From Bari: Excursion to Matera by Bus

About This Experience

This coach trip takes you from Bari to Matera for about four hours and back, and it is sold in two options. The bus-only option, with no guide, cost $37 per person when checked in October 2026; the option with a certified local guide cost $84. Both leave from the Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo car park in Bari and run about six hours in total, with drop-off in Bari around 4:00 pm.

The air-conditioned coach takes about an hour each way. In Matera the guided option starts with a walk of about 1.5 hours through the Sassi, followed by about two hours of free time. On the bus-only option you explore on your own with the digital brochure, maps and a recorded audio guide in Italian, English, Spanish, French or German. The coach leaves Matera at 3:00 pm.

The listing includes a Casa Grotta museum ticket in Matera, a local cookie, parking, tolls and passenger insurance. The trip suits budget travelers who want transport to Matera without driving or catching the FAL train. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it runs in all weather. Bring water, a hat and an umbrella, because the walk from the coach to the Sassi is outdoors.

The rating is 4.2 from 200 GetYourGuide reviews. Reviewers report late departures, a drop-off point a long walk from the old town (some said 30 to 40 minutes on foot), guides arriving late, and in one case a guide cancelled for low numbers. Choose the option carefully and keep an eye on the clock. Free cancellation runs until 24 hours before the start.

Highlights

• Two options: bus only with no guide, or with a certified guide
• About 4 hours in Matera
• Guided Sassi walk of about 1.5 hours (guide option)
• About 2 hours of free time in Matera
• Air-conditioned GT coach, about an hour each way
• Back in Bari around 4:00 pm

What's Included

• ✓ Round trip from Bari by air-conditioned GT coach
• ✓ Casa Grotta museum admission ticket in Matera
• ✓ Guided walk of about 1.5 hours with a local guide (guide option only)
• ✓ Digital brochure, interactive maps and audio guide in 5 languages
• ✓ Typical Apulian snack (a local cookie)
• ✓ Parking fees, tolls and passenger insurance

Not Included

• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses during free time
• Gratuities
• Guided walk on the bus-only option

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes with grip
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Umbrella
• Water
• Phone with mobile internet for the digital guide

Good to Know & Caveats

• Two options: bus only with no guide ($37) or with a certified guide ($84). Check which one you book.
• Arrive at the meeting point 10 to 15 minutes before departure.
• Runs in all weather; the coach leaves Matera at 3:00 pm and reaches Bari around 4:00 pm.
• Pets are not allowed except certified guide dogs.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

Meeting Point

The Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo car park in Bari; your voucher confirms the time.