How to Get to Matera from Bari?
Matera is one of the most visited tourist destinations near Bari. Although the two cities are in different regions (Basilicata and Puglia), Basilicata has no airport, and the closest airport is Bari Airport. The distance between Bari and Matera is only 65 km, and transportation is easy, either by public transport (bus and train), private transfer, or rental car.
Bus
Several transportation companies offer direct routes between Bari and Matera. Some buses depart directly from the airport, while others depart from the city (see how to get from Bari Airport to the city center).
SITA Sud/ Co.Tr.A.P. (Pugliairbus)
SITA Sud buses have several daily direct departures from Bari Airport to Matera (Piazza Giacomo Matteotti). The ticket price is only €3.40 one way, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Book bus ticket from Bari to Matera
Some departures at certain times are operated by Co.Tr.A.P., and for these, the ticket price is €5. You can check the schedule on Marozzi's website.
Flixbus
Flixbus coaches depart both from Bari Airport and from the city. Prices are dynamic (usually lower if booked in advance).
Buses departing from the airport cover the distance between Bari and Matera in about 1.5 hours.
Book Ticket Bari Airport-Matera
Buses departing directly from the city reach Matera in about 1 hour.
Bus Miccolis
Bus Miccolis also offers transportation from the Central Station or from Bari Airport to Matera (bus terminal at Via Don Luigi Sturzo). They have one or two departures per day (depending on the season), the journey takes about 1 hour, and prices start from €9.50 one way (from the station) and €11.50 (from the airport).
Itabus
Itabus buses provide transportation from Bari (Via Capruzzi, near Stazione Centrale) to Matera (Via Don Luigi Sturzo). Prices are dynamic and start from around €10 one way during the summer (they are higher in the winter, and buses may stop in other cities).
Train
It is also possible to travel from Bari to Matera by train, but the journey is longer, taking between 1 hour and 10 minutes and 2 hours.
Trains on the Bari-Matera route are operated by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane. Attention: these trains do not depart from Bari Centrale, but from FAL station, which is located right next to it, or from Bari Scalo. The ticket price is €6.
Private Transfer
Private transfers are the most convenient option, but also the most expensive. They can be a practical choice when traveling in a larger group (usually, the price decreases as the number of passengers increases). You can also check private transfer offers on KiwiTaxi.
Car Rental
If you plan to make other trips in the area in addition to the excursion from Bari to Matera, to visit the tourist attractions in Puglia, it is recommended to rent a car. The drive from Bari to Matera takes about 50 minutes.
