How to get to Matera Italy, Your Journey Made Easy

If you’re trying to figure out how to get to Matera Italy, you’re in the right place. Matera, with its unique cave dwellings and ancient streets, isn’t a place you can grab a flight to. We added Matera last minute to our road trip through Puglia. Luckily we rented a car, so we were flexible to make a detour to this city of stone.

But what if you don’t want to rent a car and where is the best place to start your journey if you want to visit Matera? After visiting Matera ourselves and with additional research, we have found the perfect routes to reach this unique city.

So let’s dive in, and we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to get there from wherever you’re starting your journey.

What is the best way to get to Matera Italy?

Matera, located in the Basilicata region of Italy, is truly one of its kind, and figuring out the best way to get there depends on WHERE you’re starting from and HOW you prefer to travel. The good news is that there are options for everyone—whether you’re up for a scenic drive, an easy train ride, or even a bus adventure.

If you are flying into Italy then the best way to get to Matera is:

Step 1: Fly Into Bari Airport (BRI)

map with the location of Matera in the region Basilicata, and Bari and Brindisi in the region Puglia — Matera is located near the border of the region Puglia

The closes airport to Matera is the Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, about 65 kilometers (roughly 40 miles). Direct flights to Bari are available from many international destinations, and it’s well-connected within Italy too.

Most travelers coming from the U.S. or outside Europe need to make a stop in either Rome, Milan, or another major European city before catching a flight to Bari.

For cheap flight options check out the airlines leaving from smaller airports within Europe. For instance, we flew from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to Brindisi with a low-cost carrier. Other examples are London City, London Stansted, or Paris Beauvais to Bari with Ryanair.

Step 2: From Bari to Matera

narrow streets and staircases within the old sassi neigbourhood of matera italy — View of Sassi Di Matera with its Basilic Cathedral in the distance

By Train

From Bari, you can catch a local train to Matera. Specifically, the trains from Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) run between Bari Centrale and Matera Centrale and leave hourly. The trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs roughly 6 euros. Once in Matera, the train station is just a 15-minute walk to the Sassi caves.

Keep in mind, these aren’t the sleek high-speed trains you see zipping across Italy. They’re more like your friendly neighborhood train—a bit older, a bit slower, but charming. Travel the Italian way and enjoy the gorgeous countryside from your window seat.

Downside: if you want to head straight to Matera upon arrival at Bari airport, you have to go to Bari Central Station first. There are trains from the Bari Airport to Bari Central. For more information check the Bari Airport website. Taxis are around 30 euros.

By Bus

man standing along a road with ancient buildings in the back such as the Convent of Saint Agostino — One of the main roads around Sassi di Matera

If trains aren’t your way of traveling, there’s a direct bus service from Bari Airport or Bari Centrale to Matera. Companies like Miccolis and FlixBus offer regular buses.

Depending on the day and time, tickets can cost from 8 euros to 24 euros one way. The journey is about 1-1.5 hours.

The downside of taking the bus is that it will take you to the Matera Bus Terminal at Via Don Luigi Sturzo. From here it’s still a 30-minute walk to Sassi di Matera. Not very attractive on hot and sunny days.

You can also take a local bus or taxi. Best to arrange taxis or pickup beforehand or through your accommodation.

By Car

Renting a car is another option—it gives you the most freedom, especially if you’re planning on exploring more of the Basilicata or Puglia region.

Driving from Bari to Matera takes about 1 hour, and it’s mostly highway driving until you get to Matera’s old town. (Watch out—driving in Matera is an adventure in itself; those narrow, cobblestone streets are no joke.)

What airport do you fly into for Matera Italy?

old architecture in bari puglia — Belltower in Bari

As mentioned above the closest airport to Matera is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport. Bari, known as the gateway to southern Italy is a wonderful city and you should definitely visit it before continuing your journey.

If you want to leave Bari for what it is, you can hop on the airport shuttle service directly to Matera or rent a car. The airport can get quite busy during the summer months, so booking your car rental or shuttle bus in advance is a smart move.

As for the train, you must head to town first.

Alternative Airport: Brindisi

view of old buildings of brindisi from accross the river — View of Brindisi city

While Bari Airport is the closest to Matera, flying to Brindisi can be a great alternative. Brindisi is located about 1,5 to 2 hours from Matera by car. It’s a scenic drive passing through the Puglia region, so it’s a nice detour.

