How to Get to Matera: All Transport Options

How to Get to Matera: The City of the Sassi Awaits

Matera is one of Italy's most captivating destinations, yet reaching it requires a little planning. The city has no direct connection to the national rail network, no motorway running directly to it, and the nearest airport is about an hour's drive away. This relative difficulty of access is, however, part of its charm: Matera is earned, deserved. Travellers who arrive after a few hours crossing the Lucanian landscape feel the distance from everyday life all the more keenly. The good news is that the transport options are more varied than you might expect, and with the right organisation you can reach the city of the Sassi comfortably from anywhere in Italy or beyond.

Before you depart, it is worth reading what to see in Matera in 2 days so you can make the most of your time once you arrive.

By Air

The most convenient airport for reaching Matera is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (IATA code: BRI), located approximately 65 kilometres from the city, with a driving time of just over one hour. Bari operates direct flights to and from the main Italian and European cities: Milan, Rome, London, Barcelona, Amsterdam and many other destinations, with daily frequencies that increase substantially during the summer season. Ryanair, ITA Airways, Vueling and Volotea are among the principal carriers.

Once you have landed in Bari, the most economical way to reach Matera is by shuttle bus. Pugliairbus and other private operators connect Bari Airport directly to Matera with regular departures, especially during the high season. Tickets generally cost between 6 and 10 euros per person, with a journey time of approximately 70 to 90 minutes. It is advisable to book online in advance, particularly in summer, as seats are limited and the buses fill up quickly.

Alternatively, from the airport terminal you can take the Bari metropolitan railway to Bari Centrale station and then continue by FAL train to Matera (described in the next section). This route involves more changes but is a valid choice for those who want to save money or who are already spending time in the city.

A taxi or private transfer from Bari Airport to Matera costs roughly 70 to 100 euros for the whole vehicle, making it a worthwhile option if you are travelling in a group. Journey times are more predictable than by bus and you are taken directly to your accommodation's address — a real convenience given that many properties in the historic centre are only accessible on foot.

The second reference airport is Brindisi (BDS), about 130 kilometres from Matera, with a driving time of around two hours. Brindisi is served by numerous low-cost flights, particularly Ryanair, and can be a valid alternative especially if you find a significantly cheaper airfare. From Brindisi, however, the direct connection to Matera is less straightforward: it is best to rent a car or arrange a private transfer.

Naples (NAP), further away at around 220 kilometres, is still worth considering if you are planning a broader itinerary that also includes Campania. From Naples you can reach Matera by coach with Marozzi or Flixbus in approximately three hours.

By Train

The rail chapter of Matera is a special one, and it is worth understanding it clearly to avoid surprises. The city is not connected to the national Trenitalia network. There is, however, a rail service operated by FAL — the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane — which links Bari to Matera via a narrow-gauge line. It is a slow train, with vintage carriages in some cases, but the journey is pleasant and passes through landscapes of great rural beauty.

The line departs from Bari Centrale station (served by Trenitalia and Frecciabianca high-speed trains) and arrives at Matera Centrale after a journey of approximately 80 kilometres. Travel times range between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes depending on the service. There is roughly one train per hour during the busiest periods, with reduced frequency late at night. A ticket costs around 5 to 6 euros. FAL tickets cannot be purchased on the Trenitalia website: you must buy them directly at the station or on the FAL website.

For those arriving by fast train at Naples or Rome who wish to continue to Matera, the most practical solution is to take an Intercity or regional train to Bari and then change to the FAL line. From Rome Termini, direct trains to Bari take approximately 4 hours; from Naples Centrale about 3 hours by Frecce or slightly more on regional services. Once in Bari, the FAL connection to Matera is generally well-organised, but it is useful to allow at least 20 to 30 minutes for the change.

For travellers coming from northern Italy, overnight trains — when available — can be a good alternative: you leave in the evening, arrive in Bari in the morning and then continue to Matera. Always check Trenitalia's offer for night trains on long-distance routes.

