Matera has no train station on a main line. The closest major rail hubs are Bari (65 km northeast) and Potenza (100 km west). From Bari Centrale, the FAL (Ferrovie Appulo-Lucane) narrow-gauge railway runs to Matera; the journey takes about 90 minutes. From Rome, the fastest approach is by coach — several operators run direct services that take around 4.5 hours.
By car from Bari, the SS99 runs straight to Matera. From Rome, the A1 autostrada south to Salerno, then the SS407 east is the standard route — about 4 hours in reasonable traffic. Parking in Matera is in large lots on the plateau; the Sassi themselves are not accessible by car. The walk down from the car parks is steep; a shuttle bus operates to the top of the Civita.
The nearest airport with regular services is Bari Karol Wojtyla, which has connections to most Italian cities and several European destinations. Napoli Capodichino airport is two to three hours away depending on the route.