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How to get from Matera to Puglia
Matera is on the border with Puglia: Bari, the region's main city and airport, is about 1 h by car or about 1 h 30 on the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) train. Alberobello and the Itria Valley are about 1 h to 1 h 15 by car, and Lecce about 2 h 15.
Best option: Car. Puglia's towns are spread out, and a car is the most flexible way to reach the Itria Valley, the coast and Lecce from Matera.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car SS96/SS99 to Bari (about 65 km), or roads east via Gioia del Colle to Alberobello and the Itria Valley | about 1 h to Bari, 1 h to 1 h 15 to Alberobello, about 2 h 15 to Lecce | fuel; tolls only if you use the A14 motorway | Many Puglia old towns have limited-traffic zones (ZTL); park outside them. | |
| train Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) trains from Matera Centrale to Bari Centrale, then Trenitalia or Ferrovie del Sud Est for other Puglia towns | about 1 h 30 to Bari | every one to two hours on weekdays, fewer on Sundays | about €5–8 to Bari | FAL trains do not run on some Sundays and holidays, when replacement buses may operate. Check current timetables. |
| bus Buses from Matera to Bari city and Bari Airport (including airport shuttle services) | about 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 | several a day | about €5–10 | Useful for flights from Bari; check current timetables and book shuttles in advance. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Puglia is a region, not a town; decide which towns you want to visit before choosing transport.
- Bari Airport is the nearest airport to Matera and the main entry point for Puglia.
- Ferrovie del Sud Est serves Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca from Bari.
- In summer, start early to avoid heat and crowds in Alberobello.
Common questions
How do I get from Matera to Bari?
The FAL train from Matera Centrale to Bari Centrale takes about 1 h 30 and is cheap. Buses take a little less time, and some go to Bari Airport. Driving takes about 1 h. Note that FAL trains do not run on some Sundays and holidays; check current timetables.
Can I visit Alberobello from Matera?
Yes. By car, Alberobello is about 1 h to 1 h 15 from Matera. By public transport it is harder: travel to Bari and take a Ferrovie del Sud Est train, or join an organised tour. Combining Alberobello with Locorotondo or Polignano a Mare works well by car.
Is there a train from Matera to Lecce?
Not directly. Travel to Bari on the FAL train, then take a Trenitalia train south to Lecce, about 1 h 30 to 2 h. The total trip takes about 3 h 30 to 4 h with the connection. Driving, about 2 h 15, is quicker.
Do I need a car to explore Puglia from Matera?
A car is not essential for Bari or Lecce, which have rail connections. For the Itria Valley, the trulli countryside and small coastal towns, it makes travel much easier. Be careful of ZTL limited-traffic zones in old towns, which can bring fines.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.