Getting to Matelica at a glance
Matelica lies inland in the Marche, in the province of Macerata, in the upper Esino valley. You arrive on state and provincial roads. By train you get off at Matelica station, on the line Civitanova Marche, Macerata, Fabriano. By car the most used route starts at the A14 motorway.
Timetables and fares change with the season, so look them up on the carrier's site on the day of travel. The rest of this page describes the route and the points to check.
The options compared
The best choice depends on where you start.
| Mode | Route | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Train | Matelica station, line Civitanova Marche, Macerata, Fabriano | Check times and works on the day of travel |
| Plane and train | Ancona airport, Falconara Aeroporto station, change at Fabriano | No direct connection from the airport to Matelica |
| Car | A14 Ancona Nord, SS 76, Albacina or Cerreto, Matelica | Restricted traffic zone in the old town |
| Bus | S.A.M. lines to Braccano and other hamlets | Times and fares: look on the operator's site, Contram |
Day trips and tastings near Matelica
A Verdicchio tasting, the Frasassi Caves and other Marche outings with live prices and availability.
By train to Matelica
The line runs through Macerata and Fabriano.
Matelica station is on the line Civitanova Marche, Macerata, Fabriano, which is technically also called Civitanova to Albacina. For the connections on your day, use the Trenitalia site.
In spring 2026 the line had planned works. From 11 May to 16 June regional trains did not run between Civitanova and Fabriano, and from 17 to 27 June between Macerata and Fabriano, with replacement buses. In those weeks the stops in Matelica were on the SS 256: toward Civitanova "Autoscuola", in the opposite direction at house number 16. The works are over, but always read the Trenitalia notices before you book.
From Ancona airport
The Marche airport is Ancona airport. The Castelferretti, Falconara Aeroporto station is in front of the terminal, about 3 minutes on foot according to the airport. Trains run from there toward Jesi and Fabriano, or toward Falconara and Ancona. For Matelica you change at Fabriano. There is no direct connection without a change.
Toward the Frasassi Caves
Genga, San Vittore Terme station is on the Ancona to Rome line, about a 15-minute walk from the cave ticket office. From Matelica the train needs a change at Fabriano, and no direct train goes to the caves. By car the trip is about 20 km and 20 minutes, a rough figure without any traffic guarantee.
The Frasassi Caves →By car, parking and the ZTL
The road is simple, the old town is less so.
From the coast, leave the A14 at Ancona Nord and take the SS 76 to Albacina or Cerreto, then follow the signs to Matelica. From Fabriano you arrive on the SS 256var and the Matelica Ovest exit. The old through road is the SP 256.
The tourist office lists three parking areas: Piazzale L. Gerani, Via Tiratori and Via Tinte. For fees and free spaces, read the signs on site.
The old town has a restricted traffic zone. The municipality has published the ZTL documents, and an act of 6 March 2026 regulates vehicle traffic in the center. Ask about the exact boundaries, hours, exceptions for guests and fines before you drive in. If you sleep in the center, ask your accommodation.
Buses and the tourist office
For the hamlets and for practical questions.
Buses to the hamlets
The tourist office lists S.A.M. for Braccano and other hamlets. Look up times on the Contram site, the public transport operator.
Monte San Vicino →Tourist office
The IAT is at Borgo Nazario Sauro 44, near the former AGIP station. You can phone 0737 685684 or 373 8683790 about bus times, parking and ZTL rules. This guide is independent and is not an official site.
Entry documents
For stays under 90 days, visitors with a UK passport need no visa for the Schengen area, for up to 90 days in any 180. The passport must be less than 10 years old and valid for 3 months after you leave. US citizens need no tourist visa for stays under 90 days, with a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure. German citizens can enter with a passport or ID card. The new entry system may add some border waiting time, so allow extra time.
Getting to Matelica: frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train to Matelica?
Matelica station is on the line Civitanova Marche, Macerata, Fabriano. From Ancona airport you change at Fabriano. Check the Trenitalia site for the connections on your day.
How do I get there from Ancona or the airport?
Ancona airport has its own station, Castelferretti, Falconara Aeroporto, about 3 minutes on foot. Trains run from there toward Fabriano, where you change for Matelica. By car, take the A14, the SS 76, then Matelica.
Can I drive into the center of Matelica?
The old town has a ZTL. Ask the tourist office or your accommodation about hours, boundaries and exceptions. Park in one of the three listed areas and walk in.
Where do I park in Matelica?
The listed areas are Piazzale L. Gerani, Via Tiratori and Via Tinte. Check the signs for fees and hours.
How do I get from Matelica to the Frasassi Caves?
By car it is about 20 km and 20 minutes. By train you change at Fabriano and get off at Genga, San Vittore Terme, then walk about 15 minutes to the ticket office.