Journey information
Overview: Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA flight
Flights from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA depart on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 43m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $317 (€257) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:30. The fastest flight covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 3h 45m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $317 (€257) |
Flights per day 13 |
Fastest flight 3h 45m |
Cheapest month to travel July |
First flight 05:00 |
Last flight 22:30 |
The cheapest and fastest flights from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$354
Average price
$364
Fastest journey
4 h 48 m
Average duration
5 h
Flights per day
2
Distance
302 km
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 $364 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $354.
Of the 2 flights that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Diego, CA onThu, Nov 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 20 the direct flights cover the 302 km distance in an average of 5 h but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 4 h 48 m .
On Thu, Nov 20 the longest flights will take 5 h 12 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.




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, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:13 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 3h40 | 12:53 AM San Diego, CA | 0 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?
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.
Nov 20
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Nov 26
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.

- 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.
- 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.
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 San Diego, CA
- 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 in terminals 1 and 2, including Duty-Free and Hudson News.
- Parking available, price varies.
- Restaurants in terminals 1 and 2, including fast food and sit-down options like The Counter and Phil's BBQ
- Available outside the terminal.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available throughout the airport.
- Hotels nearby, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Mari within walking distance.
- Showers available at the Airspace Lounge, access fee required.
- Lounges available, including United Club and Airspace Lounge.
- Lost and Found located in terminal 2 East, baggage claim area.
- Car rental services available at Rental Car Center, free shuttle from terminals
- Bus Route 992, Airport Station, 4.8 km
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
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