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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Santa Barbara Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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SBA Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.
What to expect
Santa Barbara Airport (code: SBA) consists of a small, modern terminal with four gates and a restaurant and gift shop on the airside. WiFi is available to help pass the time. There are no private lounges at this airport.
Sleeping in Santa Barbara Airport
We have received no reviews from travellers who have passed through this airport. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Santa Barbara Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The terminal is open 24 hours. Travellers who need to sleep in the airport should go to the baggage claim area, which is open 24 hours.
The TSA security checkpoint opens at approximately 4:00 AM daily and closes approximately 15 minutes after the last departure of the day.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Santa Barbara Airport:
- Residence Inn Santa Barbara Goleta – Mid-range hotel. Approx. 5 minutes from the terminal. » Check Rates
- Super 8 Santa Barbara/Goleta – Budget hotel. Approx. 5 minutes from the terminal. » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta – Mid-range hotel. Approx. 5 minutes from the terminal.» Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Santa Barbara, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
There are no pay-per-use lounges at the airport.
Drinking Water
Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout the terminal.
Food & Drinks
At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Food options include:
- La Mission Cafe (Landside. Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- Costa Terraza Restaurant & Tapas Bar (Airside. Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM)
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Airside. Hours: 4:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Sundays from 5:00 AM)
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Charging points are available in seating areas, including on the second floor.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Santa Barbara Airport.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.
- ATM/Cash Machines – ATMs are available. Fees may apply; check with your bank before travelling. Locations: Landside, main entrance and 2nd floor near passenger screening.
- Baggage Carts – Available in the baggage claim area.
- Duty-Free & Shopping – No duty-free shops. A gift shop is available airside.
- Information Desk – An information desk staffed by volunteers provides airport and local area information.
Buses
The airport is connected to the public transportation system via a bus, which connects to the airport on Moffat Road (across from the airport). For fares and schedules, visit the Santa Barbara Metro website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are available on-site: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National. In addition, Thrifty offers off-site services.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.