Island, Portugal
Getting around Madeira
How to get around Madeira
A rental car gives the most freedom, but roads are steep and parking is tight. Funchal is walkable; buses and tours reach the main sights.
Ways to get around Madeira
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Horários do Funchal buses | About €2–3 per ride | Funchal city buses; purchase a rechargeable Giro card for cheaper fares |
| SAM and Rodoeste buses | About €2–6 | Island routes to Santana, Machico and Calheta |
| Funchal cable cars | About €13–17 return | Monte and Botanical Garden; offers views, not daily transport |
| Rental car | About €25–60 a day | Tunnels and tolls; avoid in fog on mountain roads |
Ride-hailing apps in Madeira
A 5 km ride costs about €5–10 ($5.6–11.3).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Works in Funchal and larger towns; waits outside |
| Uber | Operating in Funchal, but limited coverage elsewhere |
- Taxis are metered and reliable in Funchal; outside the capital, agree the fare for long trips or book ahead.
Arriving in Madeira
Madeira (Cristiano Ronaldo) (FNC)
Bus 78 or airport bus about €5–8 to Funchal, 25–45 min; taxi or Bolt around €25–35, 20–30 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Steep gradients, rain and tunnels make scooters risky. Few rental shops; use a car or buses.
- Driving: on the right. Non-EU licences are accepted for short visits; carry an IDP too to avoid problems at checks and rentals.
- Onward travel in Portugal: Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains link Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and the Algarve; Rede Expressos and FlixBus buses reach more towns and are often faster inland.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Madeira?
Yes. Apps that work here: Bolt, Uber.
What's the best way to get around Madeira?
A rental car gives the most freedom, but roads are steep and parking is tight. Funchal is walkable; buses and tours reach the main sights.
How do I get from the airport to Madeira?
Bus 78 or airport bus about €5–8 to Funchal, 25–45 min; taxi or Bolt around €25–35, 20–30 min.
Is Madeira walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Madeira
Going to Madeira solo?
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Sources
- CP (Comboios de Portugal)
- Rede Expressos
- FlixBus Portugal
- Visit Madeira
- Madeira Airport (ANA)
- Horários do Funchal
- SESARAM
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.