Santa Barbara Airport: Location And Travel Tips

what airport is in santa barbara

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 7-10 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California, and offers a flyer-friendly experience with easy access from the terminal to the gate. The airport is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with nonstop daily flights to and from various destinations. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport has a rich history in aviation, dating back to the 1920s, and has been recognised for its environmentally sustainable terminal building.

Characteristics Values
Name Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
Airport Code SBA
Location 7-10 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, California, United States
Year founded 1928
Airlines Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Pacific Coast Airlines, Connectair, Apollo Airways
Number of runways 3
Parking Short-term, long-term, and economy parking available
Public transit Santa Barbara MTD Route 11, Amtrak
Awards Best Small Airport in the 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce 2025 Regional Business Awards

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Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 7-10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, also known by the code SBA, is located 7-10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. The airport is conveniently placed for those visiting the city, with a short drive of between 10 and 15 minutes. The airport is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, with nonstop flights to and from various destinations, including LAX, SFO, SEA, and ATL.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1928 when Gordon Sackett and Royce Stetson landed a Hisso-powered airplane in a cow pasture and set up a flight school. This airstrip evolved into an airfield as airplane manufacturing grew in the late 1930s. During World War II, the United States Government established a program to build 250 airports across the country, and Santa Barbara secured its place in this program. In 1941, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.

The airport has three runways in use: 7/25 and two parallel runways, 15/33. The original terminal has been restored and incorporated into the new terminal building, which features environmentally sustainable elements. The airport covers 948 acres of land and is mostly 10 to 15 feet above sea level. It borders the Goleta Slough, a wetland area.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport was recognised at the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce 2025 Regional Business Awards and has been nominated for Best Small Airport in the 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards. The airport provides a flyer-friendly experience with accessible parking and easy access from the terminal to the gate.

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The airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located just 10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, offering travellers a convenient and flyer-friendly experience with easy access from the terminal to the gate. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, which offer multiple nonstop daily flights to and from various destinations.

Alaska Airlines provides travellers with convenient options to reach Santa Barbara directly from several major cities. With its extensive network, Alaska Airlines connects Santa Barbara to other key hubs, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers. Their presence at the airport enhances the accessibility of the region, contributing to its appeal as a travel destination.

American Airlines, another prominent carrier, also plays a significant role in serving Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. The airline offers a range of non-stop flights, enhancing the airport's connectivity with other parts of the country. American Airlines' presence at the airport provides travellers with additional choices and flexibility when planning their journeys to and from Santa Barbara.

Delta Air Lines is also a key player at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, offering its renowned services to passengers travelling to and from the region. With their non-stop flight options, Delta contributes to the airport's growing reputation as a convenient travel gateway. The airline's presence further enhances the airport's capacity to accommodate a diverse range of travellers, from those on business trips to leisure seekers exploring the charms of Santa Barbara.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines round out the impressive roster of major airlines serving Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. Southwest Airlines initiated its operations at the airport in April 2021, introducing daily nonstop flights to destinations such as Las Vegas, Oakland, Denver, and Sacramento. United Airlines, on the other hand, provides travellers with additional options for seamless travel to and from Santa Barbara, contributing to the airport's status as a well-connected regional hub.

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It has three runways and offers nonstop flights to multiple destinations

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located just 7 to 10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, California, and offers a convenient and flyer-friendly experience with easy access from the terminal to the gate. The airport has a rich history in aviation, dating back to the early 20th century, and has been recognised for its achievements and design.

The airport has three runways in use: 7/25 and two parallel runways 15/33. The original layout included an additional strip, runway 3/21, but this was removed due to the development of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the construction of hangars for the Aero Spacelines Super Guppy. The airport covers 948 acres of land and is mostly 10 to 15 feet above sea level. It borders the Goleta Slough, a wetland area, and is in close proximity to the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the city of Goleta.

Santa Barbara Airport offers a range of nonstop flights to multiple destinations across the United States. Southwest Airlines, for example, operates daily nonstop flights to Las Vegas (LAS), Oakland (OAK), Denver (DEN), and Sacramento (SMF). The airport also provides multiple daily nonstop flights to and from LAX, SFO, SEA, PDX, DEN, PHX, DFW, ATL, and SLC.

In addition to its flight offerings, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport provides a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy parking. The airport has also been recognised for its environmentally sustainable design, receiving recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

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The airport provides various parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located around 7 to 10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. The airport offers a flyer-friendly experience with easy access from the terminal to the gate. It is also easily accessible by public transport, with the Santa Barbara MTD Route 11 bus stopping on Moffett Road across from the terminals.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport has three runways in use: 7/25 and two parallel runways, 15/33. The airport originally had an additional runway, 3/21, but this was removed due to the development of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the construction of hangars for the Aero Spacelines Super Guppy. The airport was recognised as a small hub primary airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2019, with 510,141 enplanements.

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Santa Barbara Airbus offers an alternative travel option with coach buses and private charters

Santa Barbara is served by Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is located near the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the city of Goleta. The airport offers multiple nonstop daily flights to and from several destinations, including LAX, SFO, and ATL. It provides a flyer-friendly experience with easy access from the terminal to the gate and parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots.

For those seeking an alternative to flying or a convenient way to commute to and from Los Angeles (LAX), the Santa Barbara Airbus provides a compelling option. With over 36 years of experience, they offer daily scheduled shuttle services and private charters, ensuring travel is easy, comfortable, and stress-free.

The Santa Barbara Airbus operates 16 trips between Santa Barbara and LAX every day, providing a cost-effective solution for those looking to avoid the hassle of driving. Their deluxe shuttle coaches are well-maintained and offer a relaxing travel experience. Passengers can book in advance online or over the phone, and walk-ons are also welcome. Discounts are available for early bookings and groups, making it an affordable choice.

In addition to the scheduled services, Santa Barbara Airbus also provides private charters for special events, catering to both small and large groups. These charters are ideal for weddings, parties, corporate events, and wine tours. The company also organizes day trips to various destinations, including entertainment venues, museums, and sporting events, ensuring that passengers can enjoy a variety of experiences.

The Santa Barbara Airbus has received numerous positive reviews, with passengers praising the comfort, convenience, and excellent staff. Many have highlighted the convenience of using the Airbus for trips to LAX, Dodger Stadium, and other destinations, allowing them to relax and enjoy their journey without the stress of driving. Overall, the Santa Barbara Airbus presents a compelling alternative travel option for those in the Santa Barbara area, offering both regular shuttle services and private charters to meet a range of travel needs.

Frequently asked questions

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.

SBA.

Santa Barbara Airport is located 7 to 10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara.

Airlines that fly to Santa Barbara Airport include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines.

Santa Barbara Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking at the terminal, with an economy parking lot located near Lopez Road and Hollister Avenue. The airport also provides easy access from the terminal to the gate, and live parking availability can be checked online.

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