Santa Barbara's Airport: A Travel Gateway To Explore

Santa Barbara, California, is a beautiful destination with stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and fun activities. Conveniently, it is easily accessible via 12 non-stop flights from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). Santa Barbara Airport is located just 7 to 10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, offering travellers a seamless journey from terminal to gate. With daily departures and multiple non-stop flights to and from major hubs, including Dallas, Denver, and Los Angeles, it is relatively easy and convenient to fly to Santa Barbara. The airport reflects the area's laid-back attitude and distinctive architecture, featuring a Spanish-style terminal building with red tile roofs and dark wood beams. Santa Barbara's aviation history dates back to 1914, when Lincoln Beachey first flew an airplane across Goleta Valley, and the airport has since become a landmark of aviation and architectural history.

Santa Barbara Airport location

Santa Barbara Airport, also known as Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, is located 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Santa Barbara, California, United States. The airport is situated near the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the city of Goleta. It is easily accessible from State Route 217, with an exit at Sandspit Road, and can also be reached from US 101 via State Route 217 or Fairview Avenue.

The airfield spans 948 acres (384 hectares) and features three runways. Most of the airport sits just 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.6 meters) above sea level, bordering the Goleta Slough wetland area. The airport offers a convenient and flyer-friendly experience, with daily departures and multiple nonstop flights to major hubs across the United States.

Santa Barbara Airport boasts a beautifully designed terminal that reflects the area's laid-back attitude and distinctive architecture. The terminal features a variety of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, dining options, unique shopping opportunities, and artwork displays. It is known for its ease of access from the terminal to the gate, ensuring a smooth journey for travellers.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation in the region. It has undergone various developments and expansions over the years, including the addition of runways, hangars, and environmentally sustainable elements. Santa Barbara Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it is a gateway to the beauty, cuisine, and culture that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Santa Barbara Airport history

Santa Barbara Airport, officially known as Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. The airport is a convenient gateway to the region, offering a flyer-friendly experience with easy access from the terminal to the gate. With its quaint yet bustling atmosphere, SBA embodies the spirit of Santa Barbara, known for its Mediterranean-inspired weather, stunning architecture, and healthy lifestyle.

The history of SBA is deeply rooted in the evolution of aviation in the region. It all started in 1914 when Lincoln Beachey made history by flying an airplane across the Goleta Valley. This event marked the beginning of aviation in Santa Barbara. Two years later, in 1916, the Loughead brothers, who later changed their name to Lockheed, established a seaplane factory on State Street and constructed a wooden ramp on West Beach to launch their planes. This pioneering effort laid the foundation for Santa Barbara's aviation industry.

In 1928, Gordon Sackett and Royce Stetson made their mark by landing a Hisso-powered airplane in a cow pasture near the intersection of Hollister and Fairview Avenues. This historic moment signified the birth of the first airstrip in Santa Barbara. Their achievement also highlighted the region's growing importance as a hub for aviation education and innovation.

As the aviation industry expanded in the late 1930s, Santa Barbara's airstrip transformed into a thriving airfield. Western General, a prominent aircraft manufacturer, set up operations and began producing Meteor airplanes for military and civilian use. Frederick Stearns II, the founder of Santa Barbara Airways, played a pivotal role in expanding the airport's infrastructure. Under his leadership, two additional runways and two large hangars were constructed, and the installation of radio equipment ushered in a new era of communication and navigation at the airfield.

The introduction of commercial air travel further solidified SBA's status as a vital transportation hub. In 1932, Pacific Seaboard Airlines launched commercial service, connecting Santa Barbara to destinations across the region. United Airlines joined the fray in 1936, offering convenient access to domestic and international destinations from Santa Barbara/Goleta.

As World War II loomed, the United States Government established a defence program to construct 250 airports across the country, sharing costs with local governments. Thomas M. Storke ensured Santa Barbara's participation in this program, and in 1941, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. The airport became a crucial base for military aircraft during the war, reflecting its strategic location on the West Coast.

The original Spanish-style terminal building, designed by the architectural duo of William Edwards and Joseph Plunkett, was commissioned by United Airlines in 1942. Their work, including the iconic Arlington Theatre and the National Armory, significantly influenced the Mediterranean style that characterises Santa Barbara's architecture.

Following World War II, SBA entered a new era of growth and expansion. The rise of commercial air travel brought a surge in passenger traffic and the introduction of new airline services. The airport underwent extensive modernisation, with upgrades to terminal buildings, runways, and air traffic control systems, enhancing efficiency and safety for travellers.

Today, SBA continues to embrace technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. The airport prioritises environmental stewardship by adopting energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and alternative energy sources like solar power. Additionally, SBA strives to enhance the passenger experience through renovations and improvements to terminal facilities, offering modern amenities and comfortable seating areas.

