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

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
Vueling Airlines
easyJet
Ryanair
KM Malta Airlines
Transavia France
1,000+ travel companies
Vueling Airlines
easyJet
Ryanair
KM Malta Airlines
Transavia France
1,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of flight
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 $28 (€23)
Distance
187 miles (302 km)
Average flight duration
4h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
$315 (€257)
Flights per day
13
Fastest flight
3h 45m
Cheapest month to travel
July
First flight
05:00
Last flight
22:30

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA start from as low as $315 (€257) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $373 (€304) depending on the train type and class.
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 $28 (€23)

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

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$323

Average price

$733

Fastest journey

2 h 52 m

Average duration

4 h 7 m

Flights per day

27

Distance

302 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $733 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $323.

Fast flights

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

UnitedUA4649 · UA4643
07:29AM2h52
Santa Barbara Airport
10:21AMSan Diego International Airport
$3231One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA2305 · UA1799
02:09PM6h39
Santa Barbara Airport
08:48PMSan Diego International Airport
$3231One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA2097 · UA2861
06:50PM5h23
Santa Barbara Airport
12:13AMSan Diego International Airport
$3231One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA1003 · UA1940
05:30AM7h34
Santa Barbara Airport
01:04PMSan Diego International Airport
$3231One-way
1 transfer
UnitedUA5917 · UA5415
02:30PM5h22
Santa Barbara Airport
07:52PMSan Diego International Airport
$3231One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 43m. 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 €23, and a flight costs an average of €257.

Distance: 187 miles (302 km)

Compare flight with

Flight
Most popular
Train
Bus

€304

Average price

€40

Average price

€40

Average price

Cheapest

7h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 43m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 40m

Average total duration

6h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 37m

Average total duration

6h 7m

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

Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA flight times

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

Last updated at 5:40 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
united9:34 PM Santa Barbara, CA
5h12
2:46 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
united11:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA
4h48
3:48 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last flight of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

How far in advance should I book flight tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA?

The best time to book your flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is 70 days before departure. See how prices for flights change on the Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA.

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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.

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

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

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap plane tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $167 (€136) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is $305 (€249); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA flight time is 4 h 6 min   covering the 187 mile (302 km) long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The earliest flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 6: 00AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 8: 05PM.
The cheapest month to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA by plane is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel to San Diego, CA from Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus or flight.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor San Diego, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of USA and USA. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The best events to attend in San Diego, CA include:
  • Comic-Con International, the largest comic book and popular arts convention in the world
  • San Diego County Fair, a month-long fair featuring rides, games, and local food
  • San Diego Beer Week, a celebration of craft beer with tastings and events across the county
  • La Jolla Music Festival, an annual event showcasing classical music performances in a picturesque coastal setting.
The best holidays to experience in San Diego, CA include:
  • Memorial Day, ideal weather for beach activities and outdoor events
  • Independence Day, spectacular fireworks and patriotic celebrations
  • Labor Day, perfect for enjoying the last days of summer at the beach
  • Thanksgiving, a time for family gatherings with pleasant fall weather.
The best seasons to visit San Diego, CA are Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore San Diego, CA is during April-June or September-November.
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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Santa Barbara
San Diego
The major airport for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara Airport for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego.
Amenities at airport
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
US-101, exit 104
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Shops available, including gift shops and newsstands near the main terminal.
Parking
Parking
  • Parking available near the terminal, approximately 1.3€ (200 JPY) per hour.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurants available, including The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Costa Terraza
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available throughout the airport.
Lounge
Lounge
  • Lounge available, First Class Lounge.
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Lost and Found located in the main terminal.
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Car rental services available, including Hertz and Avis counters in the terminal
Public transit options for Santa Barbara Airport
  • Bus line 11, Goleta Amtrak Station, 7 miles

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

HomeFlightsFlights in USAFlight Schedules to San Diego, CASanta Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA Flights

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