Getting There & Around

Getting There

Although there are several cruise ships arriving at Funchal, the best way to go to Madeira is by air. National Airline TAP Air Portugal has several flights during the week from Lisbon. Other low-cost companies such as Air Berlin, First Choice, Transavia serve flights from major European destinations to Funchal, Santa Catarina airport.

Getting Around

From Airport

Santa Catarina (Funchal) airport is situated 22 km away from the city center. Due to low demand for public transport, the best option to travel from airport to the city center is to take a taxi. The entire journey takes around 35 minutes. Alternatively, the visitors can take airport bus, which departs at every 90 minutes. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

By Car

As driving in Madeira resembles a roller-coaster ride, the visitors are highly recommended to be cautious. Up-and-down narrow roads,waterfalls and fallen rocks make it difficult for its visitors to drive.

The speed limit on;

Petrol stations are abundant and they are in general open from 8 to 8.There is a GALP petrol station open 24 hours on Avenida do Infante in Funchal.

Car Rental

There are several local companies in addition to major car rental firms on Madeira. You can rent your car through our site in advance or through travel agents, at the airport upon your arrival or from your hotel. All rental firms provide roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown. You will need your passport and our driving license.

Buses

Madeira offers a good network of buses. The buses are modern,reliable and connect all towns with Funchal. The buses that serve Funchal City and its suburbs are colored in orange and the buses that serve the rural areas are painted differently depending on the bus company. There are five different companies that serve the rural areas.

The bus tickets can be bought from bus company kiosks in Avenida do Mar and the buss schedules can be picked in the tourist office.

Ferry Service

There are a lot of boat trips depart from Funchal, cruising along the coast. It is a great way to see island. The trip to Porto Santo takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes and it is the most economical way to reach Porto Santo. The tickets can be bought in advance from the travel agents or from Porto Santo Line office located at Rua da Praia 6, Funchal.(Tel: 210300)

Taxis

Taxis can be found every where on the island in big towns and they stop when flagged down. Except long journeys, the short distance journeys are metered. For long journeys, the price can be negotiated with the taxi driver based on an hourly or half-day rate. In general,the prices are very reasonable. Be aware when you finish your day in small villages, there may not be taxis around.