- Must visit
Museo Archeologico Nazionale Domenico Ridola
The city’s leading museum preserves archaeology from prehistoric to classical times, giving essential context before exploring the Sassi.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
12 h 25 m
Average duration
13 h 43 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
796 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Donato Milanese to Matera is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Donato Milanese to Matera will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 2 buses that leave San Donato Milanese for Matera on Fri, Aug 14, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 14 the direct buses cover the 796 km distance in an average of 13 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 25 m .
On Fri, Aug 14 the slowest buses will take 15 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Donato Milanese to Matera among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $130.
Distance: 494 miles (796 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $149 Average price | $71 Average price | $180 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 20m Average total duration 12h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration 9h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Donato Milanese to Matera:
A bus is $37 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Donato Milanese to Matera costing on average $71.
A bus is $115 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Donato Milanese to Matera costing on average $149.
Other travel options to Matera take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 14m.
Bus takes on average 12h 50m.
Tickets start at around $34 compared to roughly $180 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $146. The journey takes 12h 50m versus 8h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Marino Autolinee, Itabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 18h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $41 |
The table below shows live departures for San Donato Milanese to Matera buses for tomorrow, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:05 PM San Donato Milanese | 12h25 | 6:30 AM Matera | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from San Donato Milanese to Matera run on average 18 times per day, taking around 12h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 494 miles (796 km) distance in 12h 25m.
Distance 494 miles (796 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 25m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Matera — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Matera trip today.
The city’s leading museum preserves archaeology from prehistoric to classical times, giving essential context before exploring the Sassi.
Contemporary sculpture museum inside Palazzo Pomarici, showcasing works by Italian artist Pietro Consagra in a striking historic setting.
Historic cave dwelling furnished to show daily family life in the Sassi before the 1950s relocation, simple and very evocative.
Matera’s most iconic ancient quarter, a dense landscape of caves, lanes, and stone houses that defines the city’s UNESCO fame.
Historic district of cave homes and churches with dramatic urban layers, excellent walking routes, and classic postcard views.
Main central square and transport hub above the Sassi, ideal for orienting yourself and accessing the underground cistern area.
Oven-baked sheep's milk cheese from Matera's Murgia area. Its intense flavor reflects local pastoral tradition and it is a classic table cheese in Basilicata.
Rustic semolina bread with a dark crust and long shelf life. It is one of Matera's signature foods and a symbol of the city's baking heritage.
Fresh handmade pasta with breadcrumbs, peppers, or tomato-based sauces. It is a staple of Basilicata home cooking and often served on Sundays and feast days.
Refined Michelin-starred dining in the Sassi, focused on Basilicata ingredients with creative tasting menus in an elegant cave setting.
Established restaurant in the Sassi with polished regional cuisine, strong wine selection, and panoramic ambiance suited to a leisurely dinner.
Historic cave restaurant serving traditional Lucanian dishes, local wines, and regional specialties in one of Matera's most atmospheric dining rooms.
Moderate for Italy: dining is fair, cave hotels can be pricey, and local transit is limited, so walking or taxis may add costs.
Service is often included or modest. Round up at cafes and taxis; leave 5-10% at restaurants only for very good service.
Official public transport app
Terminal Bus Via Don Luigi Sturzo -> Matera Centrale, Matera
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Donato Milanese to Matera by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Matera, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Donato Milanese to Matera buses use the Milano, San Donato - Settore B (Viale Giuseppe Impastato) to Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo station pair. Use this guide to compare San Donato Milanese and Matera bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo is 1 km from Matera city centre. Public transport options include:
Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Ristorante Il Terrazzino (0.5 km), Osteria Al Casale (0.6 km), Caffè Tripoli (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo.
Available at Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need