Madeira is a relatively small island but due to the multitude of attractions, in order to visit all the places we plan to visit we must thoroughly organize our trip and include the means of transport. There are four forms of transport to choose from: renting a taxi, buying 1-day trips, renting a car, and using public transport.
Public transport in Madeira – what are the options, pros and cons
One of the ways to move around Madeira is using public transport. There are three companies on the island that transport passengers by bus:
- Horarios (yellow and silver buses) in the capital city of Funchal and its suburbs. Yellow ones move around the city. The silver ones go also to the suburbs of the capital city and by taking them you can get to e.g. Cabanas, Camacha, Curral das Freiras, Faial, Poiso, Ribeiro Frio, Santo da Serra, Santana, São Jorge, and Arco de São Jorge.
- SAM (green and white buses) in the eastern part of Madeira, make it possible to get to e.g. Canical, Machico, Porto Cruz, and Santa Cruz.
- Rodoeste (white buses with red stripes) – in the western part of the island, they will take, among others to: Achadas do Cruz, Assomada, Arco de São Jorge, Arco de Calheta, Calheta, Estreito de Calheta, Encumeada, Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Canhas, Caniço, Caniço de Baixo, Campanário, Boaventura, Garajau, Jardim do Mar, Madalena do Mar, Paúl do Mar, Ponta do Sol, Ponta do Pargo, Ponta de Oliveira, Ponta Delgada, Prazeres, Reis Magos, Ribeira Brava, Porto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente, and Serra de Água.
Tickets are purchased from the driver each time. There are advantages and disadvantages of using the buses. The advantages include that there is no need to return to the car (many hiking trails begin and end in different places). Another advantage of a bus is the possibility of admiring the beautiful views from the windows.
On the other hand, the biggest disadvantages of this type of travel are irregular bus routes and the fact that some buses only run one trip a day. As the public transport network in Madeira is organized primarily for residents and not tourists, buses often go around small towns and villages. Thanks to this, we can go to places avoided by tourists and see the daily life of residents. However, on the other hand, the route, which by car takes less than an hour can take even up to three hours when taking the bus.
Car rental in Madeira
By far the most convenient way to get around Madeira is renting a car. This option gives you the freedom to choose where and when you want to go. You are not dependent on timetables, nor are you forced to take the route of the bus. Renting a car is a good option especially if you are traveling with 2–4 people. Then the rental cost is spread over several people. It not only is convenient but also reduces the costs of your stay. In addition, it is worth knowing that several places definitely worth visiting are not reached by public transport, such as Pico de Areiro, so in my opinion, this is the main argument in favor of renting a car. Madeira is also an island with very changeable weather, which can often thwart plans, and if you have a rented car you can easily plan something else.
Where to rent a car in Madeira?
The best places to rent a car are the capital and the airport. The advantage of picking up the car at the airport is the possibility of direct transport to the place of accommodation. It is advisable to book your car online if possible in advance. When booking in advance, we have a greater choice of car brand and class, and the rental price may be more attractive. If you are looking for the best option for yourself, I highly recommend:
- RentalCars.com – cheapest car rental search engine – each rental company is rated by clients, so you are sure that you will find a reliable company. The search engine also allows you to find the lowest prices, but most of the companies do not offer extended insurance, moreover, you must pay a deposit for the rental period.
- DrivingMadera.com – a local company that provides, among others free delivery and collection of the car in the agreed place in the city of Funchal or delivery and collection from another place in Madeira for a fixed fee. There are no hidden fees, and the prices include extended CDW insurance, all taxes, no mileage limit. In addition, all cars have air conditioning, and customers receive a welcome package with a map of Madeira, a city map of Funchal, and information on how to best spend time in Madeira. I used this option during my stay in Madeira and I will strongly recommend it.
Car rental in Madeira – prices
The price of renting a car for one day is relatively high. Depending on the rental company as well as the brand and class of the car, the cost ranges from 40 euro per day. If you want to rent a car for the entire stay (for example for 7 days or more), the price per night may be as low as EUR 20-25. Keep in mind that the price may depend on the time of your visit. During the summer tourist peak, the cost of car rental for a week can be as much as 200-250 euro.
