- Must visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Marine life aquarium on Cannery Row with kelp forest displays, sea otters, and strong conservation interpretation for all ages.
Flights from Santa Barbara, CA to Monterey, CA depart on average 20 times per day, taking around 3h 57m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at DKK 1,585 but you can travel from only DKK 306 by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 20:40. The fastest flight covers the 194 miles (313 km) distance in 2h 0m. February is the cheapest month to fly.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Barbara, CA to Monterey, CA.
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Monterey, CA flights for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:12 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 8h13 | 5:25 AM Monterey, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Flights from Santa Barbara, CA to Monterey, CA with United and skywest airlines. Flights with a stop available on this route with United and skywest airlines. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Monterey, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Monterey, CA trip today.
Marine life aquarium on Cannery Row with kelp forest displays, sea otters, and strong conservation interpretation for all ages.
History museum inside Colton Hall with exhibitions on Monterey’s civic past, statehood era, and local cultural development.
Downtown art museum presenting California art, changing exhibitions, and an accessible stop near Monterey’s historic center.
Scenic coastal recreation trail linking beaches, the harbor, and Cannery Row, popular for walking, cycling, and bay views.
Historic waterfront area around the wharf with harbor activity, sea views, and easy access to walking routes and boat tours.
Rocky peninsula park with cypress trees, tide pools, and dramatic ocean scenery, excellent for short walks and sunset views.
Creamy clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, a long-standing Cannery Row and wharf favorite tied to Monterey Bay seafood culture.
Fresh local sand dabs, usually lightly floured and pan-fried with lemon and butter. A classic Monterey Bay catch found on many old-school menus.
Sweet Dungeness crab from California waters, commonly served cracked with butter or in seafood platters. It is a prized seasonal coastal specialty.
Polished waterfront dining room focused on seafood and steaks, with broad bay views and a more upscale atmosphere.
Casual Old Fisherman’s Wharf seafood spot known for chowder, cioppino, and harbor views in a lively classic Monterey setting.
Historic Cannery Row restaurant serving steaks, sand dabs, calamari, and local seafood in a warm, traditional dining room.
Monterey is pricier than many U.S. cities, with higher hotel rates, seafood dining, and parking costs. Transit is limited, so visitors often budget more for car use or rides.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Round up or tip 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts, usually $1-2 or 10%.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Monterey, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Monterey, 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 Monterey, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Monterey, CA flights use the Santa Barbara Airport to Monterey Peninsula airport pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Monterey, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Santa Barbara Airport is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Barbara Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants available, including The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Costa Terraza
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located near the baggage claim area.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Monterey Peninsula is 4 km from Monterey city centre. Public transport options include:
Monterey Peninsula has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars and cafes available inside the terminal.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are available at Monterey Peninsula.
Ticket office support is available at Monterey Peninsula.
Available at Monterey Peninsula: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Monterey Peninsula: Mobility assistance available upon request.
See which airports are used for flights between Santa Barbara, CA and Monterey, CA, including airport details.