- 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.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lecce to Matera among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr129. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr129, and a train costs an average of kr223.
Distance: 85 miles (137 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr334 Average price | kr180 Average price Cheapest | kr328 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 48m Average total duration 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 32m Average total duration Fastest 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lecce to Matera:
A bus is kr154 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lecce to Matera costing on average kr334.
Other travel options to Matera take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 18m.
Tickets start at around kr334 compared to roughly kr328 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-6.68. The journey takes 3h 18m versus 2h 8m 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.
Compare train and bus 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 Lecce to Matera run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr223 but you can travel from only kr129 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 85 miles (137 km) distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 85 miles (137 km) |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price kr223 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 3h 25m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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.
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 Lecce 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 Lecce to Matera trains use the Lecce to Matera Villa Longo station pair, with some services arriving at Matera Centrale. Use this guide to compare Lecce and Matera train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lecce is 1 km from Lecce city centre. Public transport options include:
Lecce 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: Alibi Creative Club, Osteria degli Spiriti
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lecce. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lecce. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lecce: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lecce: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lecce: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Garden Inn Lecce, Patria Palace Hotel, Risorgimento Resort.
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.
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