Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Funchal (Madeira Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Funchal (Madeira Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Funchal (Madeira Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Funchal (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.
Funchal, Madeira Island's capital, is a beautiful city, but to truly experience the island's diverse landscapes, renting a car is highly recommended. Public transport is available, but a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore the Island's Diverse Landscapes. Madeira offers stunning scenery, from dramatic coastlines to lush mountains. A rental car allows you to discover hidden gems like Ponta de São Lourenço or the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park, which are difficult to reach by public transport.
Visit Picturesque Villages. Madeira’s charming villages, such as Santana with its iconic triangular houses or Câmara de Lobos, are easily accessible by car. These villages offer a glimpse into traditional Madeiran life.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Stop at viewpoints, restaurants, and hiking trails whenever you like, without being constrained by bus schedules.
Before renting a car in Funchal, understand the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Key aspects include age requirements, driver’s license regulations, insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies. Be aware of potential extra fees.
Area
76.15 square kilometres (29.40 square miles)
Population
Approximately 112,015 residents
Time Zone
GMT (no daylight saving time)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Funchal require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens should check if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary alongside their national license. A passport is usually required too.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW to reduce your financial liability. A security deposit is usually held on your credit card and refunded upon the car’s return, provided there is no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage, which is ideal for exploring Madeira. Fuel policies vary; full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, child seats, GPS, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off. One-way rentals might also incur additional fees.
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Funchal is from £15 / $19 / €18 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
7 Seater:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Funchal is easy. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience and explore Madeira hassle-free.
1. Compare Prices - Use car rental comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Compare prices, car models, and rental conditions.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs. Consider the size, fuel efficiency, and suitability for Madeira’s roads, which can be steep and winding.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully. Pay attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, fuel policy, and any potential extra fees.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and ensure availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting the car, bring your driver’s license, passport, and the credit card used for booking. Inspect the car for any existing damage and document it before driving off.
Funchal offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Driving allows easy access to the island's diverse landscapes, but awareness of local traffic conditions and parking regulations is essential.
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a vibrant city with stunning views and rich history. While exploring the city is enjoyable, a car allows you to discover the island's hidden gems. However, driving in Funchal requires attention to narrow streets and steep inclines. Understanding local traffic laws and parking regulations is essential for a stress-free experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Exotic plants and stunning views reachable by cable car.
Mercado dos Lavradores
A bustling farmer's market offering local produce and crafts.
CR7 Museum
Dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira's most famous son.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Offer secure parking in central areas, though they can be expensive.
On-Street Parking
Limited and often requires payment via parking meters. Be mindful of time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Some areas offer park-and-ride options, allowing you to park outside the city centre and use public transport.
Gas Stations in Funchal
Galp and Prio
The most common fuel stations in Madeira, with locations across the island.
Availability
Gas stations are generally available in and around Funchal, but ensure you refuel before heading to more remote areas.
Payment
Most stations accept card payments. Check for attendant service or self-service options.
Useful Tips for Visiting Funchal
Be Aware of Steep Hills
Many roads in Madeira are steep and winding, so choose a car with sufficient power.
Use Navigation Apps
Apps like Google Maps can help you navigate the island's roads and find points of interest.
Check the Weather
Madeira's weather can change quickly, so be prepared for varying conditions.
Allow Extra Travel Time
Distances may seem short, but driving can take longer due to the terrain and road conditions.
Major Bus Stations
Estação de Autocarros
The primary bus station in Funchal, connecting to various parts of the island.
Airports
Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira Airport (FNC)
Located in Santa Cruz, approximately 20 minutes from Funchal. Serves both domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Funchal requires a few key documents and meeting certain criteria. Here’s what you'll need to get behind the wheel.
A valid driver's license is required. EU licenses are accepted. Non-EU citizens should check if they need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies prefer credit cards.
A passport or national ID card may be required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Funchal (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.
Pretty chill, overall
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Madeira's beauty unfolded effortlessly. Driving around the island was pure joy; breathtaking views at every turn!
Evelyn Carter
Reviewed: 13.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, really
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.11.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 20.08.2024
Really peaceful, scenic.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 27.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
Pleasant surprise, really
Mia Thompson
Reviewed: 22.05.2025
Funchal was gorgeous; car rental made exploring easy, although the levadas were a bit crowded this weekend.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 03.10.2024
Pretty good, overall.
Alex Wilson
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Pretty decent, really
Caleb Brown
Reviewed: 26.04.2025
Madeira was magical! Exploring by car, we discovered hidden coves and charming villages. Unforgettable!
Noah King
Reviewed: 09.09.2024
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Madeira was stunning! Renting a car made exploring so easy. A shame we only had a weekend, though the botanical gardens were a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 03.07.2025