Matera is not on the main Italian railway network. Its stations are served by the regional Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) line from Bari. Bari airport is the usual gateway.
Routes at a glance
| From | By | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bari | Train (FAL) | About 1.5 h | From Bari Centrale, sometimes with a change at Altamura. Fewer trains on Sundays. |
| Bari airport | Bus / shuttle | About 1–1.5 h | Some coach and shuttle services run direct; check current timetables. |
| Bari | Car | About 1 h | Via Altamura. Park outside the restricted zone. |
| Potenza | Bus / car | About 1.5 h | Regional buses run on weekdays; driving is simpler. |
| Naples or Rome | Coach | About 4–7 h | Long-distance coaches serve Matera; compare with train to Bari or Potenza. |
| Metaponto | Car | About 45 min | For the Ionian coast and the Greek sites. |
Times are typical and fares change — check current timetables and prices before you travel.
Getting around Matera
The Sassi are pedestrian and full of steps. Much of the historic centre is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), so if you are driving, ask your hotel where to park and how to get luggage in. Small electric shuttles and tuk-tuk style vehicles run around the Sassi roads.
Onward from Matera
The ghost town of Craco and the Greek temples of Metaponto are both under an hour away by car. See getting around Basilicata for car hire and buses.
