$149 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

View $149 flight on Sat, May 30, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Santa Barbara (DCA-SBA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $149 for one-way flights and $281 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Wed, Aug 12 - Wed, Aug 19
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$281 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 12 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Wed, Aug 19, priced at $281 found 9 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Sat, Sep 19
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$297 Roundtrip, just found
$297
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $297 just found
United
Sat, Aug 29 - Sat, Sep 19
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$297 Roundtrip, just found
$297
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $297 just found
Delta
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 11
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$302 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$302
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Aug 4 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Tue, Aug 11, priced at $302 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Aug 12 - Wed, Aug 19
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$303 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$303
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 12 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Wed, Aug 19, priced at $303 found 9 hours ago
Delta
Tue, Jun 9 - Tue, Jun 16
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$307 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$307
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Jun 9 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Tue, Jun 16, priced at $307 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Aug 12 - Wed, Aug 19
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$309 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 12 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Wed, Aug 19, priced at $309 found 9 hours ago
United
Wed, Jun 3 - Wed, Jun 10
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$317 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jun 3 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Wed, Jun 10, priced at $317 found 4 days ago
United
Sat, May 9 - Sat, May 16
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$322 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$322
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, May 9 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Sat, May 16, priced at $322 found 4 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Fri, May 29 - Mon, Jun 8
DCA
Washington
SBA
Santa Barbara
$331 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$331
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, May 29 from Washington to Santa Barbara, returning Mon, Jun 8, priced at $331 found 16 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 $497
SBA
Santa Barbara Municipal
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center12 min
Flights from $497

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $149 and cheap return flights from $281 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $195 and $1277, and roundtrip flights usually range from $449 to $1809. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
October is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA) to Santa Barbara (SBA), with average round-trip fares around $368. This is about 32% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to decrease after the summer. Other economical months for this route include February and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
Enter DCA to SBA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) with a layover in Love Field (DAL), starting from around $288 for a round-trip ticket. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
For flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Santa Barbara (SBA), October and February are the best months to travel. You can find return flights for about $368, making these months both affordable and enjoyable. October offers beautiful fall scenery, while February is typically quieter, allowing for a more relaxed travel experience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Municipal) usually leaves at 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This service is seasonal and runs in April, May, and June. An early start can give you a full day to enjoy Santa Barbara upon arrival. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Santa Barbara (SBA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 48% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Santa Barbara with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
A flight from DCA to SBA with a layover takes around 8 hours, with the route covering approximately 2,371 miles. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
First class seats are offered on the DCA to SBA route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
If you're planning to travel to Santa Barbara from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Midway Intl. (MDW), Love Field (DAL) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$281
Distance
2370 mi

Book with confidence

Washington to Santa Barbara Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington 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 Washington to Santa Barbara are during the month of August. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Santa Barbara with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Santa Barbara in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $149 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Santa Barbara Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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