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

Sat, Apr 04
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Ryanair
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Iberia
2,000+ travel companies
Ryanair
Malta Air
easyJet
Vueling
Iberia
2,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of flight

Flights from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA depart on average 29 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $117 (€95) but you can travel from only $41 (€34) by bus.

The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:35. The fastest flight covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 2h 52m. June is the cheapest month to fly.

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 $41 (€34)
Distance
187 miles (302 km)
Average flight duration
5h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$117 (€95)
Flights per day
29
Fastest flight
2h 52m
Cheapest month
June
First flight
5:00 AM
Last flight
10:35 PM
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 $41 (€34)

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

Showing times and prices for Apr 05

Cheapest price

$129

Average price

$235

Fastest journey

3 h

Average duration

4 h 55 m

Flights per day

4

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 $235 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $129.

Fast flights

Of the 4 flights that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Diego, CA onSun, Apr 05, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Apr 05 the direct flights cover the 302 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 3 h .

On Sun, Apr 05 the longest flights will take 6 h 39 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.

  • United
    2:00 PM4h40
    Santa Barbara, CA
    6:40 PMSan Diego, CA
    $1291One-way
    0 transfers
  • United
    3:30 PM3h00
    Santa Barbara, CA
    6:30 PMSan Diego, CA
    $2031One-way
    0 transfers
  • United
    10:09 PM6h39
    Santa Barbara, CA
    4:48 AMSan Diego, CA
    $2901One-way
    0 transfers
  • United
    10:30 PM5h22
    Santa Barbara, CA
    3:52 AMSan Diego, CA
    $3171One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, 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 train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 24m. 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 $117.

Distance: 187 miles (302 km)

Compare flight with

Flight
Most popular
Train
Bus

$276

Average price

$49

Average price

Cheapest

$71

Average price

8h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 24m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 39m

Average total duration

6h 9m

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, Saturday, April 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
united2:30 AM Santa Barbara, CA
5h45
8:15 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
united2:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA
4h40
6:40 PM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
united3:30 PM Santa Barbara, CA
3h00
6:30 PM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
united10:09 PM Santa Barbara, CA
6h39
4:48 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
united10:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA
5h12
3:52 AM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect

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 train, bus, or flight

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.

Sun
Apr 05
Mon
Apr 06
Tue
Apr 07
Wed
Apr 08
Thu
Apr 09
Fri
Apr 10
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Apr 11

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 $117 (€95) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is $276 (€224) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is 2h 52m to travel the 187 miles (302 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 10:35 PM.
Flights from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA generally leave from Santa Barbara Airport and arrive in San Diego International Airport.Santa Barbara Airport is 0 miles (1 km) away from Santa Barbara, CA city centre and San Diego International Airport is 2 miles (4 km) from San Diego, CA city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor San Diego, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
There is no time difference between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA.
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 season to visit San Diego, CA is 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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