$88 Cheap Flights to Santa Barbara
One-way
Departing from
United States
Going to
Santa Barbara, United States
Santa Barbara (SBA)
United States • June, 2026
92% AI deal score
$960 $337
Santa Barbara (SBA)
United States • June, 2026
90% AI deal score
$960 $337
Santa Barbara (SBA)
United States • February, 2026
85% AI deal score
$320 $88
Santa Barbara (SBA)
United States • February, 2026
84% AI deal score
$615 $152
Top Cheap Flight Deals from United States to Santa Barbara
Recent round-trip flight deals to Santa Barbara
Wed, Feb 11 - Wed, Feb 18
Cheapest
Portland (PDX) - Santa Barbara (SBA)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
Santa Barbara (SBA) - Portland (PDX)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
$208
$154
-$54
26%
Sat, Jan 24 - Sat, Jan 31
Portland (PDX) - Santa Barbara (SBA)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
Santa Barbara (SBA) - Portland (PDX)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
$208
$154
-$54
26%
Wed, Feb 25 - Wed, Mar 4
Portland (PDX) - Santa Barbara (SBA)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
Santa Barbara (SBA) - Portland (PDX)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
$208
$154
-$54
26%
Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21
Portland (PDX) - Santa Barbara (SBA)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
Santa Barbara (SBA) - Portland (PDX)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
$208
$154
-$54
26%
Sat, Mar 7 - Sat, Mar 14
Portland (PDX) - Santa Barbara (SBA)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
Santa Barbara (SBA) - Portland (PDX)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
$288
$154
-$134
47%
Tue, Jan 6 - Tue, Jan 13
Portland (PDX) - Santa Barbara (SBA)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
Santa Barbara (SBA) - Portland (PDX)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • Direct
$208
$154
-$54
26%
The cheapest time to fly to Santa Barbara
Ready to jet to Santa Barbara on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Facts About Flights from United States to Santa Barbara
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick Santa Barbara flight facts and tips.
Santa Barbara city airports
Santa Barbara is primarily served by the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), a convenient gateway to California's Central Coast. SBA offers a comfortable and less crowded alternative to larger, more hectic airports. You'll find non-stop flights to major hubs, connecting you to destinations nationwide. The airport is located just a short drive from downtown Santa Barbara, making it easy to quickly reach your hotel or begin exploring the city's attractions. SBA provides a range of amenities including parking, rental car services, and food options, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Pro tip: search “Santa Barbara (Any)” to see fares to all Santa Barbara airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to Santa Barbara
Cheapest airport
Santa Maria (SMX)
If you're looking for a budget-friendly gateway to Santa Barbara, consider flying into Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX). While it's a smaller regional airport, its cheaper flights make it a worthwhile option. Plus, you might even spot some cool aircraft at the adjacent air museum!
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
While not a major hub, Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) offers convenient connections to several popular destinations. You can easily find routes to cities like Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Seattle, making it a sweet spot for regional travel!
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
Santa Barbara is served by over ten airlines, including full-service carriers like United and American Airlines, plus budget-friendly options such as Southwest.
SBA Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
SBA airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Tue, Mon
Based on the data, Wednesday has the highest chance of having the cheapest flight deals for Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. Therefore, you should prioritize searching for flights on Wednesdays, and then Thursdays.
Avg. deal survival time
18.8 hours
Deals from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport typically last for 18.8 hours. If you see a good deal, you should book it quickly before it disappears.
Rare deal frequency
7 deals
We uncovered 7 rare deals for flights to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport in the last month. These rare finds, scoring 90+ on our AI Deal Score, typically include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-19%
The average price drop for flights to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is 19.0%, indicating a potential opportunity to save on airfare. Monitoring prices and booking during this drop period could lead to more affordable travel to Santa Barbara.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
Santa Barbara Flight Forecast (Next Month)
Based on current trends, flight prices to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport are expected to remain stable with a slight increase possible due to holiday travel. Monitor prices closely for potential last-minute deals, but significant price drops are not anticipated.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on December 15
Portland - SBA
$960 → $337
65%
Found on December 16
Manchester - SBA
$2,025 → $730
64%
Found on December 9
Miyakojima - SBA
$1,575 → $642
59%
Found on December 10
Barcelona - SBA
$1,275 → $598
53%
Found on December 10
Innsbruck - SBA
$1,625 → $819
50%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near SBA sometimes drop rare deals too:
Hollywood Burbank (BUR)
~12 rare deals/month
Los Angeles International (LAX)
~12 rare deals/month
Ontario International (ONT)
~8 rare deals/month
Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA)
~6 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially BUR and LAX for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from United States to Santa Barbara
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to Santa Barbara:
Cheapest month
September
Cheapest month
The cheapest month to fly to Santa Barbara is September. The weather is still warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities, but the crowds have thinned out. You'll find great deals on flights and accommodations, making it an ideal time for a budget-friendly getaway. Plus, the local harvest season is in full swing, so you can savor delicious, fresh produce and local wines.
