SBA - SFO

$79 Find Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco departing on 8/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to San Francisco

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Flights Deals

Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco (SBA-SFO)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

Thu, Aug 7 - Mon, Aug 11
Southwest Logo
11:20 am - 7:50 pmSBA-SFO
8h 30m1 stop
Southwest Logo
5:15 pm - 10:25 pmSFO-SBA
5h 10m1 stop
$162Southwest
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Thu, Aug 7 - Thu, Aug 14
Southwest Logo
11:20 am - 7:50 pmSBA-SFO
8h 30m1 stop
Southwest Logo
6:20 am - 2:20 pmSFO-SBA
8h 00m2 stops
$168Southwest
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Fri, Aug 29 - Mon, Sep 1
United Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 7:40 amSBA-SFO
1h 10mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:00 pm - 10:14 pmSFO-SBA
1h 14mnonstop
$178United Airlines
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Sat, Aug 9 - Tue, Aug 12
Southwest Logo
5:25 am - 9:05 amSBA-SFO
3h 40m1 stop
Southwest Logo
5:15 am - 1:30 pmSFO-SBA
8h 15m1 stop
$184Southwest
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Tue, Sep 9 - Tue, Sep 16
United Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 7:40 amSBA-SFO
1h 10mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
4:30 pm - 5:44 pmSFO-SBA
1h 14mnonstop
$197United Airlines
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Fri, Oct 3 - Sun, Oct 5
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:29 pm - 4:16 pmSBA-SFO
20h 47m2 stops
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:23 am - 6:41 pmSFO-SBA
10h 18m1 stop
$338Alaska Airlines
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Fri, Sep 19 - Mon, Sep 22
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 8:20 pmSBA-SFO
12h 50m2 stops
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:58 pm - 10:37 amSFO-SBA
12h 39m2 stops
$343Alaska Airlines
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Sat, Jul 5 - Wed, Jul 9
Logo
6:30 am - 7:39 amSBA-SFO
1h 09mnonstop
Logo
7:00 am - 6:40 pmSFO-SBA
11h 40m1 stop
$525
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Sat, Jul 19 - Mon, Jul 21
American Airlines Logo
12:51 pm - 10:37 pmSBA-SFO
9h 46m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 6:18 pmSFO-SBA
11h 48m2 stops
$803American Airlines
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Sat, Jun 28 - Sat, Jul 5
American Airlines Logo
1:10 pm - 8:58 pmSBA-SFO
7h 48m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 6:18 pmSFO-SBA
11h 48m2 stops
$830American Airlines
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KAYAK's insights & trends for Santa Barbara to San Francisco flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to San Francisco on a Saturday and more expensive on a Sunday. On your return trip to Santa Barbara, you should consider flying back on a Wednesday, and avoid Fridays for better deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco is September, where tickets cost $284 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are February and January, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $432 and $397 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, you should book around 4 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 14 weeks before departure.

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Good to know

Low seasonApril
High seasonNovember
Cheapest flight$79
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 3% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 1% increase in price.
Flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

When to book flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Santa Barbara to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

  • Where can I spend the night at San Francisco airport?

    Passengers looking to spend the night at the airport because they arrived late can spend the night at terminal 1. There is a hallway towards gate 50, near the yoga room. The hallway is equipped with comfortable couches that you can utilize. You just need to carry an extra blanket for more comfort.

  • How can I fly from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    From Santa Barbara airport to San Francisco, there are a number of flights or airlines that you can use, for instance, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, that offer nonstop flight options. Alternatively, if you want to save money, you can opt for connecting flights with one-stop options. For instance, American and United airlines offer connecting flights with layovers at LAX and PHX.

  • Are there any onsite hotels in San Francisco?

    There are many top-rated hotels at and near San Francisco Airport, so if you are landing late, you can consider booking with them. You can book your stay with Grand Hyatt At SFO, Aloft San Francisco Airport hotel, SFO Airport Hotel, El Rancho Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. These hotels offer exceptional services, including free airport shuttle services.

  • What amenities does Santa Barbara airport offer nursing mothers?

    Nursing mothers traveling through Santa Barbara airport will have a chance to use the special nursing room located on the terminal building's second floor. The room is well equipped with a rocking baby chair, a changing table, a shower for the mothers and a private room for pumping the milk or for breastfeeding.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco was $79 for a one-way ticket and $162 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Santa Barbara and San Francisco?