From its early beginnings as a cow pasture airstrip to its current status as a bustling transportation hub, SBA has played a vital role in connecting communities and driving economic growth in the region. As Santa Barbara's gateway to the world, SBA remains a symbol of progress, innovation, and the enduring spirit of flight.

Airlines that serve Santa Barbara Airport

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. The airport is served by several major airlines, offering daily departures and multiple nonstop flights to and from various destinations across the United States. Here is a detailed overview of the airlines serving Santa Barbara Airport and their respective routes:

Alaska Airlines:

Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights to and from Seattle (SEA) and Portland (PDX). They also provide service to San Diego, which was added as a destination in 2021 but was discontinued at the start of 2023.

American Airlines:

American Airlines provides nonstop flights to Dallas (DFW) and Phoenix (PHX). They also offer convenient connections to other destinations through their affiliate, American Eagle Airlines.

Delta Air Lines:

Delta Air Lines serves Santa Barbara Airport with nonstop flights to Atlanta (ATL) and Salt Lake City (SLC). Delta Connection, their partner, operates these flights using Embraer 175 aircraft.

Southwest Airlines:

Southwest Airlines operates daily nonstop flights to Las Vegas (LAS), Oakland (OAK), Denver (DEN), and Sacramento (SMF). They began serving Santa Barbara Airport in 2021 and utilize Boeing 737 series aircraft for their routes.

United Airlines:

United Airlines offers nonstop flights to Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO). They have a long history with Santa Barbara Airport, dating back to the 1930s, and provide convenient connections to various destinations.

Surf Air:

Surf Air is a smaller carrier that serves the Santa Barbara Airport, offering flights to San Carlos (SQL) and Hawthorne (HHR).

Santa Barbara Airport facilities

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. The airport offers a flyer-friendly experience with ease of access from terminal to gate and daily departures and multiple nonstop flights to and from major hubs. The beautifully designed facility reflects the area's laid-back attitude and distinctive architecture. Here is a detailed overview of the facilities at Santa Barbara Airport:

Parking:

Santa Barbara Airport provides both short-term and long-term parking options available at the terminal. There is also an economy parking lot located near Lopez Road and Hollister Avenue, north of the airport. Live parking availability for all three parking lots can be checked online.

Ground Transportation:

The airport offers convenient ground transportation options. The Santa Barbara MTD Route 11 bus service connects the airport to the MTD Transit Center, located approximately one mile from the Santa Barbara station, served by Amtrak. Taxis and private shuttles are also available from designated zones outside the terminal.

Amenities:

The airport terminal boasts a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment for travellers. It offers various amenities, including free Wi-Fi, dining options, locally owned shopping opportunities, and unique artwork. A private lactation pod is available for travelling parents, and family restrooms accommodate diverse needs.

Art and Culture:

Santa Barbara Airport showcases the region's arts and culture through its Public Art Program. Passengers can enjoy commissioned art, long-term loans of existing art, and rotating exhibits of regional art, providing a unique cultural experience while waiting for their flights.

Accessibility:

Santa Barbara Airport prioritizes accessibility with ADA-compliant spots in the parking lots. These accessible parking spaces are available even if the short-term or long-term lots are labelled as full.

Environmental Sustainability:

The airport terminal incorporates environmentally sustainable elements in its design. It is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and features energy-efficient systems and materials.

Santa Barbara Airport ground transportation

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located just 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California. The airport offers a range of ground transportation options to get you to your destination, whether it be a hotel, tourist attraction, business, or residence in the area. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your way from the airport:

By Shuttle

Shuttle services are a convenient and efficient way to travel to and from the airport. The Central Coast Shuttle Service provides transportation from North Santa Barbara County to SBA. Additionally, the Chumash Casino Shuttle and Santa Barbara Airbus offer shuttle services to and from the airport. If you're parking at the economy lot, a shuttle runs every 15 minutes between the lot and the terminal, with no reservation required.

By Taxi

For a more direct journey, you can find several taxi companies operating at SBA, including American Taxi, Arrow Cab, Atlas Taxi, Channa Taxi, Checker Cab, Crown Cab, Glory Taxi, and many others. These taxis are readily available outside the terminal for your convenience.

By Rideshare

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at SBA. You can be dropped off or picked up by your driver right in front of the terminal. Follow the instructions on your app to find the designated meeting point for pick-up.

By Bus or Train

If you prefer public transportation, the Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) Public Buses serve the airport. You can find a bus stop on Moffett Road, across from the terminal. Additionally, the nearby Amtrak Train station offers another travel option, with connections to various destinations.

By Car

For those who prefer to drive themselves, rental car services are available at the airport. The airport is easily accessible via State Route 217 or US 101, with short-term and long-term parking options available at the terminal and an economy parking lot located near Lopez Road and Hollister Avenue.

With these ground transportation options, getting to and from Santa Barbara Airport is straightforward and hassle-free, allowing you to start and end your trip in true Santa Barbara style.

Frequently asked questions