Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

Introduction

Santa Barbara, CA | Nestled along the scenic California coast, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (IATA: SBA) serves as a crucial transit point between local residents and visitors. This 7-mile airport, just west of downtown and moderate in size, is also well positioned to serve the surrounding natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Started in the early 1900s, SBA has evolved over time to meet passenger demand. The airport now serves more than 1.2 million passengers annually, bridging Santa Barbara to major hubs all over the U.S. Whether you're headed on a business or family vacation, or planning for an intimate escape, the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport offers travelers with an effortless and pleasant experience.

Airlines and Destinations

Today, as of May 2021, four major airlines serve Santa Barbara Municipal Airport: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Nonstop flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle are available. Nonstop flight services are available from the carriers from a large number of cities served by them in the U.S. These include destinations like Denver and Phoenix, as well as popular places such as Chicago and Portland.

Delta Air Lines recently added daily nonstop service to Salt Lake City, Utah; previous additions have included Atlanta.

Through greater connectivity, travelers will have easy access to destinations both near and far from the American Riviera — presenting SBA as a more appealing choice for mainland U.S. visitors and abroad tourists alike.

Passenger and Flight Count

By 2023, the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport had passed another threshold with a historic high of more than 1,277,545 million passengers visiting that year. In 2022, SBA served a total of 1,273,712 million passengers on airlines and charters; this number was up from the previous year's then-record count of 1 million annual passengers.

Despite remaining busier than domestic flights each year, it averages 300 departing flights per month and over half-a-million passenger departures annually. Passenger numbers at the terminal peaked in October, when they saw 119,894 use the facility.

How to Get Here

Located only 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, the airport services a wide swath of Southern California. The airport is accessible by car, taxi, ride share, or public transport.

The primary entrance is at 500 James Fowler Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93117. For travelers driving to the airport, it is easily accessible from U.S. Route 101.

Parking

At the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, there are three parking lot options for travelers:

• Short Term Lot
• Long Term Lot
• Economy Lot

The Short Term Lot is conveniently located just steps from the terminal with hourly rates at $2 for the first 60 minutes and an additional rate of $2 per hour or fraction thereof to a maximum daily charge of $15.

Long Term Lot: A Short Walk Away from Terminal. The Long Term Lot is $5 per day (same as Short Term).

The Economy Lot, available at 140 Frederick Lopez Road, is the cheapest rate for parking at a flat fee of $15 per day and with free shuttle service to the main terminal.

Transportation Prices

There are a few types of transportation available to bring travelers to and from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, each with its own pricing. One-way taxis and rideshare services (like Uber or Lyft) can cost between $20-40 to get in/out of the city center, depending on when you arrive and traffic conditions.

A bus service is provided to and from the airport for those looking for a more economical method, with additional Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) routes. One-way bus fare is $1.75, a budget-friendly option for visitors.

Terminal Layout

This 1,500-acre airport has a single terminal building which serves both arrivals and departures operations. The terminal is split into two levels, with the baggage claim level and rental car services/ground transportation on the first floor and check-in counters/security checkpoints/main concourse located above.

The simple and efficient design of the terminal ensures an easy journey for passengers with well-laid out signage throughout the facility. No matter if you're getting in or flying out, the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport terminal offers a seamless and stress-free travel experience.

Navigate the Airport

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is easy to navigate with its small but efficiently run terminal. After you reach the terminal, look for signs heading to baggage claim on the lower level/first floor where rental car counters and ground transportation are.

To the right of the escalators, there are escalators leading up to check-in areas and security checkpoints for departing passengers on the upper level. After you pass through security, a large concourse is waiting ahead of you with all the existing and incoming gates as well as amenities to offer.

Getting Between Terminals

Don't be concerned about transfer buses or trains, the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport has just one terminal building. The main terminal building operates all domestic and international flights, offering seamless connectivity between different parts of the airport.

Services and Amenities

On the day of travel, passengers heading into and out of Santa Barbara benefit from many services and amenities at The Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. These include:

• Terminal-wide free Wi-Fi
• Electric outlets for charging devices
• A business center complete with computer workstations and printing capabilities
• Variety of food and beverage options, from a sit-down restaurant to coffee shops
• Retail Shops (souvenirs, gifts, and travel essentials)
• Cash machines and money exchange services

Restaurants and Shops

Hungry travelers have plenty of dining options at the airport. The landside terminal will include a full-service restaurant with American cuisine and local favorites on the menu. The airport is also home to a coffee shop run by the Santa Barbara Roasting Company where you can grab something like an energy-boosting muffin or wrap and fuel up with caffeine.

The Terminal also features retail shops including a newsstand and gift shop with souvenirs and travel-related accessories. These shops are an easy stopover for passengers to purchase any forgotten items or take home souvenirs during their stay in Santa Barbara.

Security and Customs

The Santa Barbara Municipal Airport ensures its departing passengers require safe and effective security screening. Travelers should get to the airport two hours before their flight (three during peak travel periods) so they have plenty of time to pass through security.

Since the airport mainly receives domestic flights, it may not be necessary to go through customs when taking a trip. That said, international fliers may still have to go through customs and immigration upon arrival, adding additional time.

Accessibility

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is dedicated to ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for everyone, including those with disabilities or special needs. The terminal features:

• Designated spaces for vehicles that display disabled placards or plates.
• Easy access to the terminal by ramps and elevators throughout all areas.
• Wheelchair and electric carts available by request.
• People-centered, with easy-to-reach bathrooms and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Hearing or visual aids including assistive listening devices and equipment to amplify an oral presentation for passengers with diminished hearing or visual abilities.

Travel Tips

A pleasant experience at the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport awaits you! Here are some tips to facilitate a hassle-free journey:

• Check-in two hours before your scheduled departure time, especially during high travel periods and days.
• Read the airport's website or their social media channels for any news that may impact your journey.
• If driving, plan for parking ahead of time and be ready to use the Economy Lot if Short Term or Long Term Lots are full.
• Utilize the airport's free Wi-Fi and enjoy the restaurants and shopping.
• Be informed about security procedures at the airport and stay ready with any required documents/items.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry programs to speed through security.

These tips will help you have a wonderful experience with your travel at the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.