Basilicata has no major airport and a thin rail network, so most visitors fly into a neighbouring region and drive. Here is how it fits together.
By air
Bari (BRI) is the usual gateway for Matera and the east, about an hour’s drive away. Naples (NAP) suits Potenza, Maratea and the Vulture. Lamezia Terme (SUF) in Calabria is handy for the Pollino and the Tyrrhenian coast. Brindisi (BDS) is another option for the Ionian side.
By train
The national railway serves Potenza (from Salerno and Naples), Metaponto (on the Ionian coast line) and Maratea (on the Tyrrhenian line between Naples and Calabria). Matera is reached by the regional Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) from Bari, not by the national network.
By bus
Long-distance coaches link Matera and Potenza with Rome, Naples and other cities. Regional buses connect the main towns, but services to villages are few and often run only on weekdays. Check the operators’ current timetables before you rely on them.
| To | Car | Public transport |
|---|---|---|
| Bari (city or airport) | About 1 h | Train (FAL) about 1.5 h |
| Craco | About 50 min | Tours only |
| Metaponto | About 45 min | Limited buses |
| Aliano | About 1.25–1.5 h | Not practical |
| Castelmezzano | About 1.5 h | Not practical |
| Potenza | About 1.5 h | Buses on weekdays |
| Venosa | About 1.75–2 h | With changes |
| Rotonda (Pollino) | About 2–2.5 h | Not practical |
| Maratea | About 3 h | With changes |
Times are approximate and depend on the route; always check current timetables.
Driving
You drive on the right. The main roads are the SS407 Basentana (Potenza to Metaponto along the Basento valley) and the A2 motorway (Salerno to Reggio Calabria), which crosses the south-west of the region near Lagonegro and Lauria. Many other roads are narrow and winding. Historic centres, including Matera’s Sassi, have restricted traffic zones (ZTL) with camera enforcement, so ask your hotel how to park. Italy has strict drink-driving limits. Rules can change: check official sources.
Car hire
A car is the key to Basilicata. Hire one at Bari, Naples or Lamezia airport. One-way rentals between airports are possible but may cost extra. A small car is easier on village roads.
Getting around without a car
It is possible to combine Matera (by train from Bari), Potenza (by train from Naples) and Maratea (by train along the coast), with tours for Craco and the villages. Expect slow connections between them.
Where next?
Pick a destination from the destination guides, each of which has a dedicated page on getting there.
