Matera Centrale

How to Get to Matera Centrale

Matera is not connected to the national Trenitalia rail network. Most international visitors arrive via Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), located approximately 65km away.

From Airport (Bari BRI)

• Direct Bus (Recommended): This is the most straightforward option. Several companies, including Pugliairbus, Miccolis, and Sitabasilicata, offer direct services from the airport terminal to Matera (typically stopping at Viale Aldo Moro).
  • Journey time: 70–90 minutes.
  • Cost: €4–€9.
  • Payment: Book online in advance via operator websites or apps to secure your seat. Most accept credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
• Train/Bus Combination: You can take a local shuttle train to Bari Centrale station (approx. 20 minutes, €5), then transfer to the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) regional train line to Matera Centrale.
  • Journey time: 2–2.5 hours total.
  • Note: FAL trains operate independently of national rail; ensure you purchase a specific FAL ticket.

From City Center

Matera Centrale is centrally located. Depending on where your hotel is, you can reach the station easily:

• Local Bus: Numerous local lines (e.g., 7, 8, 10, 14, 15) stop at Piazza Matteotti, which is just a 2-minute walk from the station.
• Walking: If you are staying in or near the Sassi districts, the station is often within a 15–20 minute walk, though note that the city is hilly and paved with uneven stone.

By Taxi/Private Transfer

• Journey time: 60–75 minutes from Bari Airport.
• Cost: Approximately €120–€150.
• Tip: Pre-booking a private transfer is often more reliable than finding a taxi at the airport arrivals area.

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Pro-Tip: Ticket machines at stations have an English language option and accept credit cards. Avoid the stress of finding exact change by using digital tickets or booking via official apps.

Platform Guide & Layout

Matera Centrale is a straightforward, modern station that serves as the primary rail gateway to the UNESCO city of Matera. Unlike large national hubs, this station features a very simple, single-level underground layout. Think of it as a clean, subterranean corridor rather than a complex maze. There are only two platform tracks serving the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) line, which connects Matera to Bari.

Because the station is compact, you do not need to worry about long walking times or navigating between multiple levels. The entire track area is located approximately six meters below the ground-level plaza. Access between the street-level entrance—located at Piazza della Visitazione—and the platforms is facilitated by stairs and elevators, making the transition between the city surface and your train quick and easy.

For first-time visitors, the most important thing to remember is that this is a terminal-style station for many regional services. This means your train will likely be waiting at the platform well before departure. Because the station is quite small, you will find both tracks easily visible from the main waiting area. There are no confusing wings or distant platform zones to track down; simply look for the digital signage in the main hall to confirm which of the two tracks is serving your specific departure to Bari or other regional destinations.

While the station is modern and well-lit, keep in mind that it is an underground facility. When you arrive, follow the clear signs for the "Binari" (tracks). If you are carrying heavy luggage, look for the elevators near the main entrance; they provide direct, step-free access to the platform level. Since the station is compact, you should not need more than three to five minutes to move from the street entrance to your train. If you feel disoriented, the station is small enough that a quick glance at the central departure board will instantly clarify your position. It is a very manageable space, allowing you to focus on the beauty of the Sassi rather than the stress of navigation.

Arriving in Matera is an incredible experience, but I wish someone had told me how specific the local rail system is before I stepped off the train. Don’t worry, but do plan ahead—Matera Centrale is a modern, underground hub managed by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL), not the national Trenitalia network.

Before You Arrive

• Download the FAL App: Since this is a private rail line, Trenitalia apps won’t show accurate schedules or tickets for the Bari-to-Matera route. Download the official Ferrovie Appulo Lucane app to check real-time schedules.
• Buy Tickets Online: You can purchase tickets on the FAL website or app. There is no price difference compared to buying at the station, but it saves you the stress of navigating machines or queues upon arrival.
• Check Your Route: If you are coming from Bari, most trains require a transfer in Altamura. Don't panic if the train "disappears" from the board—sometimes the same train continues to Matera, but always ask a staff member or fellow passenger to confirm if you need to switch.

At the Station

• Navigation: The station is underground and sleekly designed. It is compact, so you won't get lost, but follow signs for "Uscita" (Exit) to find your way to the Piazza della Visitazione, which is the gateway to the Sassi.
• Facilities: The station features clean, modern waiting areas and public toilets. Keep some small euro coins (€1 or €2) handy, as facility payments in smaller Italian stations often require exact change.
• Lighten the Load: Matera’s historic Sassi district is famous for steep, uneven stone steps. There are no porters at the station, so travel with luggage you can comfortably carry for 15–20 minutes, as you will likely be walking to your accommodation.

Common Mistakes

• The "Validation" Trap: If you buy a paper ticket from a machine or window, you must validate it in the small green or yellow machines near the platform before boarding. Forgetting this is a common way to get hit with an immediate fine. If you buy your ticket online, you are usually exempt from this.
• Platform Confusion: Never trust the platform number until 20–30 minutes before departure. Trains in this region can be reassigned on short notice; keep an eye on the digital monitors in the main hall rather than heading to a platform an hour early.

Terminus station serving Matera, Italy. Originally opened in 1915, the station underwent a significant transformation and was completely renovated in 2019 by architect Stefano Boeri. This modern facility serves as a key access point to the UNESCO-listed city, replacing the older surface-level infrastructure with a contemporary, underground design that features a large, solar-powered canopy at street level.

The station is operated by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) and is exclusively served by regional and local trains, primarily connecting Matera to Bari Centrale. It is not part of the national high-speed rail network, and there is no direct international service.

For first-time visitors, Matera Centrale is a compact and straightforward hub. You will find a simple layout featuring two underground platforms. While the station is designed to be a clear, modern landmark, travelers should note that it is smaller than major national hubs. Signage is available, but as is common with regional rail in Italy, platform assignments can occasionally change shortly before departure. Ensure you check the digital departure displays upon arrival and allow yourself a few extra minutes to navigate between the ground-level plaza and the underground tracks. The station is fully accessible and designed for ease of transit, making it a manageable entry point for your visit.