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$88+ Cheap flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego (SBA - SAN)

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 9/24. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SBA — SAN
Aug 21 — Aug 281
Thu 8/21
Thu 8/28
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Santa Barbara (SBA) to San Diego (SAN). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated August 16, 2025.

Round-trip from

$197
(Southwest)

One-way from

$88
(Southwest)

Popular in

November

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$386
From Santa Barbara to San Diego
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One-way flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 6% potential increase in price ($27 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 5% potential price decrease ($22 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in August 2025
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Find flight deals from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Cheapest flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on August 16, 2025.

This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/44:25 pmSBA - SAN
1 stop5h 40mSouthwest
Mon 9/87:00 pmSAN - SBA
1 stop3h 25mSouthwest
Deal found 8/13$197
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/44:25 pmSBA - SAN
1 stop5h 40mSouthwest
Sun 9/77:45 pmSAN - SBA
1 stop4h 05mSouthwest
Deal found 8/13$208
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 9/106:00 amSBA - SAN
1 stop4h 13mUnited Airlines
Wed 9/178:00 amSAN - SBA
1 stop3h 59mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/12$235
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 9/308:40 pmSBA - SAN
1 stop3h 35mUnited Airlines
Sat 10/46:15 amSAN - SBA
1 stop5h 53mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/14$246
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 9/308:40 pmSBA - SAN
1 stop3h 35mUnited Airlines
Fri 10/36:00 pmSAN - SBA
1 stop18h 08mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/14$249
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 9/298:40 pmSBA - SAN
1 stop3h 35mUnited Airlines
Thu 10/28:00 amSAN - SBA
1 stop4h 08mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/14$257
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 9/298:40 pmSBA - SAN
1 stop3h 35mUnited Airlines
Fri 10/37:28 pmSAN - SBA
1 stop16h 40mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/14$260
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 9/293:44 pmSBA - SAN
1 stop6h 43mUnited Airlines
Sun 10/511:08 amSAN - SBA
1 stop5h 05mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/14$268
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/36:00 amSBA - SAN
1 stop4h 27mUnited Airlines
Fri 10/38:08 pmSAN - SBA
1 stop16h 00mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/14$271
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 10/15:40 amSBA - SAN
2 stops6h 30mSouthwest
Fri 10/37:30 amSAN - SBA
1 stop5h 05mSouthwest
Deal found 8/14$273

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated August 16, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego that are best for you.

Fly from

Santa Barbara

Fly to

San Diego

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Thu 9/4

4:25 pm-10:05 pm

1 stop5h 40m

San Diego

Mon 9/8

7:00 pm-10:25 pm

1 stop3h 25m

$197

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Mon 10/13

8:40 pm-12:15 am

1 stop3h 35m

San Diego

Sat 10/18

8:00 am-12:08 pm

1 stop4h 08m

$197

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Wed 10/1

2:10 pm-5:25 pm

1 stop3h 15m

San Diego

Fri 10/3

7:30 am-12:35 pm

1 stop5h 05m

$197

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Sat 10/25

5:35 am-10:25 am

1 stop4h 50m

San Diego

Sun 10/26

7:00 pm-12:05 am

1 stop5h 05m

$208

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Thu 9/4

4:25 pm-10:05 pm

1 stop5h 40m

San Diego

Sun 9/7

7:45 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop4h 05m

$208

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Tue 9/30

3:44 pm-8:16 pm

1 stop4h 32m

San Diego

Wed 10/1

6:15 am-12:08 pm

1 stop5h 53m

$235

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Wed 9/10

6:00 am-10:13 am

1 stop4h 13m

San Diego

Wed 9/17

8:00 am-11:59 am

1 stop3h 59m

$235

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Tue 9/30

8:40 pm-12:15 am

1 stop3h 35m

San Diego

Sat 10/4

6:15 am-12:08 pm

1 stop5h 53m

$246

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Mon 9/29

8:40 pm-12:15 am

1 stop3h 35m

San Diego

Wed 10/1

6:00 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop5h 59m

$246

Santa BarbaraSan Diego

SBA - SAN

SBASAN

Santa Barbara

Wed 10/1

3:44 pm-8:16 pm

1 stop4h 32m

San Diego

Sat 10/4

8:08 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop3h 51m

$246

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 8/13

Showing 1-10 of 16 results
1
2

Best time to book a flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to San Diego from Santa Barbara with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego (average of $286). Flying from Santa Barbara to San Diego in March is currently the most expensive (average of $366). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from SBA to SAN?

Find hourly flight availability from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated August 16, 2025.

Unlike in the afternoon, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 9% on flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego by exploring options for tickets in the morning.

How much does it cost to fly round-trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

Reviews of airlines servicing San Diego

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to San Diego. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to San Diego. Reviews last updated August 16, 2025.
Read through reviews of airlines operating flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego, such as Southwest and United Airlines. Reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,916 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Santa Barbara to San Diego round-trip?

    Currently priced at $246, Southwest will fly you from Santa Barbara to San Diego and back. In addition to Southwest, many other airlines offer competitively priced options for your trip. Check Cheapflights for deals on United Airlines for as low as $254. Southwest is currently priced 39% below the average price you’ll pay for this route.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Santa Barbara to San Diego flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Santa Barbara to San Diego by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    Currently, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to San Diego (average of $286). Flying from Santa Barbara to San Diego in March is currently the most expensive (average of $366). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Traveling to a place near San Diego?

Book flights to San Diego if you plan to visit one of these locations
El Cajon
Chula Vista
Coronado
La Mesa
Poway
National City
Lemon Grove
Imperial Beach
Alpine

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Top 2 airlines flying from Santa Barbara to San Diego

Discover the top 2 airlines that operate flights from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated August 16, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
SouthwestCheapest$246Average$446FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
United AirlinesCheapest$254Average$406FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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