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$117 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

View $117 flight on Wed, Sep 2, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

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Cheap Flights from Seattle to Santa Barbara (SEA-SBA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $117 for one-way flights and $207 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$207 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$207
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $207 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Sep 3 - Sun, Sep 6
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$212 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$212
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Sep 3 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $212 found 1 day ago
United
Mon, Aug 31 - Tue, Sep 1
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$219 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$219
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Tue, Sep 1, priced at $219 found 5 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 30
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$223 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$223
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 16 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $223 found 3 hours ago
United
Fri, Aug 28 - Mon, Aug 31
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$229 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$229
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Aug 28 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Mon, Aug 31, priced at $229 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Sep 3 - Sun, Sep 6
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$231 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$231
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Sep 3 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $231 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Sep 2 - Sat, Sep 12
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$234 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$234
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $234 found 3 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Wed, Sep 30
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$235 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$235
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 16 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $235 found 3 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Wed, Oct 28
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$257 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$257
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 24 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Wed, Oct 28, priced at $257 found 13 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Sep 2 - Sat, Sep 12
SEA
Seattle
SBA
Santa Barbara
$257 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$257
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from Seattle to Santa Barbara, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $257 found 3 hours ago

Alternative airports near Santa Barbara

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Santa Barbara Municipal SBA. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 12 minutes. Flights from $257
SBA
Santa Barbara Municipal
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center12 min
Flights from $257

What you need to know for your flight from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. to Santa Barbara Municipal

Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines providing weekly flights from Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA) on this short domestic route. You can choose between full-service and budget carriers to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you plan your trip to enjoy Santa Barbara's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods, be sure to check the essential details for flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
  • Flights per week: around 14 flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $75–$355, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Seattle to Santa Barbara, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for layovers at popular hubs such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with an average layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Oakland International Airport (OAK) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with a 50-minute layover. This allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

  • Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $80 and $390. It represents around 61% of departures on this route, offering a typical non-stop travel duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • United: A reputable full-service airline, United offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $90 to $370. It constitutes about 17% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes (including layover).
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $75 and $400. It accounts for roughly 12% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total trip time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes (with layover).
  • Delta: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $75 and $345. Delta makes up around 5% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey duration of about 4 hours and 45 minutes (including layover).
  • Hawaiian Airlines: A full-service carrier, Hawaiian Airlines provides non-stop service with one-way fares generally ranging from $100 to $340. It represents about 4% of departures on this route, with a total travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Travelers flying from Seattle to Santa Barbara can opt for an upgrade. Alaska Airlines provides both first class and business class service on this route, ensuring a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Seattle to Santa Barbara are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Santa Barbara reach up to 60.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 60.4°F. For better deals, March and May usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $170. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 17 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 11 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: March and May usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $170, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: January and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $178.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Seattle to Santa Barbara, with approximately 17 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Average11$174
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Moderately High12$194
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Moderately High12$170
April60.3°F (15.7°C)Moderately High13$233
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Average15$170
June68.2°F (20.1°C)Average16$216
July72.1°F (22.3°C)Average16$214
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Average14$200
September71.6°F (22.0°C)Average15$182
October66.7°F (19.3°C)Moderately Low15$203
November60.4°F (15.8°C)Moderately Low13$201
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Moderately Low17$203

*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.

Alternative route from Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

  • Seattle to San Luis Obispo (SEA-SBP): San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) lies approximately 72 miles from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). One-way economy prices for this journey generally fall between $80 and $420, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. The route offers both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include Alaska Airlines and United. Additionally, travelers can choose from business and first-class service options available on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

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

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (5am-12pm) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12pm-6pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday tends to be cheaper, although Friday remains the most sought-after travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Santa Barbara hotel and flight deals.
  4. 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.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport

Santa Barbara welcomes travelers from Seattle with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Seattle. Santa Barbara city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 10 miles) from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Santa Barbara efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Santa Barbara, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, UC Santa Barbara Station, a train station, is located about 1.6 miles away by car, providing convenient access to rail services for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $117 and cheap return flights from $207 Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $113 to $672, and return flights typically cost between $234 and $1004. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
January is typically the cheapest month to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA), with average round-trip fares around $218. This price is about 25% lower than the average throughout the year, as demand is generally lower after the holiday season. Other affordable months to consider are August and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
Enter SEA to SBA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
Alaska Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $300. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
To find a cheap flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The best airline to fly with from Seattle, WA (SEA) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Alaska Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Alaska Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from SEA to SBA, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
When flying from Seattle to Santa Barbara, January and September are your best bets, with average return flight prices around $218. These months provide a nice balance of affordability and favorable weather, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from SEA to SBA. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Seattle-Tacoma Intl. (SEA) to Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) are in the late afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning in Seattle before heading to Santa Barbara.
How long does it take to fly from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
A nonstop flight from SEA to SBA typically takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 909 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
You can fly first class between SEA and SBA. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
A round-trip business class ticket from Seattle (SEA) to Santa Barbara (SBA) typically costs between $1,000 - $1,865. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $538 - $738. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Santa Barbara from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA)?
If you're planning to travel to Santa Barbara from Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), you can fly into Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Denver Intl. (DEN), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) before reaching Santa Barbara. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
If you booked your Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Seattle - Tacoma Intl.
Destination airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$206
Distance
908 mi
Average flight time
4 hours 17 mins

Book with confidence

Seattle to Santa Barbara Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Seattle to Santa Barbara

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 Seattle to Santa Barbara are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Seattle to Santa Barbara with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Seattle to Santa Barbara: 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 Seattle to Santa Barbara

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 Seattle to Santa Barbara in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $117 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 Seattle to Santa Barbara 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 Seattle to Santa Barbara 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.

 

Seattle to Santa Barbara Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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