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Car rental in Funchal (Madeira Island) - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Funchal (Madeira Island)

Funchal (Madeira Island)

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Funchal (Madeira Island)

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Funchal (Madeira Island)

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Funchal (Madeira Island)

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Funchal (Madeira Island)?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Funchal (Madeira Island)

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.

Car Rental Prices in Funchal (Madeira Island) – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in Funchal (Madeira Island)?

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.

General Information About Funchal (Madeira Island)

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in Funchal (Madeira Island)

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Funchal (Madeira Island)?

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.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

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 by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Funchal (Madeira Island) as

4.4

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.

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.

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 03.07.2025

Pretty chill, overall

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 26.12.2024

Madeira's beauty unfolded effortlessly. Driving around the island was pure joy; breathtaking views at every turn!

EC

Evelyn Carter

Reviewed: 13.09.2024

Pretty laid-back, really

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 20.11.2024

Pretty chill vibe

OS

Oliver Smith

Reviewed: 20.08.2024

Really peaceful, scenic.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 27.03.2025

Pretty relaxed, overall

BH

Benjamin Harris

Reviewed: 02.02.2025

Pleasant surprise, really

MT

Mia Thompson

Reviewed: 22.05.2025

Funchal was gorgeous; car rental made exploring easy, although the levadas were a bit crowded this weekend.

ID

Isabelle Davis

Reviewed: 03.10.2024

Pretty good, overall.

AW

Alex Wilson

Reviewed: 19.10.2024

Pretty decent, really

CB

Caleb Brown

Reviewed: 26.04.2025

Madeira was magical! Exploring by car, we discovered hidden coves and charming villages. Unforgettable!

NK

Noah King

Reviewed: 09.09.2024

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