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$117 Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $117 flight on Sat, Jan 16, 2027Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara to Sacramento (SBA-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $117 for one-way flights and $157 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Wed, Nov 4
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$157 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$157
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $157 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Thu, Oct 15
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$172 Roundtrip, found 5 days ago
$172
Roundtrip
found 5 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 14 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Thu, Oct 15, priced at $172 found 5 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Sat, Sep 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$188 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$188
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $188 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Wed, Nov 4
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$192 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$192
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $192 found 3 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 7
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$205 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$205
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $205 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Fri, Oct 16
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$215 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$215
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $215 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Wed, Nov 4
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$227 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$227
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $227 found 3 days ago
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$297 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$297
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $297 found 8 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 29 - Sat, Oct 31
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$629 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$629
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $629 found 8 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
SBA
Santa Barbara
SMF
Sacramento
$753 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$753
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $753 found 3 days ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Sacramento (SMF)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $116 - $292 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Santa Barbara Municipal to Sacramento Intl.

Santa Barbara (SBA) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Travel between Santa Barbara (SBA) and Sacramento (SMF) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Whether you’re seeking affordable flights from Santa Barbara or exploring options for your itinerary, you can compare full-service and low-cost carriers to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. Discover the essential information for flights from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) as you plan your visit to Sacramento's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $85–$355, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover airports include San Francisco International Airport (SFO, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, about 1 hour 30 minutes), and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS, roughly 55 minutes). These choices allow you to combine factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way prices usually falling between $85 and $360. It represents about 69% of the departures for this route, featuring a typical non-stop travel duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • United: A comprehensive airline that offers one-stop options, United's one-way fares generally range from $115 to $350. It makes up roughly 29% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes when including layovers.
  • Alaska Airlines: Another full-service option, Alaska Airlines provides one-stop service at one-way prices typically between $160 and $305. This airline accounts for about 2% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey duration of around 3 hours and 45 minutes, including any layovers.

Travelers flying from Santa Barbara to Sacramento can opt to upgrade their journey, as United Airlines provides first class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Santa Barbara to Sacramento are March, April, and November, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 59.7°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 76.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $171). Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, April, June, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $171, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Santa Barbara to Sacramento, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January48.6°F (9.2°C)Average8$216
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Average10$205
March53.6°F (12.0°C)High10$227
April59.7°F (15.4°C)High8$228
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Average10$197
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Low8$209
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Low10$239
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Low9$171
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Average9$212
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Average11$218
November54.9°F (12.7°C)High10$199
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average8$206

*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 Sacramento (SMF)

  • Santa Barbara to Sacramento (SBA-SAC): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) lies approximately 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

How to find the best prices for flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Santa Barbara to Sacramento 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, often offer lower prices and are the most popular, while flying on Wednesday typically yields cheaper rates, despite Friday being the busiest 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 Sacramento International Airport from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

Sacramento 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. Here's how to reach Sacramento efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sacramento, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Sacramento International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sacramento 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 Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento Valley Station, a train station, is about 9 miles away, while 7th & Richards/Township 9 Station, a metro station, is located around 8.6 miles from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $117 and cheap return flights from $157 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $159 and $899, and return flights often range between $284 and $1068. 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SBA to SMF 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Enter SBA to SMF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA) to Sacramento, CA (SMF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $157. 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.), 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from SBA to SMF, 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
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.
How many flights per day from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
There are approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from SBA to SMF. 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is great for those looking to start their day early and make the most of their time in Sacramento.
How long does it take to fly from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from SBA to SMF takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 311 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 4 hours longer than direct options. 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from SBA to SMF. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Sacramento from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA)?
From Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) to reach Sacramento. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO) before reaching Sacramento. 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) Sacramento Vacation Packages 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) 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
Santa Barbara Municipal
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$157
Distance
310 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 18 mins

Book with confidence

Santa Barbara to Sacramento Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Santa Barbara to Sacramento

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

 

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

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

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 Sacramento 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 Santa Barbara to Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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