My husband & I are visting Italy for the 5th time in March/April 2010. Immediately after landing at FCO we need to catch a train to Matera where we have hotel reservations that night. I've received conflicting info on the best course, we'd prefer the most direct route.....any advice?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Margaret,
Matera is not served by a direct rail line from Rome. The method I'd probably use would be the EuroStar Italia / Alta Velocita from Roma Termini to Bari (Time about 4H, Fare about €57 PP second class one way).
In Bari you'll need to transfer to the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane which is a private rail network. I believe the station is in a different (but nearby) station building. Travel time about 1H.
I believe there are also Buses from Rome to Matera.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Crested Butte, CO, USA
30 posts
Thanks Ken, you've been very helpful. I will try to find a train schedule online to check times, etc.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2301 posts
There is one other option. Shuttlematera.com offers direct shuttle service from Bari to Matera. It's 65 euros for two people. If you arrive in Bari after dark, it might be worth it rather than hassling with the local train (we did it, so I know it's a hassle; however, it was daylight and we had nothing but time). The Shuttle Matera folks will also pick you up at the Rome airport and take you to Matera for 500 euros! (It's 460 km, according to them.)
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
We drove to just North of the Bari area from Rome in a little over 4 hours. Our good friend, who grew up in the area, reccomended this. But we did not have to drive as far as Matera, so our trip was easy. It was a beautiful drive, and we used the car to explore much more of Puglia for our vacation.
For our return trip to Rome we hopped a cheap flight out of Brindisi (a small but almost new airport.) We used Air One, ($110 Euro for 2, 1 hr flight) but there are other lo cost airlines that directly fly this and the route to Bari.
IMO, I would NOT want to be caught in Bari at night, for any reason, especially waiting around for a train connection.