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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Madeira Island
Madeira Island
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Madeira Island
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Madeira Island
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Madeira Island
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Madeira Island?
Madeira Island, a Portuguese paradise, offers dramatic landscapes, lush greenery, and stunning coastlines. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore this beautiful island at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, charming villages, and breathtaking viewpoints without relying on fixed schedules.
Unrestricted Exploration: A rental car lets you discover Madeira's diverse attractions, from the bustling capital of Funchal to the serene mountains and remote beaches. Venture off the beaten path and create your own itinerary.
Scenic Drives: Madeira is known for its picturesque roads, offering stunning views at every turn. Enjoy the freedom to stop and admire the scenery whenever you please, capturing memorable moments along the way.
Convenience and Comfort: Avoid the hassle of public transportation and travel comfortably with your luggage. A rental car provides a convenient and relaxing way to explore the island, especially if you're traveling with family or a group.
Access to Remote Locations: Many of Madeira's most beautiful spots are not easily accessible by public transport. With a rental car, you can reach secluded hiking trails, charming coastal villages, and panoramic viewpoints that would otherwise be difficult to visit.
Driving in Madeira Island: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Portuguese
Average petrol price
£1.65 per litre or £6.25 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90 km/h or 56 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+351
Driving in Madeira Island can be an enjoyable experience, but it's important to be aware of the local rules and regulations. The island's roads can be narrow, steep, and winding, requiring careful driving. Here's what you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
1. General Traffic Laws Always drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
- Keep left
- Use seatbelts
2. Speed Limits Speed limits are typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 90 km/h (56 mph) on open roads. Be aware of posted speed limits, as they may vary.
- Check the speed signs
- Obey the law
3. Parking Parking can be limited in some areas, especially in Funchal. Look for designated parking areas and be aware of parking restrictions. Avoid parking on pavements or in prohibited zones.
- Look for parking sign
- Avoid prohibited zones
4. Road Conditions Madeira's roads can be narrow and winding, particularly in mountainous areas. Drive cautiously and be prepared for steep inclines and sharp turns.
- Drive slowly
- Be prepared for sharp turns
5. Alcohol Consumption The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05%. It's advisable to avoid drinking alcohol before driving.
- Don't drink and drive
- Comply with the law
Top drives in Madeira Island:
Exploring Madeira Island by car opens up a world of breathtaking scenery and hidden gems. With well-maintained roads and stunning landscapes, a road trip is the perfect way to experience the island's beauty.
Here are some of the best scenic routes to discover Madeira's diverse landscapes, from dramatic coastlines to lush mountain peaks.
Car Rental Prices in Madeira Island – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €25
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Madeira Island
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £45 / $56 / €50 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £25 / $31 / €28 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Madeira Island
Renting a car in Madeira Island is a fantastic way to explore, but it's essential to be mindful of costs. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your car rental while still enjoying the freedom of the open road.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel dates. Booking well in advance can help you secure better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices from Multiple Providers.: Use online comparison tools to check prices from various rental companies. This allows you to identify the most competitive offers and potential discounts.
3. Choose a Smaller Vehicle.: Compact cars typically offer better fuel economy and lower rental rates than larger vehicles. Opt for a smaller car if it suits your needs and passenger count.
4. Consider Off-Airport Rental Locations.: Rental locations at airports often have higher fees. Consider renting from an off-airport location to potentially save money.
5. Decline Unnecessary Add-ons.: Carefully review the rental agreement and decline any add-ons you don't need, such as extra insurance if you're already covered.
6. Refuel Before Returning the Car.: Rental companies often charge exorbitant rates for refuelling. Fill up the tank at a local petrol station before returning the car.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Madeira Island?
Renting a car in Madeira Island is a relatively straightforward process, but there are certain requirements you need to meet to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here's what you'll need:
Valid Driver's Licence: You must have a valid driver's licence from your country of residence. If your licence is not in Portuguese or English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Minimum Age: Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
Credit Card: A valid credit card in the name of the primary driver is required for the security deposit. The amount will be held on your card and released upon the safe return of the vehicle.
Passport or ID: You'll need to provide a valid passport or other form of government-issued identification for verification purposes.
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Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Madeira Island as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Island life suited me perfectly. Having a car made getting around so much easier, although the levadas were a bit more challenging than I anticipated. Still, Madeira was stunning.
David Miller
Reviewed: 01.09.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Madeira in the summer was idyllic! Having a car made exploring the stunning coastline and mountains so much easier. Highly recommend.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
Madeira's beauty, revisited! So glad I rented a car.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Madeira was even better than I remembered! So glad I had a car to explore freely after all these years.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 06.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
Madeira was magic! A quick weekend trip, but having a car made exploring so effortless. Stunning views.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 22.05.2025
Madeira was even more spectacular than I remembered from years ago! Having a car made exploring the island so effortlessly enjoyable, and the scenery was simply stunning.
Benjamin Martinez
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Sophia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Madeira was breathtaking! Exploring the island with a car was so easy, and catching up with friends made it even better.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 28.05.2025