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
The best day to book a flight to Santa Barbara is generally on a Tuesday. Airlines often release new deals and discounts early in the week to stimulate demand. By booking on Tuesday, you're more likely to snag a lower fare before they get snatched up by other savvy travelers.
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
The cheapest days to fly to Santa Barbara are typically on Wednesday. Mid-week flights tend to be less in demand compared to weekends, resulting in lower prices. If your schedule is flexible, consider flying on a Wednesday to save some serious cash and enjoy a less crowded airport experience.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
The advance booking sweet spot for flights to Santa Barbara is around 2 months before your travel date. This timeframe allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts while still having a good selection of flight options. Booking too early might mean missing out on last-minute deals, while waiting too long could lead to higher prices and limited availability.
Santa Barbara Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which Santa Barbara airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to Santa Barbara’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
Welcome to Santa Barbara Airport, your gateway to the American Riviera! SBA offers a relaxed and convenient travel experience with its easy access, streamlined security, and charming Spanish-style architecture. While you wait for your flight, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, or grab a coffee. Getting to and from downtown Santa Barbara is a breeze, with readily available taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation options. Plus, several car rental agencies operate on-site, giving you the freedom to explore the beautiful surrounding area at your own pace.
Tip: Arrive a bit early to soak in the chill vibes and grab a bite before your flight!
Other airports
Ventura County Airport (VNT) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are alternatives to Santa Barbara Airport, but require ground transportation. VNT is closer, yet offers fewer flights; LAX provides extensive options, but involves a longer transfer. From either airport, consider booking a shuttle or private car service for a direct ride to Santa Barbara, ensuring a relaxing start to your trip!
Airport transfers
What to Do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in Santa Barbara, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & landmarks
Santa Barbara is a city that has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and landmarks. Take a stroll down State Street, visit the Santa Barbara Mission, or explore the Santa Barbara Zoo. Don't forget to take a picture at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, one of the most beautiful government buildings in the US!
Arts & culture
For those who appreciate arts and culture, Santa Barbara boasts a vibrant scene. Check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, catch a show at the Granada Theatre, or explore the Funk Zone, known for its art galleries and studios. Every corner of the city tells a story!
Food & nightlife
Foodies, rejoice! Santa Barbara's culinary scene will tantalize your taste buds. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, you'll find a dish to love. At night, the city comes alive with bars and live music venues, so don't miss out on the fun!
Shopping & fashion
Shopaholics, get ready for some retail therapy in Santa Barbara! State Street offers a mix of boutiques and well-known brands. For unique finds, head to Paseo Nuevo or explore the shops in Montecito. You might find that perfect souvenir!
Nearby getaways
Looking to explore beyond Santa Barbara? Consider a day trip to the charming town of Solvang, known for its Danish heritage, or head up to the Santa Ynez Valley for some wine tasting. The possibilities are endless!
Events in Santa Barbara This Month
sbcc concert band concert
Join the Santa Barbara City College concert band for their end-of-year performance at the Garvin Theatre. General admission is $15, and student/senior tickets are $10. Tickets are available online.
city council
The Santa Barbara City Council meets every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 735 Anacapa Street. The meeting is accessible in person and online, with the full agenda and instructions for participation available on the city's website.
1st thursday art walk
1st Thursday is a monthly celebration of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, galleries and art venues open their doors to the public, offering free access to exhibits and special events.
ucsb chamber orchestra
Find tickets to see the UCSB Chamber Orchestra perform at Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall in Santa Barbara, California on January 12, 2025.
Santa Barbara Weather
Weather in Santa Barbara
Tue, Dec 16
5%
20° 8°
5%
Wed, Dec 17
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Santa Barbara
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Santa Barbara
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on Santa Barbara flights:
Fly Off-Season for Sunshine Savings: Santa Barbara is gorgeous year-round, but flying during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can save you serious cash. Plus, you'll dodge the biggest crowds!
Be Flexible with Your Dates: Got wiggle room in your travel schedule? Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekend getaways. Play around with dates to see the savings pile up.