We flew to Brindisi, mainly because I was enchanted by the pictures of Alberobello, known for its iconic trulli houses. Alberobello, together with many other places that I wanted to visit, was very close to Brindisi. Only after researching further did I realize that Matera wasn’t too far as well.

view over the trulli houses in Alberobello in Puglia Italy — The picturesque Alberobello

Arriving at Brindisi also gave us more flexibility in planning our Puglia itinerary. Its location is ideal for exploring other parts of southern Italy such as Ostuni, Lecce, and the many gorgeous beaches.

So if you are planning a road trip through Puglia, you might want to check out if it is better to book a flight to Brindisi instead of Bari. Flights might be cheaper or more convenient. Renting a car from Brindisi Airport might offer better rates compared to Bari during peak seasons.

In the summer months, Brindisi Airport tends to be less crowded compared to Bari which might be a deal breaker for many.

How to get to Matera Italy from Brindisi

woman standing next to the entrance of a car rental company with a grey car park in front — Picking up our Fiat Panda Hybrid near Brindisi Airport

Getting from Brindisi to Matera is quite similar to the Bari route in terms of convenience.

By Car: Driving from Brindisi to Matera takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a great option if you want to explore the Puglia region along the way. You’ll pass through beautiful towns like Ostuni, known as the “White City,” with its stunning hilltop views, and Alberobello, famous for its charming trulli houses.

By Bus: There are also direct bus services from Brindisi to Matera. This journey takes about 2 hours and is a comfortable and affordable choice if you prefer not to drive. Buses are available at Brindisi Airport and the main bus terminal in the city.

By Train: While there isn’t a direct train route from Brindisi to Matera, you can take a train to Bari and then transfer to a regional train or bus from Bari to Matera. This option might take a bit longer, but if you enjoy train travel, it’s a nice way to see more of the Italian countryside.

How to get to Matera from other Italian cities

Matera is a bit off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it so special. Here’s how you can get there from some major Italian cities.

How to get to Matera Italy from Rome

cathedral and fountain in rome italy — The capital city Rome

Rome is a big city with lots of connections, but reaching Matera requires a bit of planning:

By Train + Bus Combo: There isn’t a direct train from Rome to Matera. Instead, you can take a high-speed train from Rome to Bari, then switch to a regional train or bus to Matera. It’s a bit of a journey, but it’s worth it once you see those ancient cave dwellings.
By Car: The drive from Rome to Matera takes around 5-6 hours. It’s a longer trek, but the scenic landscapes of southern Italy are stunning. Plus, you can take detours to places like Naples or the Murgia National Park along the way.

How to get to Matera Italy from Naples

street in naples italy with tall colourful buildings and palm trees — Colourful buildings in Naples

By Bus: From Naples, direct buses to Matera are available and take around 4 hours. Companies like FlixBus are a good choice and usually have free Wi-Fi.
By Car: Driving from Naples takes about 3.5 hours. The route is straightforward, and you’ll pass some beautiful countryside in Basilicata.

How to get to Matera Italy from Venice

gondola navigating through the narrow canals along old colourful buildings in Venice Italy — Romantic Venice

By Train: Venice to Matera is a bit of a long journey, but it’s possible. Take a high-speed train from Venice to Bari (usually with a transfer in Bologna), and then take the bus or regional train onward to Matera. Total travel time is around 8-10 hours, so plan accordingly.

How to Get to Matera Italy by Car

Driving to Matera is the best option if you love exploring at your own pace. We had no problem navigating through the provincial roads and towns.

Most of all we loved the views and could stop whenever we wanted. The road trip through the south of Italy took us along fields with flowers, olive groves, and little Italian towns.

Parking in Matera

woman standing next to a parked red vespa at one of the many narrow streets of Matera Italy — A Vespa is free to park anywhere of course 😊

Parking in Matera requires some planning due to its historic layout and pedestrian zones, especially in the Sassi districts.

We visited Matera in the low season but still had difficulty finding a spot near our accommodation located just outside the Sassi area. In the end, we found free parking just outside town and walked about 10 minutes to accommodation. There are paid parking areas closer to the historic center.

Here are some options that you can check out:

Public Parking

Matera offers several public parking areas near the historic center. In most cases, you need to make a reservation. Expect to pay around €25 for a day.

