Getting Around Madeira
Transportation options for exploring the island
Transportation Options
🚗 Car Rental
Best for: Maximum flexibility and reaching remote areas
Cost: €25-50/day depending on vehicle and season
Our recommendation: Essential for exploring beyond Funchal
🚌 Public Buses
Best for: Budget travel to main towns
Cost: €2-5 per journey
Limitations: Infrequent to remote areas, no levada trailheads
🚕 Taxis & Uber
Best for: Airport transfers, short trips in Funchal
Cost: €15-30 for typical journeys
Note: Uber available but limited outside Funchal
🚌 Organized Tours
Best for: Hassle-free sightseeing with guides
Cost: €30-60 per person per day
Bonus: Learn about island from local experts
Public Bus System
Operator: Horários do Funchal (yellow buses) and other regional operators
Routes: Good coverage of Funchal and connections to major towns
Schedules: Less frequent on weekends and in rural areas
Tickets: Buy from driver or use rechargeable Giro card (cheaper)
Cable Cars & Scenic Transport
- Funchal Cable Car: From Funchal to Monte (stunning views, €15 one-way, €22 round trip)
- Botanical Garden Cable Car: Connects to Monte cable car (€8 one-way)
- Fajã dos Padres Cable Car: Descends to secluded beach restaurant (€5 round trip)
- Achadas da Cruz Cable Car: Steepest in Europe! North coast views (€5 round trip)
Our Recommendations
- Rent a car for 3+ days: Most cost-effective and flexible
- For Funchal only: Walk or use buses (traffic/parking challenging)
- Airport transfer: Pre-book taxi or use Uber (€25-30 to our property)
- Levada walks: Car is essential—buses don't reach most trailheads
- Day tours: Good option if you don't want to drive mountain roads
- Mix and match: Rent car for 3-4 days to explore, use tours/taxis for other days