ivan_harris

Hello fellow travelers,

I'm in the process of planning a trip from the United States to Bari, Italy, and I have a question regarding my flight itinerary. My initial United Airlines flight takes me from the United States to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), and from there, I'll be booking a separate ticket with a one of the local airlines for my onward journey to Bari. I'm hoping some of you might be able to provide some insights or advice on how this process typically works at Fiumicino Airport.

1. Changing Terminals: Does anyone know if I'll need to change terminals when I arrive in Rome (FCO) from my United flight and then depart for Bari on a separate ticket? If terminal changes are required, how do I navigate between terminals?
   
2. Security Procedures: Will I need to go through security again in Rome when connecting to my Bari flight on a separate ticket? What about immigration/customs?
   
3. Minimum Connection Time: Is there a recommended minimum connection time I should be aware of at Fiumicino Airport for a smooth transition between flights?
   

I'm eager to hear from anyone who has experience with similar travel situations or has insights into navigating Fiumicino Airport.

Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge and experiences!

13901

Hi there.

As a rule I'd rather avoid doing a self-connection as if, for whatever reason, you arrive too late for your onward flight then you're out of luck and the airline won't help you. You'll be classed as a no-show and you'll need to fork out a (usually hefty) fee for another ticket.

Anyway, with regards to your questions. Bear in mind all of the below info is from the airport website itself: https://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/

Terminals
Your UA flight (I suppose either from EWR, or ORD, or perhaps IAD) will arrive at Terminal 3. Ryanair and ITA's services to BRI will depart from Terminal 1. Most US services arrive and depart from gates E31-E44 in T3, which is the remote satellite connected to the main terminal by an automatic train.

Last time I checked, but admittedly it's been a while, there is an airside walkway between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1.



Security & customs
Yes to both. You will need to clear customs first, then security. You can stay airside, as far as I can remember, if you're not collecting luggage and you're already checked in for your next flight.

MCT
Theoretically, airlines sell 1h / 1h30 connection journeys through FCO, however since you're on a self-connection I wouldn't go with anything less than three hours. Especially if yours is a return trip and you're planning on doing the same journey in reverse. If you miss your transatlantic flight it'll be a steep price.

ivan_harris

Thank you so much for your comprehensive response!

Our departure airport is EWR, and it appears that the only direct flight options to a location close to our desired destination of Matera are FCO (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome) and NAP (Naples International Airport).

Considering that we are not confident drivers, renting a car is not a viable option for us. Are there any alternative transportation options available to reach Matera from either FCO or NAP?

sophiesophie

Try app rome2rio.

JMN57

Train from FCO to Matera is about 6 hours
Train from Napoli Centrale (you'll need to take a taxi or bus from the airport) to Matera is about 4 hours.
Look at trenitalia site for options/schedules https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Train from Bari Centrale to Matera Centrale is about 1:45
Look at https://ferrovieappulolucane.it/ for options/schedules

I believe there is also bus service from Bari to Matera and there are probably bus options from Roma and Napoli as well.

13901

Matera, and the whole of Basilicata/Lucania, is a remote region and always has been.

There are coaches going from Rome to Matera. Flixbus is one option, or Marino (a company I personally don't like, but they've got quite a good share of the north-south bus market). Duration is a not-too-nice 6 hours but it might beat having to fly to Bari and then make your way to Matera.

https://www.flixbus.co.uk/?_sp=54865...f-c5390509448d
https://marinobus.it/?gad=1&gclid=Cj...AaAk0gEALw_wcB

marcopizzaiuolo

As a data point, most Emigrants from Matera traditionally fly back to Naples and take the coach or train back. The journey may be longer than from Bari, but saving for the connecting time, additional flight time etc, I believe Naples works best.

the Flexibus Coach service, Naples to Matera cost approx �15 per person (single) and take 3hrs 45 minutes, with the added bonus of some countryside scenery (it will go up the Apennine Mountains past Avellino and Benevento and then down the spine of the same mountain).

JMN57

As you are planning the trip, you might want to consider stopping for a night after landing in Italy and before getting to Matera. When we were younger, my wife and I would do a lot the day we landed but as we've gotten older, we've found it to be a little less draining if we don't push ourselves too hard the day of landing. Depending on your energy level, if you do decide to transfer @ FCO, fly to Bari and then go onto Matera (or some other plan), you might want to consider stopping somewhere along the way, getting a good night's sleep, relaxing, etc. If you'd rather push through, by all means go for it but at least think about the alternative and whether that would make the travel a little less stressful.

ivan_harris

Thank you so much for all your valuable advices! Your experiences and insights are greatly appreciated.

Given your evident familiarity with Italy, we'd love to learn more about your recommendations. For first-time visitors like us, what itinerary would you suggest, particularly given that we won't be driving and will need some quite time for remote work? Our 6-day trip is scheduled for the second half of October. Your input would be incredibly valuable in helping us plan our journey.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

13901

I thought you were already going to Matera. Is that destination now in question?

ivan_harris

We initially planned to tour Matera, Naples, and Rome within six days, alongside a return transatlantic flight. However, given our work commitments requiring a few hours daily, we're reconsidering. Any recommendations for first-time visitors with this tight schedule?

JMN57

Matera is an interesting place and not only is the path there not beaten, it's also not short. Honestly, given that amount of time and your commitments, I'd seriously suggest simplifying your itinerary. Go to one place where you can check-in and not have the overhead of changing places. Otherwise, you're going to spend 6 days changing hotels. Find a place where you can relax, do your work commitments and, for variety do day trips. You don't specify time of year and that would have a big impact on what/where. Also, what are you looking for? Rome, Naples and Matera are three distinct experiences. Personally, I see Italy as a mosaic of a 1000 little Italy's but trying to go to 3 places in 6 days you won't even see a tile in the mosaic.

PWMTrav

I've never been to Matera - now I'm curious, is it a place I should go visit? I do like getting out of the usual places.

JMN57

Matera has an interesting history. It was cleared out in the 1950's by the Italian government as, in many ways, it was considered an embarrassment. What was once an ancient culture had devolved into a backward slum. From that emptied out town has emerged a recast. reborn town and experience. I met a young guy from Matera who was doing an apprenticeship at The Capital Hotel in Little Rock 10 years ago (I spent a lot of time in that hotel around 2013). I think Matera's emergence as a tourist destination has been both a boon and a source of pride for the locals.

JMontpelier

I visited Matera in May and highly recommend it. It deserves at least 2 nights in order to appreciate it. The history is fascinating and more complicated than it seems. The city is beautiful at night.

OP, with six days you do not have time for Matera. Honestly since it's your first time, stay in Rome the entire time and possibly do a day trip or two. It's a long day, but Pompei is possible as a day trip from Rome.