Last Updated on March 24, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

Naturally, after spending a couple of days in Puglia, you are planning a day trip from Bari to Matera. Why wouldn’t you? After all, seeing the Sassi di Matera is a must-do on any Italy lover’s bucket list.

If you recognize yourself in the description above, this is the guide you have been looking for. 

I will break down all the transportation options, including my favorite one, for traveling between the two charming destinations. 

This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.

Can you do a day trip from Bari to Matera?

Of course, that is absolutely possible, and you have countless options to get there and back. 

While I loved Matera and wish I could have spent at least one night in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one day is enough to explore the city’s most important attractions: the Sassi di Matera and the Park of Rupestrian Churches. 

things to do and see in Matera
Matera / Ingrid

How to travel from Bari to Matera?

Travel by car

Traveling by car is the fastest and easiest option. 

Driving around Southern Italy might be intimidating for some people, but if I could do it, so can you. Just pay extra attention to the other drivers, and respect the rules. 

Take Strada Statale 96 (SS96) from Bari to Matera through Altamura, and you will drive the 66 kilometers in roughly 1 hour.

You can stop in the ancient town of Altamura for a few hours if you are planning to spend the night in Matera. 

Here are a few tips and things to have in mind when driving in Italy:

  • You can drive with any EU-issued license, including those issued in the UK (despite Brexit). But if you are coming from the US, for example, you need to obtain an International Driving Permit before you leave home. Check requirements before traveling to Italy. Read more about how to obtain one here.
  • Expect a manual car – if you rent a car on a budget, there is a high chance it will have a manual gearbox,
  • Practice your parking skills – parking in Italy is an experience in itself, especially in places like Rome, Naples, or even Milan. Italians park their cars very close to each other, and sometimes cars even touch each other!
  • Choose a small car—the smaller, the better, especially when you explore smaller towns. The roads are narrow and paved with cobblestone. 
  • Don’t leave your valuables inside the car, and make sure to always book insurance.

Read also: Renting a car in Puglia – a comprehensive guide

If you want to rent a car, I suggest you check DiscoverCars for the best prices. 

It is a great aggregator that can help you save up to 70% on your car rental. Moreover, they have a pretty good cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change.

Travel by bus

There are a few bus options that link Bari to Matera. 

The bus ride will be around 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and the price depends on the company, departure time, and boarding location.

Normally, there is a bus leaving from Bari’s Train Station and another one leaving from Bari International Airport. 

Use Bookaway.com to check the bus timetable and prices and book your return ticket online if you want to plan your entire trip. Pay extra attention to the returning bus schedule and make sure there is a bus returning in the afternoon of the same day. 

Travel by train

I have always loved to travel by train when I was in Italy. However, in Southern Italy, this might prove to be a little bit more challenging. 

While trains are running through Puglia and Basilicata, timetables and connections may not be the best. Also, smaller towns are harder to reach by train. 

When it comes to traveling from Bari Centrale to Matera by train, that is not impossible, but it is a longer ride, and you will have to change trains once you are in Altamura. 

Here are 2 possible options from Trenitalia’s website. These are regional trains, and the tickets cannot be purchased online. 

That means you will have to arrive early at the train station to buy the ticket. Additionally, don’t forget to validate the ticket before getting on the train. 

Bari to Matera by train

Alternatively, check the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane website for the exact train timetable and for the option to book online. The prices start at 5-6 EUR, and the website is in Italian. 

How to reach to Sassi district from Matera Centrale

From the Central Train Station in Matera to the Sassi, you will have to walk for around 18 minutes. There is no bus or other option to get there. 

Pass through Via Lucana and admire the 16th-century Castello Tramontano. 

Book a guided tour

We usually choose guided tours when we want to see as much as possible in a short time. This way, we can rest on the journey and don’t have to worry about filling up the tank, getting lost, or finding parking spaces.

Therefore, if you don’t want to rent a car for your Bari to Matera trip, I would advise a guided tour.

The Best Tours to Visit Matera from Bari

The Matera Day Trip from Bari – you travel by minivan from Bari to Matera, where you will meet your licensed tour guide who will show you around the 2019 European Capital of Culture. See more here!

Matera half-day excursion from Bari with a visit of a cave house – a 5-hour tour for a small group (maximum 7 persons) that will take you to a cave house and ancient cave churches. A perfect tour for those who don’t want to spend one whole day in Matera. See more here!

UNESCO’s Alberobello and Matera from Bari – link 2 important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Puglia and Basilicata: Alberobello with its famous trulli and the Sassi di Matera. This is a private group tour, and it includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. See more here!

Use a private transfer

Choosing a private transfer from Bari to Matera can offer several advantages depending on your preferences, travel needs, and the overall experience you’re seeking.

Some of the advantages include, but are not limited to:

Time Efficiency – You won’t have to wait for scheduled buses or trains, and the transfer can take you directly to your destination without intermediate stops.

Convenience and Comfort – They provide a door-to-door service, picking you up at your specified location in Bari and dropping you off at your destination in Matera.

Personalized Service – The driver can assist you with luggage, provide information about the area, and cater to specific requests you may have during the journey.

Direct Route – The driver will take you directly from Bari to Matera without changing modes of transportation. This can be particularly advantageous if you have specific time constraints or want a more straightforward journey.

You can check options and prices on Bookaway.com

What is the fastest option?

The fastest and easiest way is to travel by car. When you book in advance, that shouldn’t be expensive either. 

What is the cheapest option?

Flixbus has a few cheap bus rides linking the two towns, but you won’t have much flexibility when it comes to the schedule. 

Alternatively, take the train and book it on Ferrovie Appulo Lucane.

What is my advice?

I strongly recommend renting a car and exploring Puglia and Basilicata, in addition to Matera and Bari. There are so many beautiful destinations you will fall in love with. 

Use DiscoverCars and book ahead of time to get the best price. 

PIN FOR LATER!

How to get from Bari to Matera

3 responses to “How to get from Bari to Matera”

  1. […] for Sundays, trains run at regular intervals. Matera can also be reached by bus. You can travel from Bari to Matera and other smaller towns in the province. Of course, you can easily reach Matera by car, […]

  2. […] Bari or Alberobello you can easily cross the border to the region of Basilicata and go on a day trip to Matera – the unique town built in […]

  3. […] Read also: How to get from Bari to Matera […]

Leave a Reply