When people think of moving to Ventura, California, they often imagine sunshine, surf, and charming neighborhoods. But if you're coming from out of state, there’s one practical question that tends to come up:
“What’s the closest airport to Ventura?”
I had a client from out of state who ended up passing on Ventura simply because they felt the area wasn’t convenient enough for air travel. But here’s the thing—convenience is subjective.
As someone who travels regularly for both business and family, I’ve come to appreciate the unique advantages of the airports near Ventura. In this post, I’ll break down which airports I use most often, why I use them, and what to expect in terms of travel time, cost, and experience.
Let’s get into it.
First, A Quick Intro
Hi, I’m Grant Leichtfuss, a local real estate agent here in Ventura. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Ventura—whether it’s in 9 days or 9 months—I’d love to be your go-to real estate resource. Feel free to reach out and schedule a quick call to see if we’re a good fit. My contact info is down below.
So, What’s the Closest Airport to Ventura?
1. Oxnard Airport (OXR)
Technically, the closest airport is Oxnard Airport. It’s just minutes away from Ventura, which sounds great… until you learn that Oxnard no longer offers commercial flights. Sadly, commercial service ended back in the 1990s.
2. Camarillo Airport (CMA)
Next up is Camarillo Airport, another local option that doesn’t offer commercial service. But here’s an interesting twist—Camarillo is very popular with celebrities, musicians, and high-net-worth individuals. Private jets for A-listers like the Kardashians, Kenny Chesney, and Jeff Bezos frequently land here. If you're flying private, this is your spot.
But let’s be honest—you’re probably looking for commercial flights. So let’s talk about your best options.
Closest Commercial Airports to Ventura, CA
3. Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
Distance from Ventura: ~36 miles north
Drive Time: 35–40 minutes (without traffic)
Nonstop Destinations: 12 cities
Santa Barbara Airport is my top choice when flying—but there’s a catch (actually two).
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Catch #1: Limited nonstop destinations. SBA only offers direct flights to 12 cities. If you’re going to one of those 12, great. If not, layovers are likely.
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Catch #2: Price. SBA flights tend to be more expensive than other options. For example, a round-trip economy ticket to the same destination might cost 66% more out of SBA compared to LAX.
That said, my family still prefers SBA. Why?
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Shortest drive time from Ventura (huge when you have kids).
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TSA lines are quick and painless.
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The airport is cleaner and far less chaotic than LAX.
If comfort and ease matter more to you than price, SBA is a fantastic option.
4. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Distance from Ventura: ~68 miles east
Drive Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
Nonstop Destinations: 29 cities
Burbank is another great alternative if you’re flying domestically. It has a similar feel to Santa Barbara in terms of shorter security lines and a more relaxed airport experience.
Notable features:
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Front and rear boarding on most flights (yes, you can exit from the back of the plane too).
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Amtrak station nearby: You can actually take the train from Ventura to Burbank and walk about five minutes from the station to your terminal. Pretty cool, right?
Just like SBA, tickets at BUR are usually more expensive than LAX—but it’s a tradeoff many travelers are happy to make.
5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Distance from Ventura: ~75–85 miles south
Drive Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (without traffic)
Nonstop Destinations: Hundreds, including international cities
LAX is the airport of last resort… but also the most essential.
It’s not my favorite, especially after traveling through cleaner and more efficient airports in Asia. But let’s give LAX credit where it’s due:
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Most affordable tickets for domestic flights.
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The widest range of destinations.
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Essential for international travel.
If your trip is international or your destination isn’t covered by SBA or BUR, LAX is your go-to.
Final Thoughts: Airport Access Shouldn’t Be a Dealbreaker
If you’re considering a move to Ventura, don’t let airport access deter you. Between Santa Barbara, Burbank, and LAX, you have three quality commercial airports all within two hours—each with its own pros and cons.
Here’s the quick summary:
| Airport | Distance from Ventura | Nonstop Cities | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA | 36 miles (40 min) | 12 | Closest, clean, easy | More expensive, limited routes |
| BUR | 68 miles (1h15m) | 29 | Easy security, train access | Also pricey, limited cities |
| LAX | 75–85 miles (1.5–2h) | Hundreds | Cheap flights, global access | Busy, stressful, traffic |
So whether it’s a quick business trip, a family vacation, or a bachelorette getaway, you’ll have no trouble getting in and out of Ventura.
Let’s Chat Real Estate
Do you consider airport access when moving to a new city? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
And if Ventura is on your radar for a potential move, I’m here to help. I specialize in Ventura real estate and would be honored to guide you through the buying or selling process.
