Once you arrive in Madeira, what are the options for getting around Madeira? Is it absolutely necessary to rent a car or a scooter to visit Madeira, or is public transport sufficient to get around?
In this article, I am going to detail in this comprehensive guide everything you need to know before leaving for Madeira to help you plan your trip with peace of mind, and give you all the information you need to know.
To learn more about Madeira, I also invite you to consult my other detailed and complete articles:
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Arriving in Madeira: what to do at Funchal airport?
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Presentation of Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport
Once you have landed at the international airport, you will then be in the south-east of Madeira Island.
As you can see, the main city Funchal is not quite close to the airport. It will therefore be necessary to find a solution to allow you to arrive safely.
Fortunately, there are several options available to you to enable you to enable you to reach your goal!
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Airport transfer — Funchal city center: all options
You have 3 options to choose from:
- The Taxi/VTC Is a simple and effective choice to allow you to reach Funchal quickly. The price of a one-way trip costs between €15 and €20.
- The bus Is a very good choice for cheap travel. The travel time is a bit longer, and has the advantage of dropping you off in the heart of Funchal. Allow 45 minutes of travel for a price of €6.50.
- Rent a car or scooter Is a slightly more expensive solution, but with the advantage of being much freer in your movements. The rental price starts from €25/day for a car, and from €22/day for a 125cc scooter (the price varies according to the seasons).
My opinion : for renting a car or scooter, I advise you rather to look for it directly at the agency Rent-a-Scooter Madeira For the scooter, or Rent-a-Car Madeira For the car. Their price is very affordable, in addition to not paying any deposit. Book directly on their official website to make sure you have a vehicle available.
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Renting a car in Madeira: is it essential?
Renting a car in Madeira is not essential In itself, but greatly limits you in your movements to fully enjoy what the island has to offer.
It is possible to be able to visit the main places with the local bus, but the number of visits in a day is really low.
For some hikes that are quite difficult to access, you can for example Book on the Get Your Guide website To take you directly to the place. The prices are around 30 to 40€ for a return trip.
Personally, I recommend that you rent a vehicle for a trip to Madeira (car or scooter) to give you more chances to do what you want.
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The pros and cons of renting a car in Madeira
There are several advantages to renting a car in Madeira:
- You can travel freely with a car, unlike public transport where the number of passengers is low.
- Madeira being an island that hides many hidden corners with magnificent landscapes, it would be a shame not to have a car to have the choice to go where you want.
- The roads are safe, unmarked, and very well maintained In Madeira, which makes it much easier to drive.
- With a car, you can stop wherever you want to enjoy some viewpoints and other remote tourist areas
- It is easier to climb the hills with a car, unlike a scooter that will hurt a bit in some parts of the island (and I am speaking with full knowledge of the facts!)
But renting a car in Madeira will also have its share of disadvantages:
- He is Relatively Difficult to Park in Funchal With a car
- You must include the price of parking in your budget
- Steep and Winding Roads can quickly become shooting over several days.
- Some Airbnbs or Hotels Do Not Offer Parking Space. Sometimes You Will Have to Park Further Away to Find Space
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Madeira's Roads: What You Need to Know Before Driving
- Driving in Madeira can quickly become an obstacle course if you are not comfortable with the steep ascents and descents.
- For more comfort, I Strongly Advise You to Take a Car with an Automatic Gearbox
- There is a Superhighway, also called “via rapida” Who does All Around the Island, this allows you to reach a destination much more easily and quickly using this route
- There are no tolls in Madeira. So you don't have to pay anything to cross the whole island!
- Parking is Free in the Northern Part from Madeira, and Often Chargeable in the Southern Part.
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Where can I park with a car in Funchal?
In my opinion, there are 3 places to park your car in Funchal:
- Santa Luzia Car Park - The price is really cheap considering its location. The price is €5 per day. Be careful, however, because it seems that parking in this car park is difficult for large cars.
- Almirante Reis car park - Very well located because it is in the historic center of Funchal with a lot of parking space. Nevertheless, the price is relatively expensive. Count €15 per day of parking.
