SBA at a glance
Santa Barbara Airport sits in Goleta, just west of the city, off Highway 101 via Highway 217. The address is 500 James Fowler Road. Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest and United fly here, with about 28 daily nonstops to 13 destinations, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Salt Lake City and Chicago.
Still deciding between flying into SBA or LAX? Compare every option in our getting to Santa Barbara guide, or see LAX to Santa Barbara if you're landing in Los Angeles.
Santa Barbara Airport parking rates
The airport runs three lots. You can't reserve a space, but the airport's parking page shows live availability. Rates posted in October 2026:
| Lot | Rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term (in front of the terminal) | First 10 minutes free, then $5 per hour, up to $32 per 24 hours | Meeting someone inside or a quick drop-off |
| Long-Term | $5 per hour, up to $23 per day | Trips of a few days, within walking distance |
| Economy (140 Frederick Lopez Road, off Hollister Avenue) | $5 per hour, up to $18 per day | Longer trips; a free shuttle runs about every 15 minutes, 24/7 |
Picking someone up? Skip the circling. SBA has two free cell phone waiting lots: one next to the Long-Term lot by the World War II memorial, and one off the Highway 217 off-ramp at Sandspit Road. Wait there until your traveler texts that they're at the curb.
Getting from SBA to downtown and your hotel
- Uber, Lyft and taxis: Rideshare pickup is right in front of the terminal, and the airport lists local taxi companies on its ground transportation page. It's the quickest way downtown.
- The bus (cheapest): MTD Line 11 stops on Moffett Road, across from the terminal, and runs to the downtown Transit Center in about 45 to 50 minutes, roughly every 30 minutes on weekdays. The fare is $2.50. See our getting around guide for passes and the Tap2Ride app.
- Rental cars: Eight companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty) have counters in baggage claim, and the cars are in the lot just south of the terminal.
- Santa Barbara Airbus: The shuttle between SBA and LAX is listed on the airport's ground transportation page, handy if you're flying out of LA.
Not sure you even need a car? Downtown, the Funk Zone and the beaches are close together. Our car-free guide shows how to get around by foot, bus and bike share.
How early to get to Santa Barbara Airport
The airport recommends arriving 90 minutes before your flight, and 2 hours on holidays, on its busiest days (Thursday through Sunday) and for early-morning departures. The terminal and parking lots are open 24 hours, and the TSA checkpoint opens at about 3:30 a.m.
The good news: once you're through security, food, coffee and gift shops are all on the gate side, so there's no need to grab breakfast first. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
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FAQ
How much is parking at Santa Barbara Airport?
As of October 2026, all three lots charge $5 per hour. Daily maximums are $32 in Short-Term, $23 in Long-Term and $18 in the Economy Lot. The first 10 minutes in Short-Term are free.
Is there a cell phone lot at Santa Barbara Airport?
Yes, two free ones: next to the Long-Term lot by the World War II memorial, and off the Highway 217 off-ramp at Sandspit Road.
How do I get from Santa Barbara Airport to downtown?
Rideshare or taxi is fastest, picking up in front of the terminal. MTD Line 11 is the budget option: $2.50 and about 45 to 50 minutes to the downtown Transit Center, from a stop on Moffett Road across from the terminal.
How early should I get to Santa Barbara Airport?
The airport recommends 90 minutes before your flight, or 2 hours on holidays, Thursday through Sunday, and for early-morning flights.
Can you reserve parking at Santa Barbara Airport?
No. Parking is first come, first served, but the airport's parking page shows live availability for each lot.
Plan the rest of your trip
Settle in with our weekend itinerary or one-day itinerary, then find the best beaches and free things to do.