$268 Cheap Flights from Durango (DRO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Popular airlines from Durango–La Plata County Airport (DRO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
UnitedUnited
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Cheap Flights from Durango to Santa Barbara (DRO-SBA)
Alternative airports near Santa Barbara
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Durango (DRO) to Santa Barbara (SBA) at a glance
Travel seamlessly between Durango (DRO) and Santa Barbara (SBA) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Evaluate options from full-service carriers to identify the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans while you discover Santa Barbara’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Access key information for flights from La Plata County Airport (DRO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to help you plan your journey.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$335, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from La Plata County Airport (DRO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines flying from Durango to Santa Barbara, often favored for their one-stop services. Popular layover options include Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Denver International Airport (DEN), which has a layover of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. This allows you the freedom to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to discover the best itinerary for your journey.
- American Airlines: As a premier full-service airline, American Airlines provides one-stop flights, commanding about 82% of departures on this route. One-way fares generally fall between $100 and $335, with a flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
- United: Another full-service option, United accounts for around 18% of departures, offering one-stop service with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $120 to $255. Passengers can expect an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a complete journey time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
How to find the best prices for flights from Durango (DRO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Durango to Santa Barbara is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically available when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Flights departing in the evening (6 PM to 12 AM) are usually less expensive, whereas morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular; additionally, flying on Thursday offers both lower prices and high demand.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 La Plata County Airport
Santa Barbara welcomes travelers from Durango with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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 conveniently located about 1.6 miles away by car, making it easily accessible for travelers seeking rail connections.
Durango to Santa Barbara Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Durango 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 Durango to Santa Barbara are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Durango to Santa Barbara with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Durango to Santa Barbara
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Durango 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 Durango 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 Durango to Santa Barbara in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $268 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 Durango 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 Durango 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $268 and cheap return flights $284 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $185 and $468, and roundtrip flights usually range from $291 to $1054. 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The cheapest month to fly from DRO to SBA is October when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
Enter DRO to SBA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Durango, CO (DRO) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $200. 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
To find a cheap flight from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The earliest flight from La Plata County Airport (DRO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) usually departs at around 5:15 AM, operated by United and Alaska Airlines. This early flight can help you make the most of your day in Santa Barbara, giving you time to explore the beautiful coastal city. 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Santa Barbara with plenty of time to enjoy the day.
How long does it take to fly from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
A flight from DRO to SBA with a layover takes around 7 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 703 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
First class seats are offered on the DRO to SBA route with American Airlines and United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) 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 La Plata County (DRO)?
If you're planning to travel to Santa Barbara from La Plata County (DRO), you can fly into Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) 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 Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) to Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal)?
If you booked your Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County) 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 | Durango–La Plata County Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Santa Barbara Municipal Airport |
Distance | 702 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, United |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $284 |