$88 Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Seattle (SEA)

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

Explore a range of airlines offering weekly flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Seattle (SEA) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service or low-cost carriers, you can compare various options to find the itinerary that best suits your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to Seattle's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods, gather all the essential route information for flights from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 2h 45m 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 $80–$350, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Santa Barbara to Seattle, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover locations include San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offering around a 50-minute layover, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) also featuring about a 1 hour and 15-minute layover. This variety allows you to choose the best combination of price, total travel time, and cabin class for your journey.

• Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares generally between $80 and $365. It operates about 56% of departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight lasting around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• United: Another full-service option, United offers non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $90 to $360. They account for about 23% of departures, featuring a typical one-stop journey that takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in the air, totaling around 4 hours and 45 minutes of travel time.
• Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares typically between $80 and $355. This airline is responsible for roughly 14% of departures on this route, with a standard one-stop flight time of about 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of around 4 hours and 45 minutes.
• Delta: A full-service airline that specializes in one-stop flights, Delta offers one-way fares ranging from $80 to $245. They represent approximately 5% of the departures, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• Hawaiian Airlines: Known for full-service offerings, Hawaiian Airlines provides non-stop flights with one-way fares that typically fall between $100 and $430. This carrier accounts for around 2% of departures on this route, with a total travel time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Travelers flying from Santa Barbara to Seattle can enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. Alaska Airlines provides both first class and business class options, while United features first class service.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Santa Barbara to Seattle are March, April, and August, when peak temperatures in Seattle reach up to 67.5°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 55.8°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $166. Flight availability peaks in June and September, 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: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $166, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: May, August, and October typically offer average one-way fares of around $176.
• Most flight options: June and September have the highest number of flights from Santa Barbara to Seattle, with approximately 17 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 Santa Barbara (SBA) to Seattle (SEA)

• San Luis Obispo to Seattle (SBP-SEA): San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is located approximately 72 miles from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $80 and $400, influenced by factors such as the time of year and how far in advance you book. This route is commonly serviced by both direct and connecting flights. Leading airlines flying this route include Alaska Airlines and United. Additionally, options for business and first-class service are offered on this route.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Santa Barbara to Seattle 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 aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) often offer lower prices, while evening flights (6pm-12am) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday typically results in cheaper fares, despite Thursday being the most favored 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.*
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 Seattle - Tacoma International Airport from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Seattle, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Seattle - Tacoma International 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 Seattle - Tacoma International Airport, SeaTac/Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.3 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot, while Tukwila Station, a train station, is situated about 4.3 miles away and is most conveniently accessed by car.

Santa Barbara to Seattle Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Santa Barbara to Seattle

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

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

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

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 Seattle in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $88 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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.