From Rome to Matera for Less Than €20: My Budget Solo Trip with FlixBus
When it was nearly the end of my first semester at Sapienza University, deep in exam territory, I was on the lookout for affordable transportation options for when I finished all my exams. As an international student in Rome, I wanted to see as much of Italy as possible, and Matera had always been at the top of my travel bucket list. It was then, in the midst of my travel planning, that my roommate casually dropped the F-bomb: FlixBus.
As someone who was unfamiliar with FlixBus, the world opened before my eyes. What do you mean I can travel across Italy for just a couple of euros? I quickly searched for routes and, to my excitement, FlixBus offered a direct trip to Matera! In this blog post, I'll share how I managed a budget-friendly solo trip to Matera using FlixBus, and I’ll offer tips on how to make the most of your time in this stunning destination.
Why Matera Should Be at the Top of Your Italy Bucket List: Discover the Ancient Sassi and Stunning Views
You might wonder how Matera made it to the top of my travel bucket list; it’s no exciting story, since I was over the moon after seeing one picture of this magical town. Matera, located in southern Italy’s Basilicata region, is a historic town about 570 kilometres from Rome. It is famous for its ancient cave dwellings called Sassi di Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Sassi of Matera are considered the oldest urban settlements in Europe, dating back to prehistoric times! The ancient city is carved into limestone cliffs, with twisting alleyways and breathtaking views at every turn.
Matera feels like stepping back in time, blending history with culture and charm. The city has gained popularity for its unique architecture, rich history, and as a filming location (notably in "The Passion of the Christ" and James Bond's "No Time to Die"). Matera was named The European Capital of Culture in 2019, which boosted its growing popularity. The magical atmosphere of Matera, especially around the Sassi, is unlike anything I've ever experienced and will leave you speechless. If you want to read more about the Sassi di Matera, you can click this link which will bring you to the official tourist website.
Getting to Matera on a Budget with FlixBus: Everything You Need to Know for Affordable Travel
My first tip when it comes to travelling with FlixBus is to not Google the reviews beforehand, because oh boy, they are not good. Despite the negative reviews I had read, all of my FlixBus trips, including this one, went smoothly. For my FlixBus travels, I use their app, which I find very easy to use. In the app, you can buy tickets and manage all your bookings. After giving the app your travel plans, it will give you a few options for buses. You can choose between different departure times, direct buses, and buses with transfers.
As someone who travels with a budget, I noticed that the price varies a great deal with FlixBus. In tourist season, you can pay three times the amount you might pay during the off-season. For me, I found a ticket to Matera for €14.99. Since I am a professional daydreamer, I needed a window seat, and I paid €2.50 for a seat reservation. I booked the return ticket at the same price, which made my total travel cost €35. For comparison, if you had booked a train, you would have paid a total of €156. Included in the price of your FlixBus ticket are hand luggage and one luggage of twenty kilos you can store in the bus.
After booking, the FlixBus app provides information about your trip, including your station’s location and live bus updates. Your ticket will also be visible in the app, which makes it convenient for boarding, as you can easily scan it. Through the app you can also add your trip to the calendar of your phone, perfect for pre-travel excitement!
My Experience Traveling from Rome to Matera by FlixBus
My first FlixBus experience started on the morning of February 15, 2024, when I was ready for my seven-hour trip from Rome to Matera. I arrived at the station with mild to high anxiety about this trip, but everything went smoothly! As expected, the bus toilet was out of order, so I simply avoided drinking water altogether. Being in the height of my meal prep era when I took this trip, I thought it was a smart idea to bring pasta with me so I didn’t have to buy any food during stops. Let’s just say I spent an hour cleaning pasta sauce out of my bag while an Italian grandma was handing me napkins.
Upon arriving in Matera by FlixBus, keep in mind that the bus stop is in modern Matera, the area developed after 1950. From the bus stop it is a twenty-five minute walk to the Sassi.
