- 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
$122
Average price
$135
Fastest journey
7 h 57 m
Average duration
8 h 2 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
605 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Matera is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Matera will cost around $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $122.
It's difficult to get from Bologna to Matera without transferring at least once.
FRECCIAROSSA 9519+
FRECCIALINK LK015
FRECCIAROSSA 9613 · FRECCIAROSSA 9519+
FRECCIALINK LK015
FRECCIAROSSA 9613 · FRECCIAROSSA 9519+
FRECCIALINK LK015
FRECCIAROSSA 9519+
FRECCIALINK LK015Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Matera among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $88.
Distance: 375 miles (605 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$132 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $101 Average price |
7h 58m Average total duration 7h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 55m Average total duration 9h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 1.8 - 3.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Matera:
A bus is $63 (€51) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Matera costing on average $101 (€83).
A bus is $94 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Matera costing on average $132 (€108).
Other travel options to Matera take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 28m.
Bus takes on average 9h 25m.
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Matera trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 9403+ BUS FR403+ FRECCIAROSSA 9519+ FRECCIALINK LK015 | 8:02 AM Bologna Centrale | 9h32 | 5:34 PM Matera Centrale | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Bologna to Matera run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $88 (€72) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 375 miles (605 km) distance in 7h 13m.
Distance 375 miles (605 km) |
Average train duration 7h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 (€72) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 7h 13m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 days |
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
Matera Centrale -> Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna 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 Bologna to Matera trains use the Bologna Centrale to Matera Centrale station pair, with some services arriving at Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo / Via Venezia. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Matera train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna S. Vitale is 2 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna S. Vitale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
ATMs are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Parking, WC.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna S. Vitale: Elevators, ramps.
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.
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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need