- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Flights from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depart on average 24 times per day, taking around 7h 12m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $242 (€194) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by train.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 20:50. The fastest flight covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 6h 4m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average flight duration 7h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $242 (€194) |
Flights per day 24 |
Fastest flight 6h 4m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Cheapest price
$281
Average price
$281
Fastest journey
8 h 18 m
Average duration
8 h 18 m
Flights per day
1
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Solana Beach, 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 Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $281 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $281.
Of the 1 flights that leave Solana Beach, CA for Santa Barbara, CA onSun, May 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct flights cover the 275 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 8 h 18 m .
On Sun, May 31 the longest flights will take 8 h 18 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $242.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$286 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price |
10h 12m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 15m Average total duration 13h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $66 (€53).
A train is $237 (€191) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $286 (€230).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 12m.
Bus takes on average 13h 45m.
The table below shows live departures for Solana Beach, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flights for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 PM Solana Beach, CA | 8h18 | 5:13 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 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 strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families for interactive exhibits and rooftop activities.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, Channel maritime culture, and local ocean exploration.
Classic waterfront promenade with ocean views, harbor access, and one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
Main downtown corridor for walking, shopping, people-watching, and easy access to major attractions.
Celebrated botanical garden estate in Montecito with extraordinary themed gardens; advance reservations are typical.
Central Coast barbecue tradition featuring oak-grilled beef tri-tip, often served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region's most iconic local meals.
A beloved local sandwich made with sliced Santa Maria-style tri-tip on bread, commonly found at casual grills and roadside spots across the area.
Seasonal local prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, prized for their sweetness and delicate texture. They are a standout coastal seafood specialty when available.
Respected waterfront-adjacent restaurant specializing in Italian-inspired coastal cuisine, pasta, and polished service.
Well-known New American restaurant in the Funk Zone with stylish interiors, seasonal ingredients, and strong local wine offerings.
Established Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, and cocktails in an elegant but energetic downtown setting.
Santa Barbara is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but most visitors spend more than in many other California cities.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tipping is expected for service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Solana Beach, 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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