Madeira Airport (FNC) - officially Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo - is located on Madeira’s north-facing eastern coast, about 18km from Funchal. The airport is famous for its extension over the sea on stilts; landings here are among the most dramatic in Europe and are classed as a Category C airport due to its mountainous location and crosswinds.
Taxi From Madeira Airport
The taxi rank is directly outside the Arrivals exit. Madeira taxis are cream with a blue stripe and fully metered.
| Destination | Approximate Cost (2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Funchal city centre | €25–32 | 20–25 min |
| Funchal hotel zone (Lido) | €30–38 | 25–30 min |
| Câmara de Lobos | €28–35 | 25 min |
| Ribeira Brava | €40–55 | 35–40 min |
| São Vicente (north coast) | €65–80 | 55–70 min |
Night rates (21:00–06:00) add approximately 20%. Public holidays carry the same surcharge. Luggage in the boot is charged at approximately €1.60 per bag.
Madeira taxis are reliable and drivers generally speak some English. The rank is usually well-stocked with available cars even after late flights.
Bus - Lowest Cost Route to Funchal
SAM (Sociedade de Automóveis da Madeira) Line 113 serves the airport–Funchal route.
- Cost: approximately €5 as of 2026
- Journey time: 40–50 minutes to the Funchal Rodoeste terminal
- Frequency: roughly every hour during daylight hours; limited evening service
- Luggage: space is limited on busy summer services; large bags can be an issue
- Onwards from Funchal terminal: walking distance to the city centre; taxis from the terminal if needed
The bus is fine for budget travellers staying in Funchal centre with manageable luggage. For hotels up in the hills above Funchal or in resort areas like Caniço de Baixo, a taxi is far more practical.
Private Airport Transfers
A pre-booked private transfer is the most comfortable option for arriving in Madeira, particularly if you’re staying at a hillside hotel or villa where a taxi might struggle with the address.
- Cost: approximately €35–55 for up to 4 passengers to central Funchal as of 2026
- Larger vehicles (5–8 passengers): approximately €55–80
- Booking: Compare Funchal airport transfer options
- Welcome Pickups operates in Madeira - local English-speaking drivers who know the island’s mountain roads, with fixed pricing and flight monitoring. Book a Welcome Pickups transfer from Madeira Airport
- Includes: Named driver in Arrivals, help with luggage, fixed price to your door
- Best for: families with young children, villa stays, late-night arrivals, first-time visitors to Madeira
Madeira’s addresses can be complex for drivers unfamiliar with the island - a private transfer with a local driver who knows the mountain roads is particularly valuable for stays outside central Funchal.
Car Hire at Madeira Airport
Car hire desks are in the Arrivals hall at Madeira Airport. Driving in Madeira is highly recommended for exploring beyond Funchal - the bus network covers major routes but misses most levada trailheads, viewpoints, and smaller villages.
- Cost: from approximately €25–40/day in low season; from €50–90/day in summer as of 2026
- Book in advance: summer availability is tight, particularly in July and August
- Important: Madeira’s roads include steep mountain passes, narrow single-lane village roads, and tunnels - an automatic transmission makes it significantly easier, especially for the central mountain route via Pico do Arieiro
- Via Verde: not widely used in Madeira (fewer toll roads than the mainland)
Compare Madeira car hire rates - local companies (Zitauto, Rodavante) are often cheaper than international brands for identical vehicles.
Getting From Funchal to the Rest of Madeira
With a hire car from the airport, key Madeira destinations are accessible within:
- Câmara de Lobos (fishing village, Winston Churchill painting spot): 15 minutes west
- Cabo Girão (one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs): 25 minutes west
- Ribeira Brava: 35 minutes west
- Pico do Arieiro (1,818m summit viewpoint): 45 minutes north
- Santana (traditional thatched houses): 55 minutes northeast
- São Vicente (north coast): 60 minutes
- Porto Moniz (natural rock pools): 75–80 minutes
For the full picture on getting around the island and what to see, see the Madeira one-week itinerary and the levada walks guide.
Which Option Suits You?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Funchal centre, budget conscious | Bus (Line 113) |
| Solo / couple to central Funchal | Taxi |
| Family of 4 or villa stay | Private transfer |
| Exploring the whole island | Car hire at airport |
| Late night arrival | Pre-booked private transfer |
Plan Your Trip
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