- Must visit
Palazzo Lanfranchi - Museo Nazionale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata
Major regional art museum in a former seminary, known for works by Carlo Levi and collections covering Basilicata's medieval and modern art.
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 $129.
Distance: 494 miles (796 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $148 Average price | $71 Average price | $179 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 (€30) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Donato Milanese to Matera costing on average $71 (€58).
A bus is $114 (€94) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Donato Milanese to Matera costing on average $148 (€121).
Other travel options to Matera take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 14m.
Bus takes on average 12h 50m.
Tickets start at around $34 (€28) compared to roughly $179 (€147) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $145 (€119). 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 $40 |
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 (€24) 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 (€24) |
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.
Major regional art museum in a former seminary, known for works by Carlo Levi and collections covering Basilicata's medieval and modern art.
Multimedia house museum run by FAI that gives an excellent introduction to Matera's history before exploring the Sassi on foot.
Contemporary sculpture museum set in cave spaces of Palazzo Pomarici, creating a distinctive contrast between modern art and the ancient Sassi.
The more dramatic of the two main Sassi districts, known for cave dwellings, iconic church views, and strong cinematic appeal.
Lively Sassi district with restored cave buildings, churches, and walking lanes that balance heritage with active tourism.
Scenic square at the edge of Sasso Caveoso, with one of the classic postcard views of rock houses and the Gravina.
Traditional sourdough bread made with local durum wheat semolina, famous for its large horned shape, thick crust, and long shelf life.
A rustic bread salad from Matera made with stale Pane Di Matera, tomatoes, onion, and olive oil; often served fresh in summer.
A hearty Materan soup of mixed legumes and grains, historically shared at communal summer gatherings and tied closely to local peasant traditions.
Established Matera restaurant in the Sassi area, known for refined Lucanian cuisine, local ingredients, and a romantic cave-like setting.
Popular Sassi restaurant with atmospheric cave dining, offering classic Materan and Basilicata dishes with a slightly upscale approach.
Well-known traditional osteria in Matera serving regional dishes, house specialties, and local wines in a cozy stone interior.
Moderate by Italian standards. Cave-area stays cost more, but casual dining and coffee are reasonable.
Service is often included or modest. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes is enough; 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis: round up, not mandatory.
Official public transport app
Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo, Matera -> Matera Centrale
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.

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