chicago, IL
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