Frasassi Caves from Matelica: distance and location
The Frasassi Caves are not in the municipality of Matelica. They lie in the municipality of Genga, in the province of Ancona. The ticket office and car park are at San Vittore delle Chiuse.
The local tourist office in Matelica gives about 20 km and 20 minutes by road. It is a rough guide, with no traffic and no exact starting point. Leave some margin, especially if you have booked an entry time.
Frasassi Caves tickets
Regular rates published for 2026.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Full price | €20 |
| Ages 15 to 25 and over 65 | €18 |
| Children aged 6 to 14 | €14 |
| Under 6 | Free |
Other reductions exist, for example for CAI members, cavers, teachers and journalists with proof. Ask at the ticket office for the exact conditions. Do not assume that every disability case gets free entry.
You can buy a ticket online or at the ticket office. Check on the caves' website whether your date needs a booking. The free shuttle is included. If you booked online, be there at least 15 minutes before. Free tickets for children are collected at the Info Point, so arrive 30 minutes early.
Our picks: Frasassi Caves
The guided tour with a ticket, a private day with Jesi and a two-day Marche tour that includes Frasassi.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Two-day Marche tour from Urbino to the Conero
A guide on both days and a car or minivan from Pesaro to Loreto or Ancona, with parking, tolls and fuel. Hotel, meals and entry tickets (including the Ducal Palace and Frasassi) are extra.
Check availability →
Private day trip to the Frasassi Caves and Jesi
A local guide, transfer from and back to Ancona or Jesi, a stop at the Valadier Temple and a guided walk through Jesi. The cave ticket (about €20, paid on site), food and drinks are extra.
Check availability →
Frasassi Caves guided tour with entry ticket
A guide, parking, entry to the main halls and the shuttle from the car park to the cave entrance. The Valadier Temple (Madonna di Frasassi sanctuary) is not included.
Check availability →Frasassi Caves and day trips in the Marche
Guided entry tickets, excursions and trips combining caves, wineries and hill towns, with current prices and availability.
Frasassi Caves tour times by season
Times change through the year. Check the calendar for the day you plan to go.
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to May | The same slots as October: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00 |
| June, July, September | Ticket office 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| August | Ticket office 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| October | Daily at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00 |
| November to February | Weekdays at 11:30 and 15:30, extra slots on weekends and holidays |
| Closures | 4 December and 25 December; a closure period in January |
English-language summer tours run daily at 11:40, 13:40 and 15:40. Do not assume they also run in October. Around 7 January the dates overlap: slots run until 7 January, yet the closure runs from 7 to 30 January. If you want to go on those days, confirm first.
What the visit is like
The tourist route lasts about 75 minutes. Inside it is around 14 °C all year, so bring comfortable shoes and an extra layer.
According to the operator, visitors with reduced mobility can go only as far as the start of the second hall, the Sala 200. Do not expect full accessibility along the route.
Dogs are allowed only in a carrier, not on a leash along the route. The car park has larger kennels, but they are unattended and cannot be reserved in advance.
Private and caving tours
These always need a reservation and cost extra.
Private guide
A private guide costs €100 on top of the entry ticket. Book in advance.
Blue caving route
It takes about 2 hours and costs €40. Guide and equipment are included. Reservation required.
Red caving route
It takes about 3 hours and costs €50. Guide and equipment are included. Reservation required.
Groups over 20 people
They must register by 12:00 noon the day before at the latest.
How to get to the caves
By car, take the SS 76 to the Genga-Sassoferrato exit and follow signs to the cave car park and ticket office at San Vittore.
By train, get off at Genga-San Vittore Terme station on the Ancona-Rome line. It is about a 15-minute walk from the station to the ticket office. From Matelica, plan on changing trains at Fabriano.
For trains, cars and airports in general, read the page on how to get to Matelica.
Gola della Rossa: the park around the caves
The Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Regional Natural Park has rules of its own.
Non-tourist caves
Some need a nulla osta (permit), allowed only in certain seasons. Others need only prior notice. The ticket for the tourist caves does not replace these permits.
Fees
The nulla osta carries a €25 processing fee (the park's 2026 fee schedule). Simple notices are free. This does not apply to every cave, and not every hike needs a permit.
Guided walks
The 2026 Natura Aperta program offers guided walks in the park. They need at least 4 people, the published price is €7 and children up to 10 go free. You book your place with the organizer.
For walking without caves, see the page on Monte San Vicino.
Frasassi Caves: frequently asked questions
How much is a Frasassi Caves ticket?
The full price published for 2026 is €20. Ages 15 to 25 and over 65 pay €18, children aged 6 to 14 pay €14, and under 6 enter free.
How far are the caves from Matelica?
The tourist office gives about 20 km and 20 minutes. The caves are in the municipality of Genga, not in Matelica, and traffic is not guaranteed.
How long does the visit take?
The tourist route lasts about 75 minutes. Inside it is around 14 °C all year, so bring comfortable shoes and an extra layer.
Do I need to book online?
You can buy a ticket online or at the ticket office. Check on the caves' website whether your date needs a booking. If you book online, be there at least 15 minutes before. Private and caving tours always need a reservation.
Can I get there by train from Matelica?
Yes, with a change at Fabriano, to Genga-San Vittore Terme station. From there it is about a 15-minute walk to the ticket office. Check the current timetable before you go.
Are the caves accessible with limited mobility?
According to the operator, visitors with reduced mobility can go only as far as the start of the second hall, the Sala 200. Ask the ticket office about your specific case.