By Train

Rail connection with Matera

Matera is served by Appulo Lucane Railways (FAL), a regional railway line that mainly connects it with Bari and Altamura. Although not on the Trenitalia national rail network, the FAL connections are efficient and offer a panoramic travel experience across the Murge plateau.

Matera railway station

Matera Central – FAL – Piazza Giacomo Matteotti

Main links

From Bari to Matera:

Departure station: Bari Centrale (FAL station, adjacent to the FS station)
Frequency: around 12-15 trains per day
Duration: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Indicative rate: €5-7 one way
Main intermediate stops: Altamura

Note: Times may vary between weekdays, Saturdays and holidays. Always check on www.ferrovieappulolucane.it.

From other Italian cities

If you arrive from other Italian cities with Trenitalia/Italo:

Reach out Bari Central (main railway station).
From the railway station, walk about 100 meters to the adjacent one FAL station (Appulo Lucane Railways).
Buy the ticket and take the FAL train to Matera.

Main connections to Bari:

From Rome: Frecciarossa/Frecciargento (about 4 hours)
From Naples: Frecciarossa (about 3 hours)
From Milan: Frecciarossa (6-7 hours)
From Florence: Frecciarossa/Intercity (5-6 hours)

From Matera station to the Sassi area

Una volta arrivato alla stazione FAL di Matera Centrale, hai diverse opzioni per raggiungere le Dimore dei Mercanti:

Option 1: Taxi (Radio Taxi Matera +39 0835 1905)

Time: about 10 minutes
Approximate cost: €10-15
Taxi station: present in front of the station
Advised: with luggage, convenient and fast

Option 2: City bus

Line: several urban lines connect the station and the center (check the lines active at the moment)
Nearest stop: Via S. Antonio Abate with the Sassi Line (about 210 m from the Residences)
Frequency: variable, less frequent in the evening and on holidays

Option 3: On foot

About 700 meters: through the staircase connecting the Sassi in Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Purchase of FAL train tickets

Online:

Official website: www.ferrovieappulolucane.it
FAL mobile app available for iOS and Android

At the station:

Automatic ticket machine
Ticket office with operator (limited hours)

Important note: FAL tickets are separate from Trenitalia. If you arrive with Trenitalia in Bari, you will have to purchase a new FAL ticket for Matera.

Practical advice

Check times in advance: FAL trips are less frequent than national trains, so plan carefully.
Bari airport alternative: from Bari airport you can take the train to Bari Centrale, then FAL to Matera.
Coincidences: allow at least 20-30 minutes of margin to change from Trenitalia to FAL in Bari.
Taxi booking: if you arrive in the evening, we recommend that you book a taxi in advance.
Tell us your arrival time: We will provide you with precise information and be able to advise you on the best solution.

Organized private transfer

Upon request, we can organize a private transfer dalla stazione di Matera (o dall’aeroporto di Bari) direttamente alle Dimore dei Mercanti:

Driver awaits you with personalized sign
Comfortable and air-conditioned car
Assistance with luggage
Fixed rate agreed in advance