Airport Overview
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is a small-hub primary airport located 6 nautical miles (11 km; 7 mi) west of downtown Santa Barbara, California, United States.
SBA Airport is owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Airport Department. It covers an area of 948 acres (384 ha).
Airport Stats & Facts
- In 2019, the airport was categorized as a small hub primary airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with 510,141 enplanements.
- SBA is near the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the city of Goleta.
Airport Traveling Tips
- The Airline Terminal opens at 3:45 am, there is no need to arrive at the Terminal prior to opening. Please allow more time if you are traveling during the holidays or peak travel times.
- It is recommended that passengers check-in 60 minutes before flights for domestic travel and 90 minutes before international flights.
- Please take a look at the SBA Airport Map before visiting the airport for a flight.
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- Passengers can be dropped off and picked up at the terminal curbs.
- However, Federal regulations do not allow vehicles to wait for long periods at the terminal curbs, so drivers/guests can wait for arrivals in the free Cell Phone Lot, located just moments from the airport terminal on the entrance drive.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights: Arriving flight status provides Santa BarbaraAirport arrival times, gate information, time to land, and delays.
- For departing flights: Departing flights status shows actual vs scheduled departure, map tracking, departure times, flight delays, and gate information.
- To get the best fares book a flight at SBA Airport here.
Airport Terminals
Santa Barbara Airport has a main terminal with 4 gates, 2 on each of the two levels.
For more information, please refer to the SBA Terminal Map here.
Airlines Served
The various airlines served at Santa Barbara SBA include American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, and more.
View the full list of airlines served at SBA here.
Airport Parking
Short-Term Parking
The hourly Parking lot is one of the most convenient parking options at SBA Airport.
Rates:
- $1 for 0-15 minutes:
- $2 for 16-60 minutes:
- $1 for each additional hour:
- $25 is the daily maximum
Long-Term Parking
Another comfortable option to park at Santa Barbara Airport is Long Term Parking.
Rates:
- $2 for 16-60 minutes:
- $1 for each additional hour:
- $15 is the daily maximum
Cell Phone Waiting Area
Located at WWII Memorial near the east end of the Long-term parking lot, off J.Fowler Road.
Ground Transportation
For ground transportation, passengers have a variety of options to choose from, after arriving at the airport. The various options include buses, car rentals, airport shuttles, etc. Many passengers also opt for ride services such as Uber, Lyft, and Taxis.
Car Rentals
The rental car agencies maintain an office in the baggage claim area of the Santa Barbara Airport. Avis, Alamo, Hertz, are some of the well-known providers for rental cars.
Taxis
To avail of Taxis, you have to pre-book your ride.
Shuttles
Santa Barbara’s shuttle service is for the economy lot that runs every 15 minutes. There is no need to reserve a seat to travel.
Amenities & Services
To help you have an amazing stay, Santa Barbara Airport provides visitors with different amenities and services including:
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Stores, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
Contact Information
Address: 500 Fowler Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93117 USA
Website: http://www.flysba.com
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: (805) 683 4011
Santa Barbara Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- Lincoln J. Beachey flew an airplane across Goleta Valley in 1914, marking the start of Santa Barbara's aviation history. The Loughead brothers, who subsequently changed their name to Lockheed, opened a seaplane factory on State Street and built a wooden ramp on West Beach to launch their planes two years later.
- Pacific Seaboard later renamed itself Chicago and Southern Air Lines, a big domestic and international airline that was acquired by Delta Air Lines in 1953 and incorporated with it.
- The Santa Barbara Flying Club was founded in 1947 with the goal of promoting general aviation in the area.
- Connect Air, a locally based airline, flew Fairchild F-27J turboprops nonstop to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Jose, California. [18] Both airlines are no longer in operation.
- In 1986, the airport tripled in size with a $12 million project that expanded the terminal from 32,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet, adding a second-level concourse with six boarding bridges.
- The airport added a new 72,000 square foot terminal to the single-story terminal established by United Airlines in 1942 on August 18, 2011. The new facility, which cost around $63 million to construct, was built close to the current port.
