How to Get to Matera. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Two main airports serve the region for travel to Matera.

Airport Options

Bari Karol Wojtyłan Airport (BRI): Approximately 60 km (37 miles) north of Matera. This is the most convenient and common gateway, a major hub for Southern Italy with numerous international and domestic flights.
Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS): About 140 km (87 miles) from Matera. This is another option, though less convenient for direct access to Matera, serving flights into the Puglia region.
Direct flights from North America or other major global hubs outside Europe are rare. Most travelers connect via major European airports like Rome, Milan, London, Paris, or Frankfurt.

Transfer Options to Matera

Methods for reaching Matera from the airport.

From Bari Airport BRI

Bus: The most direct option. Pugliairbus (BusMiccolis) provides regular direct services to Matera's central bus station. Journey: ~1 hour, Cost: €5-€8.
Taxi/Private Transfer: Convenient but expensive (~€80-€100+).
Car Rental: Rent a car at Bari Airport for flexibility. Book in advance for better rates. Explore DiscoverCars.com.

Price Fluctuations

Flight availability and prices fluctuate seasonally. Book flights well in advance during peak season for better prices. Shoulder seasons balance rates and weather.

Airport Facilities

Both Bari and Brindisi airports offer standard facilities: car rental services, ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Bari Airport, being larger, has a wider range of amenities.

Departure Timing

For Bari Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before a Schengen flight and 3 hours before a non-Schengen international flight. This allows for check-in and security.

Airlines & Routes

Bari Airport BRI Airlines

ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia)
Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet
Lufthansa, British Airways
Connections to Rome, Milan, London, Paris, Berlin, Budapest.

Brindisi Airport BDS Airlines

Similar airlines to Bari.
Mainly connecting to other Italian cities and some European hubs.
Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for flight comparisons.
Renting a car at Brindisi Airport is the most straightforward option for travel to Matera from there.

Departure Notes

Exit Fees

Italy does not impose a specific departure tax or exit fee for tourists at airports or land borders. Airport departure taxes are generally included in your airfare.

Travel Time Allowance

If using public transport (bus from Matera to Bari Airport or train/bus combinations), allow extra travel time. Check schedules for your departure day in advance, especially on weekends or holidays.

FAL Train Connections

If taking the FAL train from Matera Centrale to Bari Centrale, allow at least 30-45 minutes buffer time between arrival and connecting departure for any minor delays.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Matera has a regional train connection.

FAL Regional Line

Matera does not have a direct connection to Italy's national railway network (Trenitalia).
To Matera by train, you use the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) regional train line.
This line connects Matera with Bari. From Bari Centrale (Trenitalia), walk to the adjacent FAL station.

Long-Distance Buses

Often a convenient direct route from major Italian cities.

Major Operators

Companies like MarinoBus, FlixBus, and Itabus offer direct connections from cities like Rome, Naples, Florence, and Milan to Matera.
Travel times vary significantly (e.g., Rome to Matera takes around 6-7 hours).
Buses usually arrive at Matera's central bus station (Piazza Matteotti or Via Don Luigi Sturzo), close to the FAL train station.

Self-Driving Considerations

Freedom of exploration with a rental car.

Information

Requirements: Non-EU citizens must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their national driver's license. Obtain your IDP before your trip.
Road Conditions: Roads in Basilicata and Puglia are generally well-maintained. Motorways ("Autostrade") have tolls.
Safety Concerns: Italian drivers can be assertive. Pay attention to road signs and local driving habits.

ZTLs & Parking

Driving Rules

ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones): Common in historic city centers. Matera's Sassi area is largely a ZTL.
Driving into a ZTL without a permit results in hefty fines.
Parking: Park your rental car outside the ZTL. Look for designated paid parking lots around the perimeter of the Sassi (e.g., near Via Lucana, Piazza Vittorio Veneto).

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable for Matera

Matera is an inland city. Sea or river arrivals do not directly apply to reaching the city itself.
Nearest major ferry and cruise ports are in Puglia: Bari Port and Brindisi Port.
From these ports, travelers use land transportation (bus, train, or rental car) to Matera.

For international arrivals by ferry or cruise ship, standard Schengen entry procedures apply.
Passengers undergo passport control and customs checks upon disembarkation at their first Schengen port.
This section does not apply for internal travel within Italy.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Plan your departure to be smooth and stress-free.

Steps

Air Travel: If departing from Bari Karol Wojtyłan Airport (BRI), plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a Schengen flight and 3 hours before a non-Schengen international flight.
Public Transport: Allow extra travel time if returning a rental car or using public transport (bus from Matera to Bari Airport or train/bus combinations).
Check schedules for your departure day in advance, especially on weekends or holidays, as services might be less frequent.

Airport & Station Facilities

Amenities for departing travelers.

Available Services

Bari Airport (BRI): Offers standard facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and lounges.
Matera Centrale (FAL Station): A smaller station with basic amenities, including ticket offices, a waiting area, and usually a small bar/cafe for quick refreshments.
For early morning departures from Matera, pre-book your bus transfer to Bari Airport or arrange a taxi the day before. Buses start running early, but confirm the first departure time.

No Exit Fees

Italy does not impose specific departure taxes at airports or land borders. These are typically included in your airfare.

Timely Arrivals

Allow plenty of time for check-in and security at the airport, especially for international flights.

Pre-Book Transfers

For smooth early morning departures, pre-book your bus or taxi transfer from Matera to Bari Airport.

Travel Tips

Footwear is

Wear Sturdy walking shoes with good grip. The Sassi's cobbled streets are beautiful but can be slippery and challenging, even for able-bodied walkers.

How to Get to Matera