getting from naples to matera

Rent a car in a convenient location, jump into the highway and drive all way there.

Good idea, but my husband is not wild about car rental there. Perhaps going from Assisi to Matera... a train?

Try searching past postings. I remember one where someone posted fairly detailed information about train to Bari and either bus or local train connection from there.

Mara, It's a bit of a long trip by public transit, but this is the method I'd use. > Train from Napoli Centrale to Bari Centrale - depart 08:29, arrive 12:48 (time 4H:19M, one change in Benevento, reservations compulsory on one leg). > Train from Bari Centrale FAL to Matera Centrale - this will be Ferrovie Appulo Lucane - depart 13:42, arrive 15:08 (time 1H:26M). (*Note - I believe the FAL station is different than Bari Centrale, so you may have to take a Taxi between them - the train to Matera currently indicates "on strike with service guaranteed", so presumably still running normally). You may find it helpful to have a look at This Website. Where are you planning to stay in Matera? Happy travels!

Mara, NO, travel from Assisi will NOT be "shorter, cheaper, or more direct". That's considerable distance from Bari (where you'll need to transfer to the FAL). The trip from Assisi to Bari Centrale will be a minimum of 7H:24M, with at least one change. Add another two hours or so (including waiting and transfer times) for the trip to Matera, and that's a LONG travel day. If you want a "unique" Hotel in Matera, you might have a look at This Hotel.

Wow! Thanks for great details! We may opt to go from Assisi to matera and stay 2 nights in sassi area. Would that be shorter, cheaper, or more direct?

Ok and thanks so much for info. That hotel looks great!!!

We are going to make a similar journey in May, only we are going from Salerno. Based on info found on Fodors (Steve James) we are taking a bus from Salerno (you can catch it in Napoli) to Potenza and then on to Matera. These are the bus links-http://www.miccolis-spa.it/ and http://www.grassani.it/ita/web/booking.asp?nav=11-5. You can go to Fodors Europe forum and search on Matera and find more info. Good luck.

Public transportation in the Puglia/ Basilicata hinterlands (Matera, et al) is not the best, and, unlike much of Italy, posted times, etc. cannot always be relied upon. That is why Andre reccomended renting a car. We found the car to be the best option. There is no traffic on the roads and your ability to explore is really enhanced.