Via Vena Parking: A multi-story facility with approximately 340 spaces, located a short walk from Via Ridola and the Sasso Caveoso.
Via Saragat Parking: A large covered parking area with 530 spaces, situated near Parco Comunale Macamarda and Campo Scuola, providing easy access to Piazza Matteotti and the Sassi.
Piazza Cesare Firrao Parking: A covered and monitored parking lot offering 146 spaces, located about 200 meters from Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Via San Biagio.

Private Parking

For added security and convenience, private garages are available:

Autoservizi Damasco: Located in Recinto XX Settembre, this covered and guarded garage is a few steps from Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the Sassi district. It offers approximately 120 parking spaces. They also have car rental and travel services. So they can help you with more then just a parking spot.

Parking Fees

Public parking rates in Matera vary by zone:

Zone A: €1 per hour, with a minimum fee of €0.50.
Zone B: €0.70 per hour, with a minimum fee of €0.30.

Tips for Parking in Matera Italy

car parked along a small road in matera town — Cars parked in this part of town are usually residents’ or registered cars

Plan Ahead: During peak tourist seasons, parking can be limited. Arriving early increases the chances of finding a spot.
Accommodation with private parking: Book an accommodation that offers parking possibilities. You still have to pay but at least you know that you don’t need to stress about finding a spot for your car.
Use Parking Apps: Apps like Telepass Pay X or Easy Park can facilitate payment and help locate available spaces.
Be Mindful of ZTL Zones: The Sassi districts have limited traffic zones (ZTL). Ensure your parking choice complies with local regulations to avoid fines.

All this information might seem daunting, but once there, you will soon see the signs pointing out where you can and can’t go by car. Plus, Google Maps works perfectly. We checked many parking options indicated on the map. Unfortunately, they were all full, so we ended up parking just outside town in a residential area.

Best Way to Get Around Matera

view of matera with its stone houses, stairs and narrow streets — Make sure you walk along the edge of town to admire the maze of houses and streets

Plan all you want, but getting around Matera involves getting a lost a bit and discovering new little streets at every corner.

The Sassi districts—Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano—are primarily pedestrian zones, which means walking is often the best way to explore. Here are the different ways you can get around:

On Foot

To experience Matera to the fullest you have to walk. We walked for hours through the narrow streets and climbed the stairs in the historic Sassi areas. We particularly enjoyed the pathways that were too narrow for cars to go through.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the cobbled streets and uneven surfaces can be challenging but rewarding. Matera is built into a rocky hill, so be prepared for some uphill walking!

father and son walking through a narrow street in Matera Italy — Every little street offers something new to see

Guided Tours

Booking a guided walking tour is a great way to make sure you don’t miss anything important. Especially if you are in Matera for just a day.

Matera’s history is fascinating, and having a tour guide tell you the stories behind each alley, cave, and fresco will enrich your visit considerably.

By Tuk-Tuk

We kind of expected an Italian Piaggio Ape buzzing through the streets. Instead, we saw many Tuk-Tuks in the heart of Matera. But then again, why not?

Hopping on a Tuk-Tuk is an ideal way to travel if you just don’t want to walk too much. You will see them quite a lot in town as they can navigate more easily through the narrow streets than cars.

white tuk tuk going down hill in Matera town italy — One of the many tuk-tuks navigating through the little streets

By Taxi

Taxis are available in Matera, especially for getting between modern parts of the city and the Sassi. Keep in mind, that vehicles cannot enter the core Sassi areas, but taxis can drop you off close by.

By Bus

Matera has a local bus service that operates throughout the city. Buses are convenient if you need to travel between different neighborhoods or if you’re staying a bit further out from the historic center. Piazza Vittorio Veneto is a central point for many of the local bus routes.

main square in Matera with a tall buliding and smaller ones around it — Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera

Renting a Scooter or E-Bike

For those looking for a bit more freedom, renting an e-bike or scooter is another option. This is particularly great if you want to explore not only Matera but also the surrounding areas, such as the Murgia National Park. E-bikes are especially useful given the hilly terrain.

The time of day can affect how crowded the streets are, especially in high season. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to wander without too many people around, giving you the chance to appreciate the beautiful views of the Sassi.

Is Matera Italy Worth Visiting?

man admiring the view of Matera located on the other side. ofthe valley — View of Matera from ‘Belvedere Murgia Timone’

Matera was one of our highlights during our visit to Puglia and is definitely worth visiting. Just walking through the century-old Sassi neighborhoods with its narrow streets felt unreal. It’s just amazing to see cathedrals towering above the maze of old stone buildings where you can find homes, hotels, and restaurants.