By Car

The car is often the most convenient way to reach Matera, especially for families, those travelling with a lot of luggage, or anyone who wants to combine the visit with a broader itinerary through southern Italy. The city is not served by a direct motorway, but the state roads are well maintained and clearly signposted.

From Bari (approximately 65 km) the quickest route is the SS99 Matera State Road, also known as the Appulo Lucana State Road. The journey takes about 60 to 70 minutes under normal conditions, with variations caused by traffic near the Bari industrial area. Alternatively, you can take the SS7 Appia for the initial section.

From Naples (approximately 230 km) you take the A3 motorway Naples-Salerno-Reggio Calabria as far as the Sicignano degli Alburni junction, then continue along the SS407 Basentana towards Potenza, and from there descend to Matera. The total journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions, especially on the Apennine section.

From Rome (approximately 420 km) the most direct route uses the A1 motorway to Naples and then the route described above, or alternatively the Adriatic coast road (A24-A14) to Bari and then the SS99. Journey times range between 4 and 5 hours.

Once you arrive in Matera, it is important to know that the historic centre — the Sassi — is largely closed to private traffic. There are two main paid car parks on the edges of the centre: P1 in Via Lucana and P2 in Via Aldo Moro, both a few minutes' walk from the main points of interest. Parking costs approximately 1 to 2 euros per hour. During the high season (July and August and spring weekends) the car parks fill up quickly in the middle of the day: it is advisable to arrive before 9 in the morning or after 5 in the afternoon.

If you are staying in a hotel or holiday rental inside the Sassi, it is often possible to request a temporary permit to drop off luggage. Contact your accommodation in advance for specific instructions.

By Bus

Long-distance bus travel is perhaps the most underrated way to reach Matera, but in many cases it proves to be the most economical and practical option, especially for those travelling from major cities.

Flixbus connects Matera with Rome, Naples, Bari and other Italian cities at fares starting from just a few euros when booked in advance. From Rome the journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours; from Naples around 3 to 4 hours; from Bari about 1 hour 30 minutes. Flixbus coaches are modern, equipped with Wi-Fi and power sockets, and stop at Via Annunziatella or near the FAL station.

The Marozzi company operates Rome-Matera services with intermediate stops, offering a long-established and reliable service. Ticket prices are generally around 20 to 30 euros. SITA Sud manages regional connections between Matera and the main cities in Basilicata and Puglia, with very low fares suited to commuters.

From Taranto (approximately 60 km) there are direct services with several companies taking around one hour. From Potenza (approximately 100 km) services are less frequent but regular, with a journey time of about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Getting Around

Once you have arrived in Matera, getting around is almost entirely on foot — and this is one of the city's most beautiful qualities. The Sassi — the cave districts of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano — are explored on foot along cobbled lanes, stairways and panoramic paths that wind between the rock-hewn dwellings. There is no urban bus service that penetrates the Sassi: even if the linear distances between points are short, the changes in elevation are significant and many alleyways are inaccessible to motorised vehicles.

The modern centre of Matera (the Piano) is reachable from the Sassi in 10 to 15 minutes on foot and is home to most shops, supermarkets and services. Urban bus lines operated by MICCOLIS run through here, useful mainly for reaching the peripheral car parks or the FAL station.

Taxis are available but limited in number: it is always best to book in advance, especially for late-night journeys or transfers to the airport. Some ride-hailing apps operate in the city with variable availability.

Electric bicycle hire is available from some local operators and can be useful for exploring the city's outskirts or reaching viewpoints such as Murgia Timone, but it is not practicable inside the Sassi owing to the steps and narrow paths.

For those staying at an agriturismo outside the city, your own car or a taxi remains the most convenient option. For more on accommodation possibilities, see our guide where to stay in Matera.

Matera is visited on foot and with curiosity. Wear comfortable shoes with a non-slip sole — wet tufa stone can be treacherous — and allow yourself the luxury of getting lost in the lanes without a fixed destination. It is there, around one bend and then another, that you find the real Matera. And before you leave, let the Lucanian cuisine surprise you: our guide where to eat in Matera will point you to the best places.