- Sao Tiago Car Park - Location a little further away, but with the advantage of having parking spaces and a price capped at €8 per day!
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Is renting a scooter in Madeira a good alternative to a car?
So, during my trip to Madeira in February 2026, I chose to rent a scooter. In 5 days, I was able to travel the whole island and be able to visit a lot of places.
Even though I've had my driver's license for over 5 years, I haven't driven since my exam, so I didn't feel ready to drive a car again, especially if it's Madeira!
Between managing steep hills, parking slots and changing gears (for a manual gearbox), I therefore preferred to opt for a scooter.
Honestly, Renting a scooter in Madeira was the best decision of my life !
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The pros and cons of renting a scooter in Madeira
I think that there are several advantages to renting a scooter in Madeira:
- Can you Park Almost Anywhere on the Streets of Funchal. Plus, it's free!
- With Roads in Very Good Condition, Riding a Scooter Is Really Pure Pleasure
- Riding a scooter allows you to have a real feeling of freedom, especially when you are in the middle of the forest, in the mountains or near the coast.
- The price of gas is €6 per day Approximately Enough to Last All Day
- Renting is cheaper than a car, in addition to being able to drive a scooter with an automatic gearbox!
- Contrary to what one might think, Scooters Climb the Slopes Very Well in Madeira.
Of course, riding a scooter also has disadvantages that can sometimes ruin your trip:
- The weather in Madeira is quite fickle, and in rainy weather, it is Not Recommended to Ride a Scooter for Safety Reasons
- With rain, if you don't have the clothes you need to protect yourself from it, You will quickly get cold, especially with the effect of the wind that will give you chills
- The ascents with a scooter can be slow because there is not enough power.
- Between the nice weather in Madeira and the wind that hits you in your face when you ride a scooter, you can quickly get sick (and I know what I'm talking about!)
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Buses in Madeira: The Complete Guide to the Horários do Funchal Network
Taking the bus is an option that is generally affordable and allows you to enjoy the landscapes quietly. On each of my trips, the bus remains the transport that I prefer the most.
On the other hand, in Madeira, it's a different story. Because the bus network, although developed, Does Not Allow You to Be Completely Free to Move.
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How does the bus network work?
You will be able to find 2 types of buses in Madeira: Municipal buses and inter-municipal buses.
In the first case, these are buses that circulate around the city of Funchal. The frequency of passage is much more important, in addition to having a very developed network.
In the second case, they are buses that allow you to travel to more distant cities. On the other hand, The Frequency of Passage is Very Low.
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The Essential Lines for Tourists
On the SIGA bus official website, you will find all the bus lines available in Madeira and the times of passage.
For some destinations, Sometimes You Will Have to Change Buses Along the Way. So not always practical when you want to get around without having to worry about the changes.
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Prices of prepaid tickets and transport cards
On the same site, you will find the latest information on the price of the unit ticket and the various packages available to take the bus in Madeira
- Single Ticket on Board the Bus : €2 per adult, €1 per child
For all the pricing information, I invite you to consult The official SIGA website
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How do I get to Funchal from the airport by bus?
When you arrive at the airport, you will exit to the arrivals area.
On the way out, you will find a small bus station. Wait until Bus number 9 arrived. It will take you directly to Funchal. The one-way price is €6.50
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Taxi and VTC in Madeira: prices and practical advice
For travelers who don't want to bother with having to drive to Madeira and park in a car park, who want speed and efficiency, then Taxi and VTC are possible solutions, but with certain precautions.
The local taxi network is relatively large on the island, so you can quickly find one. On the other hand, It is more difficult to use an Uber or Bolt for your trips outside the city of Funchal.
Of course, it is more expensive to travel to Madeira using this mode of transport. I only recommend using it for short trips, or if you want to transfer from the airport to Funchal, because very practical!
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How does the taxi work in Madeira?