The whole city breathes history. The cave churches such as the Church Santa Maria de Idris are fascinating just as the views over the Sassi area.

valley with one side matera town and on the other green rocky hills where old cave dwellings are still visible. — View of the old cave dwelling located on the other side of the valley

Once overlooking the city from one of the many viewpoints, we could only wonder how such a city could have been built and preserved over the many hundred years.

Matera, once known as the “Shame of Italy” is now one of the cities in Italy you don’t want to miss. This UNESCO World Heritage site has so much to offer, from guided tours of Casa Noha to walks in the Murgia National Park and delicious Italian food and stunning boutique cave hotels.

Where To Stay in Matera

view of Matera by night, beautifully lit houses and alleys — Don’t forget to wander Matera streets at night too!

Matera should be visited at a slow pace. We spent one night in Matera, but when we left we both agreed that an extra night would have given us more time to appreciate this historic city even more.

For the ‘full-Matera-experience’ stay in a cave hotel. Be aware that you might need to walk up (or down) a couple of stairs to get to your accommodation. So pack light – no suitcase with wheels, we saw many struggling – and enjoy this unique experience.

📍Budget: A cave room does not come cheap, but at Stone Rooms you can experience staying in one. It is located near the highlights, so the perfect place to start exploring.

📍Mid-Range: La Casa di Ele – Located in the heart of Matera, this stylish family-run accommodation is set within a historic building. Various room sizes, so ideal for families too. Breakfast should not be missed!

📍Luxury: Giardini di Pietra – Sleep in a cave with modern facilities and learn more about the history of this place from the welcoming owner. The balcony rooms have amazing views of Matera.

Add Matera to your Puglia Itinerary

woman walking down the stairs between the old buildings of Matera Italy — Wake up early to have the little streets to yourself

Including Matera to your Puglia itinerary is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of southern Italy. Matera is only a short drive or train ride away from many popular destinations in Puglia, making it an ideal stop on your journey.

Our visit to Matera made our Puglia road trip more diverse. While we aimed for the amazing beaches with azure-colored water and the stunning coastal towns such as Ostuni and Polignano a Mare, Matera was a wonderful change of scene.

Not only was the city itself a wonderful place to walk around, but the hike in the nearby Murgia National Park was a surprising change from the many beaches we had planned to visit.

Tips for visiting Matera on your road trip

Travel Early: To make the most out of your day, leave early from your Puglia base. This will give you enough time to explore Matera’s fascinating sights without feeling rushed.
Stay Overnight: If possible, spend a night in a cave hotel—this adds an unforgettable dimension to your trip.
Combine with Nature: Matera is close to the Murgia National Park, perfect for those who want to blend history with nature. Consider a morning hike to get great views of the Sassi.

Suggested Itinerary Stops

beautiful beach set between a rocky cliff on one side and houses built on the cliff on the other — The popular Polignano a Mare, near Bari

Bari: Start your journey in Bari, and from there, you can easily connect to Matera by bus, car, or train.
Polignano a Mare & Alberobello: Spend a couple of days exploring these picturesque towns. Alberobello’s trulli and Polignano’s coastal cliffs are must-sees.
Matera: After enjoying the coastal vibes, head to Matera for a completely different atmosphere. Spend at least a night here to see the Sassi di Matera light up in the evening—it’s magical.
Lecce: Complete your Puglia adventure in Lecce, often called the Florence of the South for its stunning baroque architecture.

beautiful cathedral in lecce pugla italy — Baroque-styled Lecce Cathedral

If you want to add some serious beach hopping to your trip, then check out our 7 day Puglia (will be posted ASAP). We visited the most stunning beaches while stopping at the towns Alberobello, Ostuni, Matera, Otranto, Lecce and Brindisi.

Wrapping up: How to Get To Matera

couple posing in front of the sassi district in matera italy

While getting to Matera isn’t that straightforward, especially if you don’t want to drive yourself, there are enough public transportation options. Direct airport shuttles are ideal for those heading straight to Matera, while hopping on the train from Bari gives you a chance to see this beautiful place too.

In the end, with some preparation, Matera is easy to reach. It is not a place you should skip if you are in this part of Italy. After visiting it on our road trip, we think it’s a wonderful weekend destination for those living in Europe. The ancient city will transport you away from your ‘daily life,’ making it the ideal getaway destination.

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