- Must visit
Casa Noha
Immersive multimedia museum in a restored historic house that explains the history of Matera and the Sassi; often the best first stop for orientation.
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$7
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 37 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
54 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bari to Matera is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bari to Matera will cost around $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
It's difficult to get from Bari to Matera without transferring at least once.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bari to Matera among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $4, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 33 miles (54 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
$7 Average price | $6 Average price Cheapest |
2h 19m Average total duration 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bari to Matera:
A bus is $1 (€1) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bari to Matera costing on average $7 (€6).
Other travel options to Matera take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 49m.
The table below shows live departures for Bari to Matera trains for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:01 AM Bari | 1h36 | 9:37 AM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:11 AM Bari | 1h46 | 11:57 AM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:50 AM Bari | 1h43 | 1:33 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:56 PM Bari | 1h36 | 2:32 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:51 PM Bari | 2h01 | 3:52 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:19 PM Bari | 2h44 | 5:03 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:12 PM Bari | 1h38 | 5:50 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:54 PM Bari | 1h59 | 7:53 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:27 PM Bari | 1h39 | 9:06 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:13 PM Bari | 1h37 | 9:50 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:32 PM Bari | 1h36 | 11:08 PM Matera | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
![]() | 4:24 AM Bari | 2h26 | 6:50 AM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:16 AM Bari | 2h17 | 7:33 AM Matera | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:27 AM Bari | 1h49 | 8:16 AM Matera | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
By Koen Berghuis
Matera, a picturesque city famous for its cave houses, can easily be reached from Bari by train. Although a lot of tourists opt to travel here by bus, I actually think the train makes for a far more comfortable and rewarding experience. Let’s take a closer look at how you can travel from Bari to Matera by train!

The Bari to Matera train
Trains from Bari to Matera are operated by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL), a small railway company running services on the narrow-gauge lines between the Italian regions of Puglia and Basilicata. The distance by rail from Bari to Matera is 74 kilometers (46 miles), with trains taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
I found it very easy to book my Italian train tickets on Omio. If you’re not yet sure how to travel, Omio also allows you to compare trains, buses, and other transport options in a single search, which is another useful feature.
Bari Centrale, the city’s main railway station, is where you will start your journey. However, you should know that the narrow-gauge trains to Matera depart from a separate part of Bari Centrale, the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) platforms. These are located in a building on the western side of Piazza Aldo Moro, the palm-lined square in front of the station. Make sure you don’t walk to the main part of Bari Centrale on the southern side of the square!
Matera Centrale is the station where you have to get off, as this is closest to the historic center. From this small but modern underground railway station, the old town of Matera is just a couple of hundred meters away.
There is a train from Bari to Matera roughly once every hour. The first service usually departs around 5 in the morning, and the last leaves Bari around 9 in the evening. Some trains run direct from Bari to Matera, while others are one-stop connections requiring a change of trains at Altamura.
The train from Bari to Matera is a modern regional service with second-class seating only, arranged in a 2+2 configuration. As it runs on a narrow-gauge line, it may feel slightly more cramped than the standard-gauge trains on Italy’s main railway network. However, I do think these trains are still perfectly comfortable. I booked my seat on the day of travel and luckily enjoyed a window seat with plenty of legroom. There was no food service on board, but I did enjoy a nice breakfast at home.
Trains from Bari to Matera have a fixed ticket price and cannot sell out, so it doesn’t matter whether you book weeks in advance or buy your ticket on the day of travel. I paid €6.20 for the ticket on the day of departure.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €6.2 |
| Food & drinks | €0 |
| Travel to departure station | €0 |
| Travel from arrival station | €0 |
| Total | € 6.2 |
Taking the train is the most comfortable and scenic way to travel from Bari to Matera. The tricky part is finding the correct departure platform, as it is not in the main part of Bari Centrale. Instead, you must make your way around the corner on the western side of the station square. Once on board, you can relax and enjoy the ride!

Matera Centrale exterior view
Trains from Bari to Matera run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) but you can travel from only $4 (€3) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 33 miles (54 km) distance in 1h 36m.
Distance 33 miles (54 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 1h 36m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Matera — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Matera trip today.
Immersive multimedia museum in a restored historic house that explains the history of Matera and the Sassi; often the best first stop for orientation.
Contemporary sculpture museum set inside cave spaces and a historic palace in the Sassi, making it one of Matera’s most distinctive cultural visits.
National museum with medieval and modern art collections, housed in a Baroque palace and known for works connected to Carlo Levi and southern Italy.
The more dramatic and ancient-looking of Matera’s two Sassi districts, filled with cave dwellings, viewpoints, and highly photogenic streets.
The larger Sassi district, known for restored cave homes, churches, accommodations, and easier walking routes through Matera’s iconic stone scenery.
Panoramic terrace with one of the classic postcard views over the Sassi, especially popular at sunset and widely shared on social media.
Traditional durum-wheat sourdough bread with a thick crust and fragrant crumb, long considered a symbol of Matera and its bread-making heritage.
A rustic peasant salad made with stale local bread, tomatoes, onion, oregano, and olive oil; sometimes served in a summer version or with vegetables.
A hearty soup of mixed pulses and grains from the Matera area, traditionally prepared for communal summer gatherings and rural celebrations.
Well-known restaurant in the Sassi area with a romantic cave setting, focused on refined Lucanian cuisine, local wines, and polished service.
Established Matera osteria known for traditional Basilicata dishes, local ingredients, and a warm stone-vaulted atmosphere in the historic center.
Elegant dining venue with panoramic views over the Sassi, offering a more upscale interpretation of local cuisine in a historic setting.
Prices are moderate for Italy. Hotels in the Sassi can cost more, but meals and coffee are usually reasonable.
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafés or 5-10% for good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares if helpful.
Official public transport app
Matera Centrale, Matera -> Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bari to Matera by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Matera, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bari to Matera trains use the Bari Centrale to Matera Villa Longo station pair, with some services arriving at Matera Centrale. Use this guide to compare Bari and Matera train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bari Centrale is 1 km from Bari city centre. Public transport options include:
Bari Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Pizzeria Piccinni, La Tana Del Polpo
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bari Centrale. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bari Centrale. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bari Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bari Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bari Centrale: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Excelsior Bari, Grand Hotel Leon d'Oro, Hotel Adria.
Bari Palese-Macchie is 7 km from Bari city centre. Public transport options include:
Bari Palese-Macchie has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Available at Bari Palese-Macchie: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bari Palese-Macchie: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bari Palese-Macchie: Ramps, restrooms.
Bari Aeroporto is 7 km from Bari city centre. Public transport options include:
Bari Aeroporto has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Bacco, Ristorante Il Poeta Contadino
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bari Aeroporto. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bari Aeroporto. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bari Aeroporto: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bari Aeroporto: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bari Aeroporto: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Parco Dei Principi Hotel Congress & SPA, Hotel Palumbo Masseria Sant'Anna, Vittoria Parc Hotel.
Matera Villa Longo is 1 km from Matera city centre. Public transport options include:
Matera Villa Longo has practical services for this route, including Dining and Hotel.
Food options include: Monkey Drink House
Matera Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Osteria Al Casale, Ristorante Francesca
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Matera Centrale. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Matera Centrale. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Matera Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Matera Centrale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Matera Centrale: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel San Domenico Al Piano, Hotel Nazionale, Hotel Sassi.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need