Airports Near Santa Barbara
The closest airports to Santa Barbara, California: IATA codes, names and distances, each with a full airport guide covering terminals, lounges and transit.
The nearest airport to Santa Barbara, California is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), about 8 mi (13 km) away — roughly 27 min by road.
| Code | Airport | Distance | Transfer | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA | Santa Barbara Municipal AirportSanta Barbara, United States | 8 mi / 13 km | 27 min | Regional |
| SQA | Santa Ynez AirportSanta Ynez, United States | 25 mi / 40 km | 48 min | Regional |
| SZN | Santa Cruz Island AirportSanta Barbara, United States | 28 mi / 45 km | 54 min | Regional |
| OXR | Oxnard AirportOxnard, United States | 32 mi / 51 km | 57 min | Regional |
| SZP | Santa Paula AirportSanta Paula, United States | 37 mi / 59 km | 1 hr 6 min | Regional |
| LPC | Lompoc AirportLompoc, United States | 47 mi / 76 km | 1 hr 25 min | Regional |
| SMX | Santa Maria Pub/Capt G Allan Hancock FieldSanta Maria, United States | 54 mi / 87 km | 1 hr 37 min | Regional |
| VNY | Van Nuys AirportVan Nuys, United States | 70 mi / 113 km | 2 hr 6 min | Regional |
Distances are straight-line; transfer times are road estimates. "Type" flags major/international gateways.
Which airport is best?
For the shortest transfer, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is the most convenient at about 8 mi out. Larger airports a little farther out can offer more connections, so it's worth comparing fares before booking.
Getting to and from the airport
Taxis and ride-hailing serve every airport here, and the larger ones usually add a rail, metro or bus link into Santa Barbara. Allow extra time in peak traffic. For exact routes, times and fares, open the airport guide — start with SBA.
Hotels near the airport
For early departures or late arrivals, a hotel near SBA saves a stressful morning transfer.
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Other cities these airports serve
Travel tips
Compare the total door-to-door time, not just the airfare — a cheaper flight into a distant airport can cost more once you add the transfer. Check whether your airport has a direct train or metro before defaulting to a taxi, and for international arrivals, confirm any visa or transit rules in advance.
Frequently asked questions
The nearest airport to Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), about 8 mi (13 km) away — roughly 27 min by road.