How to Get to Matera from Bari?
Matera is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Bari. Even though the two cities are in different regions (Basilicata and Puglia, respectively), Basilicata doesn't have its own airport, making Bari the closest gateway. 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 transport companies offer direct routes between Bari and Matera. Some buses depart right from the airport, while others leave from the city centre (see how to get from Bari Airport to the city centre).
SITA Sud/ Co.Tr.A.P. (Pugliairbus)
SITA Sud buses have several daily direct departures from Bari Airport to Matera (Piazza Giacomo Matteotti). A one-way ticket costs just €3.4, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Book bus ticket from Bari to Matera
Certain departures are operated by Co.Tr.A.P., and tickets for these specific times cost €6. You can check the full schedule directly on the Marozzi company website.
Flixbus
Flixbus coaches depart both from Bari Airport and the city centre. Prices are dynamic (meaning they are usually cheaper if you book well in advance).
Buses leaving from the airport take about an hour and a half to reach Matera.
Book Ticket Bari Airport-Matera
Buses departing directly from the city centre get you to Matera in about an hour.
Bus Miccolis
Bus Miccolis also offers transportation from both the Bari train station and the airport to Matera (arriving at the Via Don Luigi Sturzo bus terminal). They run one or two trips a day depending on the season, with a travel time of about an hour. One-way tickets start at €9.5 from the train station and €11.5 from the airport.
Itabus
Itabus operates routes from Bari (Via Capruzzi, right next to the Central Station) to Matera (Via Don Luigi Sturzo). Prices are dynamic and start at around €7 each way during the summer. Keep in mind that winter prices can be higher, and buses might include layovers in other cities during the off-season.
Train
It is also possible to travel from Bari to Matera by train. The journey takes between 1.5 to 2 hours and requires a train change in Altamura.
Trains operating the Bari-Matera route are managed by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL), and a one-way ticket costs €6.2.
Heads up! When you enter the main Bari Centrale station (which serves several different rail companies), make sure to follow the specific signs pointing you toward the separate Ferrovie Appulo Lucane platform and entrance.
For more details on navigating the rail network, check out our complete guide on train travel in Italy.
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 (use code TPO5 to receive a 5% discount - the code is valid for bookings made between April 15 and December 31, 2026).
Car Rental
If you're planning to explore beyond a day trip from Bari to Matera and want to visit other sights around Puglia, renting a car is highly recommended (check out our article on how to rent a car from Bari airport).
The drive from Bari to Matera takes about 50 minutes.
