$539 Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Merced (MCE)

View $539 flight on Tue, Nov 18, 2025Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced, CA (MCE-Merced Municipal)

Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara to Merced (SBA-MCE)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $539 for one-way flights and $1,251 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Alaska Airlines
Mon, Nov 10 - Fri, Nov 14
SBA
Santa Barbara
MCE
Merced
$1,251 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,251
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 10 from Santa Barbara to Merced, returning Fri, Nov 14, priced at $1,251 found 6 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Mon, Nov 10 - Fri, Nov 14
SBA
Santa Barbara
MCE
Merced
$1,283 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,283
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 10 from Santa Barbara to Merced, returning Fri, Nov 14, priced at $1,283 found 6 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Mon, Nov 10 - Fri, Nov 14
SBA
Santa Barbara
MCE
Merced
$1,286 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,286
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 10 from Santa Barbara to Merced, returning Fri, Nov 14, priced at $1,286 found 6 days ago

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE) cost?
Get a cheap one-way flight from $539 or cheap return flight from $1,251 from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE) with Expedia. Enter your travel dates and sort by "Price (lowest to highest)" to find our cheapest flight offers on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE)?
November is the cheapest month to fly from SBA to MCE. Planning your trip for the off-season is often the key to finding a great deal.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE)?
To find the cheapest airline that'll fly you from SBA to MCE, use Expedia's filter tool. Tailor your search based on what's important to you, such as preferred carriers and cabin class. You can then sort your results by "Price (lowest to highest)" to discover the cheapest flight right away.
How many flights per day from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE)?
Direct flights from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE) aren't available daily, so you'll need to take a flight with a layover. Explore your options with our filter tool. Enter your dates and choose either "1 Stop" or "2+ Stops."
What day of the week has the most flights from SBA to MCE?
Friday is typically the busiest day for flights, while Tuesday tends to be the quietest.* Remember that flight schedules can vary depending on various factors, including the airline and season.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE)?
To avoid possible delays on the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE) route, fly before 3 PM. Later flights have a 22% higher chance of being canceled.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE) last-minute?
Last-minute fares from SBA to MCE are generally more expensive. To secure the best rates, start searching for flights as soon as possible. That being said, if your travel plans are flexible, it's possible to land a cheap fare right before your trip.
Is it cheaper to book a SBA to MCE flight and hotel package?
Booking a SBA to MCE flight and hotel package tends to be cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the convenience of organizing your trip in one place. Pick from our wide range of hotels and then add flights, car rentals and activities to your booking. Bundle it all together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Merced Municipal Airport (MCE)?
In most instances, you're able to cancel or reschedule your SBA to MCE flight. However, additional charges may apply, especially if you booked over 24 hours ago. Check your itinerary for the airline's fees and guidelines on flight changes, or if you'd like more details, head to our Customer Service portal.

Travel information

Origin airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
Destination airport
Merced Municipal
Roundtrip price
$1,251
Distance
201 mi

Book with confidence

Santa Barbara to Merced Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Santa Barbara to Merced

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Santa Barbara to Merced are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Santa Barbara to Merced with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Santa Barbara to Merced

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Santa Barbara to Merced: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Santa Barbara to Merced

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Santa Barbara to Merced in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $539 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Santa Barbara to Merced flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Santa Barbara to Merced airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

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

 

Santa Barbara to Merced Flights

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*Available to One Key members.