    No, a passport isn't needed to fly from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. However, local authorities might ask for an official ID.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, and Delta offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Santa Barbara to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    The Embraer 175 (Enhanced Winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Santa Barbara to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    Star Alliance is the only airline alliance operating flights between Santa Barbara and San Francisco.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    There are nonstop flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco on a daily basis.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Francisco from Santa Barbara is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to San Francisco with an airline and back to Santa Barbara with another airline. Booking your flights between Santa Barbara and SFO can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to San Francisco from Santa Barbara up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $186 or less one-way and $331 or less round-trip.
  • It’s important to arrive at Santa Barbara airport (SBA) at least 2h earlier before takeoff. This is because Santa Barbara airport is busy sometimes. Coming early will give you a chance to get done with the security check on time and get your ticket and boarding pass.
  • Santa Barbara provides a variety of parking locations when you are flying out of Santa Barbara to San Francisco. You can use the international parking lot on the third floor at terminal 1 if you intend to park for a long time. They also have a daily parking lot at the new garage next to the gate. This parking lot allows travelers to park for a few hours. There are other parking lots on the ground floor and the second floor. Shuttle drivers and drivers coming to pick up and drop off passengers can use them.
  • While you are waiting to board your flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, you can take advantage of the extensive selection of amenities provided at the departure and arrival hall. You can grab something to snack on at the restaurant on your left from the baggage claim area.
  • There is entertainment available on board your flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. You can watch a movie and play games with other passengers. There are also kid-friendly games and a channel on the offered TV channels. Additionally, they offer amenities and services like meals, drinks, and snacks.
  • When you arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can visit the information desk or office in terminal 1 if you're interested in learning more specific details. As an alternative, you might speak with their employees who are close to you; they might be able to assist. For instance, you can ask any close staff member where the children's changing area is located. You are not required to visit the office.

Prefer to fly direct from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.
Find which airlines fly direct from Santa Barbara Airport to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Santa Barbara to San Francisco

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Thursday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Saturday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Santa Barbara

Monday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Emirates, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Tuesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Emirates, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Wednesday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Emirates, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Thursday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Emirates, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Friday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Emirates, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Saturday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Emirates, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

Sunday

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Emirates, +2 more

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, +3 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top airline flying from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Santa Barbara to San Francisco? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.4
United AirlinesOverall score based on 8809 reviews
7.0Entertainment
8.1Crew
6.6Food
7.7Boarding
7.3Comfort
Airline reviews

Boarding was mayhem. Late boarding by 15 minutes because of lack of staff (missing 1 flight attendant. We had to wait for an arrival of another plane before we could board). Flight was a little rough, but cannot blame on airlines.

8.0 ExcellentLawrence, Jun 2025HNL - SFO
Read more United Airlines reviews

Boarding was mayhem. Late boarding by 15 minutes because of lack of staff (missing 1 flight attendant. We had to wait for an arrival of another plane before we could board). Flight was a little rough, but cannot blame on airlines.

Airbus plane, nice and polite staff, entertainment even as it was a short flight.

United out of SFO is having issues with catering so none of our meals were loaded on the plane and no offer of compensation for our tickets purchased was offered.

Its good expeince but in enternteiment please be like you tube the music i like or movie

A bit rush for transit. Food and entertainment are not available

The gate was too far away for the connecting flight

Generally good. The aisles have gotten narrower which can slow down boarding. Flight crew was great! Healthier complimentary snacks would be appreciated. Due to earthquake in San Francisco we had to circle in air space for a bit but then had a smooth landing. I laud the flight crew for their patience ;)

The agents was very rude and they charged me $50 for a carry-on bag saying that it was too big and then I saw someone going on a plane with the same size bag as me

For the most part united was a good experience, how ever when they came by with the snacks and water, they completely passed by my wife and I. As we were in separate rows. On a 5 hr flight we were not offered water

Fantastic crew. Flight was delayed at last minute but we were given updates every 20 minutes and the crew was so friendly and considerate. I miss the touch screens on the back of the seats, wish they would bring that back though.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

Information on your arrival and departure airports

Santa Barbara (SBA)
San Francisco (SFO)

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