It is also worth emphasizing that the lowest price is not always the best. Therefore, be sure to double-check what is included in the price on the website of the company. Make sure that the price includes insurance and to what extent and how fuel issues are regulated. You may find that the price provided by the company is only part of the actual rental cost. In some cases, when we add all additional fees to a very attractive offer, it is not so attractive anymore. Sometimes car rental company charges you for additional insurance, exceeding the mileage limit, young age of the driver, navigation, etc.
Insurance of rented car
Car insurance is certainly greater peace of mind for the person who rents a car, especially on the winding and narrow roads of Madeira, but unfortunately also an additional cost. The risk of damaging the car is a matter that should be assessed individually. Without insurance, we will be responsible for possible damages.
When deciding to rent a car, always be aware of the “excess” (CDW – Collision Damage Waiver) and also how much you will be charged in the event of a car accident or theft. Depending on the company and car class, it is usually between 500 and 1500 euros. Often the insurance does not cover flat tires or broken windows. Keep in mind that in Madeira the windshield can be crushed by a falling rock or you can have a flat tire if you drove over a sharp rock. So it is worth considering spending a few euros a day to protect yourself against such unfortunate events.
Also, make sure that the contract includes insurance against theft – TP (Theft Protection). On the one hand, on the island, we should not expect the theft of the car, on the other hand, things left inside the car may provoke a thief.
Renting a car in Madeira – what to pay special attention to?
Apart from insurance and price, there are a few other important things to look out for when renting a car. Thanks to this, we will avoid not-very-nice surprises and we will protect ourselves against possible troubles, which may often result not from our fault. Here’s what to pay attention to if you decide to rent a car in Madeira (and not only):
- “before and after” documentation and the handover protocol – priceless advice for those who rent a car – it is worth taking photos at the time of picking up and returning the car – it will help to clarify any disputes. It is also very important to properly fill in the handover protocol.
- deposit – when renting a car, a deposit is usually charged either in the form of blocking funds on the card or collecting a specific amount of money at the desk which will be given back after returning the car. Therefore make sure that the card has the right limits. However, after returning the car check the transactions on the card l to make sure that the deposit has been returned and that there are no suspicious transactions; there shouldn’t be any unpleasant surprises, but you never can’t be too careful.
- fuel – usually, when we pick up the car, the tank is full and we should return it that way. If we return the car with an empty tank we may be charged a fee for the fuel (often the fee is even 30% higher than the price at the gas station). Some rental companies rent cars with a full tank and immediately charge for the fuel in the tank – there are various forms of settlement when returning the car (the contract may say that if we do not use the fuel, we will lose it and we will not get a refund for it).
- mileage limit – often the rental contracts specify the daily mileage limit. On the winding roads of Madeira, you can drive more than 200 km a day, so make sure that the rental contract has to mileage limit.
- age of the driver – usually, the older the driver, the better, and a driver under 25 years of age can pay more – make sure to check if the price on the website takes into account the age of the driver.
Driving around Madeira – is it for everyone?
The question of whether, in my opinion, even an inexperienced driver can drive a car around Madeira was asked most often. The streets of Madeira are steep and narrow, and the island’s roads are very winding. You have to maneuver well and park often on the roadside and other non-obvious places, which definitely requires skill. This is definitely an obstacle for someone who does not feel confident behind the wheel, so I recommend that you think carefully about it because Madeira is not a place for novice drivers. And a piece of technical advice – remember about engine braking. Slowing down with the brakes on long descents can cause the engine to overheat.
Taxi and 1-day trips in Madeira
Other ways to get around Madeira include 1-day trips and taking a taxi.
1-day trips organized by local travel agencies are a solution that will meet the expectations of all those who will stay in Funchal, where most of this type of travel agencies are located and they do not have a problem with participating in small organized trips.
Taking a taxi is a good option if you don’t want or can’t drive a car, but still want to be as independent and able to reach the most inaccessible places on the island.
As you can see, there are several ways to move around Madeira. Choosing the best one depends on your expectations, budget, and how you want to plan the time for sightseeing.
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This Post Has 2 Comments
Hey Alex,
A well-written blog. Resources shared in it are very helpful to the person traveling to this beautiful island. I am in love with all these beautiful photographs. You click great photos. Thanks for sharing these :)
Hi Stella! Thank you so much, it’s lovely to hear that! :) I’m always happy to help :) Cheers!