- 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
$108
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 20 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
560 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $108.
Of the 2 trains that leave Florence Santa Maria Novella for Matera on Sun, Aug 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 16 the direct trains cover the 560 km distance in an average of 7 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Sun, Aug 16 the slowest trains will take 7 h 20 m 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 train as it is the most popular option from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $76.
Distance: 347 miles (560 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $88 Average price | $182 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 27m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 33m Average total duration 11h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 0m Average total duration Fastest 6h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera costing on average $88 (€71).
A bus is $56 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera costing on average $123 (€100).
Other travel options to Matera take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 57m.
Bus takes on average 11h 3m.
Tickets start at around $123 (€100) compared to roughly $182 (€148) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $60 (€48). The journey takes 6h 57m versus 6h 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:14 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 7h20 | 3:34 PM Matera | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:14 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 7h20 | 4:34 PM Matera | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:14, the last at 10:14. The fastest train covers the 347 miles (560 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 347 miles (560 km) |
Average train duration 6h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 7h 0m |
First train 8:14 AM |
Last train 10:14 AM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 Florence Santa Maria Novella 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 Florence Santa Maria Novella to Matera trains use the Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Matera Centrale station pair, with some services arriving at Matera, Via Don Luigi Sturzo / Via Venezia. Use this guide to compare Florence Santa Maria Novella and Matera train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is 1 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze Santa Maria Novella 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: 12oz Coffee Joint, Casa Maioli, Don Nino, Fratelli Cuore, McDonald´s, Panella, Segafredo Zanetti, Spizzico, Venchi, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are located in the basement in the shopping center next to the Feltrinelli bookshop and between Celio and Mango shops.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are located inside and outside the station.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Adua. Open daily from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Mobility assistance is available with the Sala Blu, located next to Platform 1.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Luxor Florence, Joy Hotel Florence, Diplomat Hotel Florence.
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