Journey information
Overview: San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flight
Flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA depart on average 29 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $121 (€99) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 21:10. The fastest flight covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 2h 42m. June is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $121 (€99) |
Flights per day 29 |
Fastest flight 2h 42m |
Cheapest month June |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 9:10 PM |
The cheapest and fastest flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$213
Average price
$260
Fastest journey
4 h 3 m
Average duration
5 h 29 m
Flights per day
5
Distance
302 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $260 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $213.
Of the 5 flights that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Barbara, CA onSat, Apr 11, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 11 the direct flights cover the 302 km distance in an average of 5 h 29 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 4 h 3 m .
On Sat, Apr 11 the longest flights will take 6 h 38 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.
1:55 AM4h34San Diego, CA6:29 AMSanta Barbara, CA$2131One-way0 transfers
3:55 AM4h03San Diego, CA7:58 AMSanta Barbara, CA$2411One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM6h38San Diego, CA9:08 PMSanta Barbara, CA$2421One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM5h40San Diego, CA7:55 PMSanta Barbara, CA$2891One-way0 transfers
8:55 PM8h18San Diego, CA5:13 AMSanta Barbara, CA$3151One-way0 transfers
3:55 AM4h03San Diego, CA7:58 AMSanta Barbara, CA$2411One-way0 transfers
1:55 AM4h34San Diego, CA6:29 AMSanta Barbara, CA$2131One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM5h40San Diego, CA7:55 PMSanta Barbara, CA$2891One-way0 transfers
12:00 AM6h30San Diego, CA6:30 AMSanta Barbara, CA$3161One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM6h38San Diego, CA9:08 PMSanta Barbara, CA$2421One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, 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 flight which can get you there in 5h 37m. 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 train costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $121.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$254 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $58 Average price |
8h 37m Average total duration Fastest 5h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m 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
San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flight times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA flights for today, Saturday, April 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:50 AM San Diego, CA | 4h09 | 7:59 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:55 AM San Diego, CA | 4h03 | 7:58 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 PM San Diego, CA | 5h40 | 7:55 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:45 PM San Diego, CA | 6h22 | 9:07 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, April 5 | |||||
![]() | 1:55 AM San Diego, CA | 4h34 | 6:29 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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.
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Apr 11
FAQs: San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.

- Santa Barbara International Film Festival, a prestigious event showcasing independent films and attracting filmmakers from around the world
- Old Spanish Days Fiesta, a vibrant celebration of Santa Barbara's rich cultural heritage with parades, music, and traditional food
- Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival, an annual festival celebrating the local fishing industry with fresh seafood tastings and family-friendly activities.
- Independence Day, vibrant fireworks and festive celebrations along the coast
- Labor Day, pleasant weather perfect for beach activities and local events
- Memorial Day, a great time for outdoor adventures with fewer crowds.
popular airports
Popular airports from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 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
- 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
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