In general, It's pretty easy to find local taxis around Funchal and at the airport. But the further you get away from it, the more difficult it becomes to use a taxi on the streets.
In some very tourist areas, it is possible to use a taxi, because the drivers know that there is a large influx of tourists.
If you are going to travel to Madeira by taxi, Be aware that it can quickly become difficult if you do not plan your trips in advance, because you will have to either call the taxi company or go to the areas provided for taxis.
Unlike VTCs, The taxi price in Madeira is still quite expensive If you want to use only this mode of transport.
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Indicative prices and supplements to know
According to the site Welcome Pickups, the price to take a taxi in Madeira depends on several factors:
- Initial weekday rate : 3 EUR from 6 am to 9 pm then 3.60 EUR from 9 pm to 6 am + 0.47 EUR per km
- Initial weekend rate : 4 EUR from 6 am to 9 pm then 4.80 EUR from 9 pm to 6 am + 0.56 EUR per km
In addition, there are significant additional costs to take into account:
- For Every Bulky Piece of Luggage : 1.50 EUR
My opinion : taking the local taxi would be a last option for me. Instead, choose Uber or Bolt, because the prices are cheaper.
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Cable Car and Unusual Transport in Madeira
In Madeira, it is possible to use the cable car in Funchal to transport you directly to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Once you reach the heights, you also have the option of taking Monte's Wicker Sleds, which is surely the most famous attraction on the island!
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The Funchal cable car: timetables and prices
The Funchal cable car is located in the historic center of the city. This will allow you to directly access one of the most tourist places, and which you absolutely must see: the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
- Opening Hours : 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
- One-way price : 14 EUR
- Roundtrip price : 20 EUR
- Free for Children Under 6
- Half Price for Children Aged 7 to 14
Info point : You can book your cable car tickets in advance directly on the Official site
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Monte's Wicker Sledges: a unique experience
Right next to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, you will find an essential activity that you can do alone or with a maximum of 3 people: that of descending the hills with a wicker sleigh to Livramento.
You will be taken care of by two Madeiran people in traditional white clothes and equipped with a straw hat who will make you enjoy this pleasant experience!
The price, on the other hand, is not given:
- 27.50 EUR for one person
- 35 EUR for 2 people
- 52.50 EUR for 3 people
The schedules are as follows:
- 9:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Saturday
Info point : reservations are not possible online, go directly to the venue to buy your tickets.
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Which transport should you choose in Madeira according to your profile?
With all types of transport available in Madeira, what choice should you make to optimize your trips and take full advantage of your trip?
Based on your profile, I will give you what I think is best to give you all the cards in hand to discover the island!
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Family trip
For me, the car is the best option. Knowing that renting a car costs on average 30 EUR per day (manual box) in Rent-a-Car Madeira, you will very quickly make your trips profitable from the first day.
For more comfort, Instead, Prefer a Car with an Automatic Gearbox To help you during fairly steep climbs.
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Travel solo or as a couple on a low budget
With a low budget to allocate for your trips, I advise you to rent a 125cc scooter, or to do everything by bus.
The advantage of a scooter is that you will pay around 25 EUR per day. Gasoline costs around 6 EUR per day. That makes a total of 31 EUR per day. Personally, I chose this option to travel around Madeira, and it was clearly great!
With the bus, you will pay much less than renting a scooter, but with the disadvantage of having to align yourself with the hours that the buses pass by. Knowing that there is a very little passage in Madeira, you will be very limited in visiting the island.
Interregional bus ticket price : 2.60 EUR
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Hikers and Nature Lovers
For lovers of nature as well as walks in the heart of the mountains and forests, There are transfers on Get Your Guide To allow you to reach the hiking points.
Here are some examples of itineraries with Get Your Guide that you could do to optimize your trips and your budget:
- Transfer from Funchal to the Fanal forest
- Transfer from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro
- Transfer from Funchal to Porto Moniz
- Transfer from Funchal to Ponta do Sao Lourenço
Otherwise, nothing better than renting a car or a scooter for your trips and freely choosing your hikes!
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