- 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.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$133
Fastest journey
4 h 40 m
Average duration
13 h 39 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
370 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rome to Matera is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rome to Matera will cost around $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 3 trains that leave Rome for Matera on Mon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 370 km distance in an average of 13 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 18 h 8 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Rome to Matera among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $21.
Distance: 229 miles (370 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $133 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 16m Average total duration 3h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Rome to Matera:
A bus is $88 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rome to Matera costing on average $112 (€92).
A bus is $108 (€89) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rome to Matera costing on average $133 (€109).
Other travel options to Matera take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 46m.
Bus takes on average 5h 55m.
You'll arrive about 46m sooner (3h 46m by train vs 4h 32m by car). Tickets start at around $112 (€92) compared to roughly $106 (€87) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Italo, Intercity.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Rome to Matera trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 PM Rome | 4h40 | 8:10 PM Matera | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Rome | 4h40 | 9:10 PM Matera | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:26 PM Rome | 17h55 | 4:21 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 Rome to Matera run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 229 miles (370 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 229 miles (370 km) |
Average train duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 4h 40m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 Centrale, Matera -> Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Matera
The train connection between Rome and Matera offers a convenient way to explore these two captivating cities in Italy. Travelers can choose from several providers, including Frecciarossa, Italo, and Regionale. With frequent services available throughout the day, you can enjoy a comfortable journey while taking in the beautiful Italian landscapes along the route. Whether you're heading to Rome's historic sites or Matera's stunning cave dwellings, this rail link makes it easy to experience both destinations seamlessly.
Traveling from Rome to Matera takes approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes, with a total of 3 connections available each day. The trains on this route are direct, making it convenient for travelers.
The first daily journey from Rome to Matera departs at 06:45, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful landscapes and rich history of southern Italy. The last train leaves at 10:45, allowing visitors ample time throughout the day to enjoy their adventures in Matera before returning.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Rome to Matera is €15. The average ticket price typically hovers around €29, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these beautiful Italian cities.
Welcome to the Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to prehistoric times and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its significance lies not only in its ancient cave dwellings but also in how it reflects human ingenuity and adaptation over millennia, showcasing a unique blend of history and culture. As we explore these fascinating stone structures carved into limestone cliffs, you'll notice their intricate architecture and stunning views that have inspired artists and filmmakers alike.
Next on our journey is the Cathedral of Matera, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Bruna, which was built between 1230 and 1270 atop a hill overlooking the Sassi. This magnificent Romanesque church holds great significance as both a spiritual center for locals and an architectural marvel featuring exquisite frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Be sure to admire its striking façade adorned with sculptures while taking in panoramic vistas of this enchanting city from its elevated position.
Finally, we arrive at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario—a remarkable example of traditional cave dwelling life preserved within Matera's historic landscape. This unique attraction offers insight into how families lived centuries ago amidst humble yet resourceful surroundings filled with everyday artifacts reflecting local customs. As you step inside this atmospheric home carved directly from rock, you'll feel transported back in time—an experience that truly connects you with Matera’s rich heritage.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rome 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.

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