Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (IATA: SBA) is located approximately 8 miles west of Santa Barbara, California, on the stunning coastline known as the “American Riviera.”
The airport is located on the Goleta Slough. With its unique location between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, the airport serves as a gateway to the region’s wine country, beaches, and cultural attractions. Operated by the City of Santa Barbara Airports Department, SBA welcomes more than one million passengers annually. The airport has three runways and a single terminal.
Interactive Santa Barbara Airport Map
Santa Barbara Airport – terminal and gate map
Santa Barbara Airport boasts a single terminal building that is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Renovated in 2011, the terminal was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style unique to Santa Barbara. The terminal is quite striking with its spacious interior, large windows that let in natural light, and décor that reflects local art.
The terminal houses check-in counters, security checkpoints, boarding gates, baggage claim areas, and other passenger services under one roof. Free Wi-Fi access, flight information screens, comfortable waiting lounges, and a “Moms and Babies Room” are available to passengers. Additionally, there is a small Business Center and a public observation deck within the terminal. There are five gates in the terminal.
The lower level of the terminal is reserved for arrivals. Here you will find baggage claim areas and ground transportation stops. The upper level of the terminal is designed for departures. This level has check-in counters, self-service kiosks, a security checkpoint, shopping areas, and food and beverage outlets.
Parking Areas
There are parking areas where you can park your car at Santa Barbara Airport.
Short-Term Parking: This is the parking area closest to the terminal building. The first 15 minutes are free. After that, hourly rates apply. Fees: 16-60 min: $3, hourly $3, daily max $30.
Long-Term Parking: This parking area is within walking distance of the terminal. It is more affordable than the short-term parking area. Fees: 0-60 min: $3, Hourly $3, Daily max $21.
Economy Parking: This is the most affordable parking area, but it is a bit far from the terminal building. Address: 140 Frederick Lopez Rd;. Fees: 0-60 min: $3, hourly $3, daily max $18.
All parking areas have disabled parking spaces. These spaces are located closest to the terminal entrance. Payments can be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and cash.
Car Rental at the airport
Car rental counters are located inside the terminal building, directly opposite the baggage claim area. Major car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are available here. You can pick up your rental car from private parking areas within walking distance of the terminal. Companies generally operate seven days a week, according to flight schedules.
Find transportation from the airport – bus, taxi shuttle services
MTD Santa Barbara (Bus): Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses connect the airport to areas such as Goleta, Santa Barbara city center, and Carpinteria. Bus stops are located near the terminal exit.
Taxi and Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Taxis are available outside the terminal building in designated areas. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft also have designated pickup and drop-off points.
Shuttle Services: Some hotels and private transfer companies in the area (Central Coast Shuttle, Chumash Casino Shuttle, Santa Barbara Airbus) offer round-trip shuttle service to the airport.
Lost & Found
If you lose an item in the airport public areas (terminal, parking lot, etc.), you should contact the Santa Barbara Airport Police Lost and Found. For more information, call the Security Operations Center at (805) 681-4803.
For items left on the plane or at the boarding gate, you must contact the lost baggage service of the relevant airline. Contact information for major airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 1-877-815-8253
American Airlines: 1-800-535-5225
Southwest Airlines: 1-800-435-9792
United Airlines: 1-800-335-2247
ATM at Santa Barbara Airport
ATMs are located at various points in the terminal building, both before and after security. These ATMs are available 24/7.
Smoking Areas
Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport terminal building. For passengers who wish to smoke, there are designated areas outside the terminal building, at a certain distance (usually at least 20 feet/6 meters) from the entrance and exit doors.
Restaurants at Santa Barbara Airport
There are restaurants and cafes in the terminal building, both before and after security.
Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar (Post-Security): A full-service restaurant offering local cuisine, wines, and cocktails. Ocean and runway views.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Pre- and Post-Security): Coffee, tea, and light snacks.
Santa Barbara News & Gifts (Post-Security): Located inside a store offering packaged snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and travel items. Grab-and-go concept.
Shopping at Airport
There are shops at the airport where you can purchase travel necessities and souvenirs.
Santa Barbara News & Gifts (Pre-Security and Post-Security): Newspapers, magazines, books, snacks, beverages, travel items, and Santa Barbara-themed gifts are available.
Channel Islands Wine & Gifts (Post-Security): Local wines, gourmet foods, and handmade items are available.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art Store (Post-Security): Art books, jewelry, unique gifts, and works by local artists are available for purchase.
Hotels at Santa Barbara Airport
There are hotels located near the airport, many of which offer free airport transfers.
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Barbara: Located 0.2 miles from the airport. You can reach the hotel on foot in a short time from the airport. Breakfast is included in the room price.
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara: Located 0.3 miles from the airport. The hotel offers a free shuttle service. Shuttle hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Barbara: Located 0.5 miles from the airport. A shuttle service to the airport is available for a fee.
La Quinta Inn & Suites SBA: 1 mile from the airport.
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta: Approximately 2 miles from the airport.
Santa Barbara Airport Flights and Airlines
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport serves major US airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Direct flights are available from the airport to major hubs and cities such as Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. Frequent flights are available from the airport, particularly to cities along the West Coast.
Satellite view of Santa Barbara Airport. Click to enlarge
Santa Barbara Airport destination map (June 2025). Click to enlarge