Airports Near Santa Maria
Looking for the nearest airport to Santa Maria? Santa Maria is served by several airports located in different directions around the city. With three airports within a 50-mile radius, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here's a quick guide to help you find the one that best suits your travel plans.
What Is the Closest Airport to Santa Maria?
The closest airport to Santa Maria is Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX), a medium-sized airport located approximately 3.9 miles (6.3 km) south of the city center. The driving distance is about 4.8 miles (7.8 km), which typically takes around 9 minutes by car.
If you're looking for better connectivity, the nearest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located about 135 miles (217.2 km) southeast of Santa Maria in a straight line. The driving distance is around 159.3 miles (256.3 km), with an average travel time of about 3 hours and 18 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX)
IATA: SMX · ICAO: KSMX
Direct Distance 📏
3.9 miles
6.3 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
4.8 miles
7.8 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
9 min
Direction ➤
South
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)
Located 22.8 miles (36.7 km) northwest of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
22.8 miles
36.7 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
27.3 miles
43.9 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
38 min
Direction ➤
Northwest
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
Located 49.7 miles (80 km) southeast of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
49.7 miles
80 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
68.2 miles
109.8 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
1 h 23 min
Direction ➤
Southeast
Nearby airports to Santa Maria
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria Public Airport | SMX | Santa Maria | 3.9 mi (6.3 km) | 4.8 mi (7.8 km) | 9 min | Medium-sized |
| San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport | SBP | San Luis Obispo | 22.8 mi (36.7 km) | 27.3 mi (43.9 km) | 38 min | Medium-sized |
| Santa Barbara Municipal Airport | SBA | Santa Barbara | 49.7 mi (80 km) | 68.2 mi (109.8 km) | 1 h 23 min | Medium-sized |
| Meadows Field Airport | BFL | Bakersfield | 84.6 mi (136.2 km) | 125 mi (201.2 km) | 2 h 45 min | Medium-sized |
| Hollywood Burbank Airport | BUR | Burbank | 129.1 mi (207.7 km) | 151.9 mi (244.5 km) | 3 h 9 min | Medium-sized |
| Fresno Yosemite International Airport | FAT | Fresno | 132.2 mi (212.8 km) | 174.2 mi (280.4 km) | 3 h 39 min | Medium-sized |
| Los Angeles International Airport | LAX | Los Angeles | 135 mi (217.2 km) | 159.3 mi (256.3 km) | 3 h 18 min | Large |
| Palmdale Regional Airport | PMD | Palmdale | 135.2 mi (217.7 km) | 171.8 mi (276.5 km) | 3 h 46 min | Medium-sized |
| Monterey Regional Airport | MRY | Monterey | 137.7 mi (221.7 km) | 171.9 mi (276.7 km) | 3 h 23 min | Medium-sized |
| Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport | HHR | Hawthorne | 139.3 mi (224.1 km) | 162.7 mi (261.9 km) | 3 h 19 min | Medium-sized |
Closest Airports to Other Cities Near Santa Maria
Planning to travel somewhere else in the region? Find the closest airport to these nearby cities:
- Closest airport to Santa Barbara, CA
- Closest airport to San Luis Obispo, CA
- Closest airport to Lompoc, CA
- Closest airport to Goleta, CA
- Closest airport to Atascadero, CA
- Closest airport to Orcutt, CA
- Closest airport to Paso Robles, CA
- Closest airport to Wasco, CA
- Closest airport to Isla Vista, CA
- Closest airport to Arroyo Grande, CA
General Airport Travel Tips
- Allow enough time: It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check your terminal: Confirm your departure terminal before heading to the airport, especially at larger airports.
- Airport selection: When choosing between multiple airports, consider flight availability, prices, and proximity to your final destination.
- Transportation options: Research transportation options to and from the airport including public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
- Check flight status: Always verify your flight status before heading to the airport as schedules can change.
When planning your trip to Santa Maria, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.