Matmata is 40 km southwest of Gabès on the coast. Louages (shared minivans) run between the two several times a day; from Gabès you can also reach Tunis (6 hours), Djerba, or Tataouine. There is no direct rail or air service.
Most travellers come on a Sahara loop from Djerba or as a stop on the longer Tunis–Tataouine–Douz circuit. A rental car is the easiest way to see the surrounding villages — public transport thins out quickly off the main road.