Bari - Matera: how to get there on your own

Bari to Matera: all the ways to get there on your own by public transportation

Matera, located in the Italian region of Basilicata, is best connected not to its regional capital, but to Bari, the capital of Puglia, which is only 33 km in a straight line and 66 km by highway. There are trains and buses between the cities, and it takes a couple of hours to get there on your own for no more than 10 €.

Contents

Bus Bari - Matera
Train Bari to Matera

Map of stations in Bari and Matera

Bus Bari — Matera

There are 3 bus companies between Matera and Bari central station: Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, Miccolis and Flixbus. Another company, Pugliairbus (Aeroporti di Puglia), connects Matera directly to Bari Palese Airport.

All buses from the center of Bari take approximately 1—1.5 hours. The bus stop in Bari is called Largo Sorrentino and is located on the back side of the Bari Centrale train station. There are no more or less visible stop signs. You should orient yourself by the buses coming and going.

Buses stop on both sides of the road, so stay alert. Our «flixbus» to Matera stopped on the opposite side, near the shopping outlets.

In Matera, buses stop quite far from the historic districts: the nearest attraction is about 2.5 km away.

Bus companies on the route Bari — Matera:

Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL). These are substitute buses for the cancellation of trains of the regional railway company FAL. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. Fare: 4,9 €. Schedule
Miccolis Spa, fare: 10,5 €. Schedule
Flixbus. Flights mainly in the morning (9:20, 11:15, 12:15) and evening (20:00). Cost from 5 €. Schedule. The flight is transit, so the bus does not linger at the stop in Bari. Cancellations are possible: our flight at 9:20 was canceled and our ticket was transferred to the next one, at 11:15.

Pugliairbus depart daily from Bari Airport to Matera at intervals of 1.5—3 hours. The buses run from 9am to 00:30. Tickets are from 3,4 €. Travel time is just over an hour. Schedule

Train Bari to Matera

Rail transportation is provided by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL), a regional company. The company is renowned for its slowness and schedule slippage. In Bari, FAL trains leave from the furthest platform from the station building. In Matera, the station is closer to the sights than the bus station.

Be careful when boarding the car: not all four go to Matera, some stay in Altamura, so it’s worth checking with the conductor for the right car.

Stations are not announced at stops. It is better to prepare in advance and keep your eyes on the road.