What to do in Matera on a Budget
What makes Matera great for budget solo traveling is that you don’t have to do anything special to have a great time. Simply walking for hours and discovering every alley in the Sassi is enough. Wherever you go you will find another viewpoint, alleyway or staircase that gives you a different angle on the beautiful town. The atmosphere also changes constantly. The morning view of a belvedere can be totally different than the experience at night. Belvedere means ‘beautiful view’ in Italian, so if you spot a sign for one, it’s always worth heading that way. If you want to see more pictures of a belvedere in Italy, click this link to read about my trip to Gaeta!
Top 3 Best Viewpoints in Matera: Unmissable Belvederes for Stunning Views of the Sassi
Matera has many beautiful viewpoints, and I’d like to share a few of my favourites. I can always recommend coming back to a belvedere at another time of the day, since you will encounter a totally different experience.
1. Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
This viewpoint, located in Piazza Giovanni Pascoli, offers one of the best panoramic views of Matera, particularly the Sassi district. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals who want to soak in the breathtaking scenery of Matera's ancient cave dwellings and the surrounding landscape.
2. Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio detto dei ‘Tre Archi’
The "Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio," also known as the 'Three Arches,' is another famous viewpoint in Matera, named after the painter Luigi Guerricchio, who was born in Matera. This spot offers stunning views of the Sassi and is located on a charming square where you can enjoy drinks, shop around, or simply relax while taking in the historic scenery.
3. Convento di Sant’Agostino
The Convent of Sant'Agostino is a beautiful, historic structure located in the upper part of the Sassi district. It dates back to the late 16th century and was built by the Augustinian monks. This site is located in a prime position above the Sasso Barisano area, offering yet another fantastic viewpoint over Matera. From here, you can appreciate not only the spiritual significance of the convent but also the natural beauty of the landscape.
Museums in Matera for Budget Travelers: Explore History and Culture for as Little as €3
I was only in Matera for one whole day, but if you have more time on your hands, there are also some cool museums to explore! At the La Casa Grotta museum you can gain a better understanding of the customs of the inhabitants of the Sassi, before it was abandoned. You can explore a typical cave dwelling complete with period furniture and tools, offering a vivid glimpse into how family life was organized in the Sassi. With a student fee of three euros, this museum is super affordable for a budget trip. If you want to learn more about the museum or book a ticket in advance you can click this link.
If you are a fan of art the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata is definitely worth your while! This museum features an impressive collection of art from the medieval to the modern period, including paintings, sculptures, and religious artifacts.
Practical Tips for Exploring
My biggest recommendation for exploring Matera? Get ‘lost’ and wander around in search of hidden gems. Some of my favourite views weren’t even from a belvedere! Since I travelled in winter, there were hardly any tourists, and in the mornings, I could roam the streets alone, feeling like the only person in the world. Exploring Matera solo, you almost feel like a character from Game of Thrones as you navigate the ancient, narrow alleyways.
As you’ve probably gathered, Matera is full of stairs, and you’ll spend most of the day climbing. My best advice? Wear comfortable hiking shoes and brace yourself for sore muscles the next day! If you're visiting in the summer, make sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Conclusion: Why Matera is Perfect for a Budget-Friendly Adventure
Matera is a mesmerizing destination that perfectly blends ancient history with breathtaking landscapes, and thanks to FlixBus, it’s entirely possible to experience this wonder on a student budget. Whether you're captivated by the Sassi’s ancient cave dwellings, admiring the scenic views from a belvedere, or losing yourself in the city’s alleys, Matera is an unforgettable journey into the past.
Don’t wait! If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Matera, take the first step today:
Download the FlixBus app and start searching for your ticket to Matera.
Book your trip in advance to get the best deals on transportation.
Share this blog with friends who might be interested in a budget-friendly Italian adventure.
Get inspired—start planning your walking routes through the Sassi and mark your must-see viewpoints.
Follow through by setting a date and making your dream trip to Matera a reality.
Now is the perfect time to start your own journey!
