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Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Florence to Matera. Traveling by bus from Florence to Matera usually takes around 16 hours, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 348 mi (559 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $23.80 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Florence to Matera?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Florence to Matera. FlixBus connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 8 | 16h 0m | $66.92 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 8 trips from Florence to Matera, and usually makes the trip in about 16 hours and 0 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 16 hours to cover the 559 kilometers from Florence to Matera. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Matera. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet."
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Florence to Matera, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Florence
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Florence is located in Central-Northern Italy, in the lush Tuscany region. Regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, this city is an art lover's idea of heaven. The city’s plethora of museums, palaces, churches, and artistic treasures landed Florence the #1 spot in our ranking of the most cultured cities in Europe.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see many of the world's greatest Renaissance masterpieces, including work by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Michelangelo's famous sculpture of David in his birthday suit is on view at the Accademia Galleria. The Institute and Museum of the History of Science is another must-see attraction to learn about the scientific instruments vital to some of the 13th century's world-changing discoveries.
After you have finished exploring Florence's many museums and galleries, head outside to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Boboli Gardens and appreciate this stunning example of "green architecture."
The city is also home to almost every high-end designer label you can bring to mind, as well as museums dedicated to Gucci and Ferragamo. For a less expensive shopping experience, visit one of the many affordable boutiques and local clothing stores for a more authentic taste of the city.
Florence is a top-rated destination, meaning it has well-established international and national travel connections. Florence's Amerigo Vespucci International Airport makes air travel simple. Fast and modern trains also connect the city to numerous European cities, and many bus carriers offer frequent services to Florence.
Matera
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the region of Basilicata, the small city of Matera is often overlooked by travelers. Matera's rocky landscape made it difficult to build a traditional city throughout its history. In the Sassi area of Matera, residents dating back to the Palaeolithic era worked with nature to carve homes and buildings from the cliffs. The Sassi area of cave dwellings, inhabited until 1952, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, Matera has lots more to offer visitors aside from its unusual architecture.
For a city this storied, it's best to take a guided tour to learn all about Matera's fascinating, long history. The city and surrounding area are home to around 100 churches, many filled with unique art and stone carvings. To see how many of the town's residents once lived, visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a recreated cave dwelling.
To fully immerse yourself, you can even stay in one of the boutique hotels built inside the caves. After a day spent wandering through Matera's narrow winding streets, spend the night in one of the converted traditional Sassi for a truly authentic experience of Matera.
Since Matera is a relatively small town, the transportation options are limited. The closest airport is located near Bari, around 60km away. However, several bus lines provide service to Matera from cities including Bari, Naples, Rome, and more.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Florence?
Main departure station: Viale Filippo Strozzi
Florence Piazzale Montelungo is Florence's central bus terminal located directly next to the main railway station, Firenze SMN. FlixBus, MarinoBus, and Itabus buses depart regularly for cities across Italy, including Pisa, Milan, and Rome. The bus terminal area does not have any amenities, as it relies on those in the main railway station for shops, restaurants and cafes, ticket offices, and waiting areas. The bus terminal is located in the city center and is within walking distance from Florence's main attractions.
All bus stations in Florence:
Viale Filippo Strozzi
Firenze S.M.N.
Viale XI Agosto
Where does the bus arrive in Matera?
Main arrival station: Via Don Luigi Sturzo (Chiesa S.Paolo)
Via Don Luigi Sturzo is a bus stop in the city of Matera with regular service from FlixBus, MarinoBus, and Itabus. Buses stop here en route to Bari and Rome and the smaller towns of Taranto, Lecce, and Salerno. The bus stop is just outside the center of town, with a café within walking distance. Farther into the city, you can find hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, and supermarkets. Many of Matera's historic churches and museums are also within walking distance.
Bus stations in Matera:
Via Don Luigi Sturzo (Chiesa S.Paolo)
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Matera to Florence?
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