$367 Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz

Flights to Santa Cruz at a glance

Traveling to Santa Cruz is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare travel times and select the flight that best fits your budget and schedule, all while planning to discover the city's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Santa Cruz: Bilbao Airport (BIO), Santander Airport (SDR)
• Closest airport to Santa Cruz: Santander Airport, SDR (around 23 miles)
• Flights per week: 380+ flights arriving across Santa Cruz airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Santa Cruz: around 20+ carriers

Popular airports near Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a charming village that attracts travelers with its beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, rich culture, and family-friendly activities. It is conveniently served by two major airports, making it easy to reach this delightful destination.

• Bilbao Airport (BIO): Situated in Bilboaldea, Biscay, within the Basque Country, this airport is approximately 25 miles from Santa Cruz. It offers a mix of domestic and international flights, linking to about 8 cities in Spain and over 35 destinations worldwide. Passengers have the option to upgrade to business class for enhanced service, depending on the airline and route. Notable carriers operating here include Vueling Airlines, Iberia, and Air Europa.
• Santander Airport (SDR): Found in Cantabria, roughly 23 miles from Santa Cruz, this airport provides both domestic and international flight options, connecting around 2 cities in Spain and 3 international locations. Travelers can opt for business class for additional comfort, based on their chosen route and airline. Major airlines at this airport include Iberia, Vueling Airlines, and British Airways.

Top routes to Santa Cruz

• Madrid (MAD) to Santa Cruz (BIO/SDR), with one-way flight options from around $35
• Barcelona (BCN) to Santa Cruz (BIO/SDR), with one-way flight options from around $25
• London (LGW/LHR) to Santa Cruz (BIO), with one-way airfare from around $40
• New York (JFK) to Santa Cruz (BIO/SDR), with one-way flight options from around $230
• Miami (MIA) to Santa Cruz (BIO/SDR), with one-way fares starting at around $240

Cheapest routes to Santa Cruz

• Barcelona (BCN) to Santa Cruz (BIO/SDR), with budget one-way fares from around $25
• Valencia (VLC) to Santa Cruz (BIO), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $25
• Alicante (ALC) to Santa Cruz (BIO), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $25
• Porto (OPO) to Santa Cruz (BIO), with low one-way fares from around $30
• Seville (SVQ) to Santa Cruz (BIO), with cheap one-way fares from around $30

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Santa Cruz

• Iberia: This airline operates flights to Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Santander Airport (SDR), representing about 25% of arrivals in Santa Cruz. Expect an average one-way fare of around $300, with a premium cabin option that may include business class based on the route.
• Vueling Airlines: Offering services to both Bilbao Airport (BIO) and Santander Airport (SDR), Vueling accounts for approximately 21% of arrivals into Santa Cruz. Travelers can anticipate an average one-way fare of about $90.
• Air Europa: Flights to Bilbao Airport (BIO) are provided by Air Europa, making up around 15% of Santa Cruz arrivals. The average one-way fare is roughly $250, with a premium cabin option that may include business class depending on the specific route.
• Lufthansa: Known for flying to Bilbao Airport (BIO), Lufthansa contributes about 9% of arrivals to Santa Cruz. The typical one-way fare is around $380, and premium cabin options may feature business class, contingent on the route.
• United: United Airlines also flies to Bilbao Airport (BIO) and accounts for roughly 8% of arrivals in Santa Cruz. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $530, with business class available in select routes as a premium cabin option.

Best time to fly to Santa Cruz

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Santa Cruz are April, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Santa Cruz can reach up to 67.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 48.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $205), roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? April offers an average one-way fare of around $233, making it a good option for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Santa Cruz

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Santa Cruz is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Santa Cruz flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Santa Cruz efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Bilbao Airport, several key transport links are conveniently located nearby. Santutxu Station (a metro station) is about 6.3 miles from the airport and can be reached by car, while both Bilbao Seaport (a seaport) and Bilbao (YJI-Bilbao-Abando Train Station) (a train station) are each approximately 6.7 miles away, also accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Cruz, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Santa Cruz is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Santa Cruz on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Santa Cruz

• Voto: Located 6 miles away from Santa Cruz, Voto is a charming city that draws outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including Laredo Beach, which is perfect for a relaxing vacation. For those seeking adventure, the scenic Colina mountain offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Additionally, the Ason Waterfalls provide a romantic setting for nature lovers. Voto is an ideal destination for travelers looking to enjoy both relaxation and adventure amidst stunning landscapes.
• Colindres: Colindres is located 9 miles drive away from Santa Cruz and is a vibrant city perfect for those who appreciate the great outdoors and beach life. Visitors can explore the picturesque Laredo Beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Mount Buciero, which offers thrilling adventures and captivating scenery. The nearby Marshes of Santoña, Victoria, and Joyel Natural Park is a haven for nature lovers, making Colindres a fantastic spot for exploration and relaxation.
• Escalante: Escalante is located 11 miles away from Santa Cruz and is a delightful city that caters to travelers seeking outdoor activities and beach fun. The stunning Laredo Beach is a must-visit for sunbathers and swimmers. History buffs can explore the impressive Palacio de la Magdalena, while nature lovers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Marshes of Santoña, Victoria, and Joyel Natural Park. Escalante offers a lovely blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience.

Tips for short-haul flights to Santa Cruz

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning your outfits efficiently. This also allows you to avoid waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Santa Cruz

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, enjoy a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Santa Cruz on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Santa Cruz. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Santa Cruz. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Santa Cruz, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Santa Cruz

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Santa Cruz in 2026 starts from $800, while one-way tickets start from from $367. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Santa Cruz

American Airlines, Iberia are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Santa Cruz. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Santa Cruz and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Santa Cruz, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Santa Cruz. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Santa Cruz plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Santa Cruz.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Santa Cruz are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Santa Cruz. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Santa Cruz for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Santa Cruz. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Santa Cruz flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Santa Cruz. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.