Welcome to Madeira! Whether you are mostly staying in Funchal or planning to explore the whole island, how you get around makes a big difference to both your comfort and your holiday budget.
Below you’ll find our most current and practical tips on transport in Madeira. We compare all the options side by side with realistic prices (summer 2026), so you know exactly what fits your plans best.
1. Bolt & Uber — The Smartest and Most Affordable Choice
In and around Funchal, ride-hailing apps are the clear winner. Bolt is currently the largest on Madeira, with the most drivers and short waiting times. Uber also works well, but outside peak hours it sometimes has fewer cars available.
Current price comparison (indicative prices, summer 2026):
| Route | Bolt / Uber | Regular taxi | Average saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport → our apartment (Barreiros, Funchal) | €15 – €25 | €25 – €35 | €8 – €15 |
| Funchal → Câmara de Lobos | €10 – €15 | €15 – €25 | €5 – €10 |
| Funchal → Cabo Girão (Skywalk) | €15 – €22 | €20 – €28 | €5 – €8 |
| Funchal → Monte (cable car / toboggan) | €8 – €15 | €12 – €18 | €3 – €5 |
| Funchal → Pico do Areeiro | €30 – €40 | €38 – €50 | €8 – €12 |
Advantages: clearly cheaper, a fixed price in the app beforehand (no surprises), payment through the app (no cash needed) and you can watch your car arrive live.
Disadvantage & point of attention: in Funchal the coverage is perfect. Heading to the north coast (such as Porto Moniz or Santana) or a remote levada starting point? Then the waiting time for a return ride can go up, or sometimes no cars are available at all.
Smart tip: download both Bolt and Uber before you travel. Compare both apps directly at the moment of booking. During busy times (such as rainy weather or when a cruise ship docks) a temporary surge price may apply.
2. Regular Taxis — Always Available, but Pricier
The recognisable yellow taxis with the blue stripe are ready at the airport, in the centre of Funchal, at the big hotels and at the marina. They run on the meter (with surcharges for luggage or night rides after 9 pm).
Handy for: a direct pick-up at the airport if you do not want to wait for an app driver, or for very early morning rides.
Less suitable for: longer trips across the island; the costs quickly add up.
3. Public Transport (SIGA Buses) — The Cheapest Option
The island’s bus network has been streamlined under the name SIGA since 2024. In Funchal the familiar yellow city buses run frequently and easily take you to Monte, the Botanical Garden, Lido, Câmara de Lobos and Curral das Freiras.
Single trip in Funchal: approx. €1.45 – €2.00. Aerobus (airport → Funchal): approx. €5.50 – €6.70 per person (great value if you travel alone). Longer trips to other towns: usually between €2.00 and €7.00.
Handy tip: buy a rechargeable GIRO card on arrival at a kiosk, bus station or Pingo Doce supermarket; it makes travelling cheaper than buying separate cash tickets from the driver. Apps such as Google Maps and Moovit show the current SIGA timetables very well.
4. Renting a Car — Maximum Freedom, but Often Unnecessary
A rental car gives you the freedom to visit remote places, but it also comes with considerable costs and challenges.
Costs: prices are usually between €25 and €50+ per day for a small car (depending on the season), excluding fuel and the often expensive buy-out of the excess.
Driving & parking: the roads outside the motorway are extremely steep, narrow and winding. An automatic is strongly recommended. Parking in the centre and the Lido area of Funchal is scarce and paid almost everywhere (€10 – €20 per day). Our guests, however, always get a free, secure parking space in our private garage — so if you do hire a car, you never have to worry about parking or parking fees.
What Do We Recommend to Our Guests?
- Staying mainly in and around Funchal? → Do not rent a car. Combine Bolt/Uber with the bus. It is much cheaper and saves you parking stress.
- Want a mix of city + 1 or 2 day trips around the island? → Use Bolt/bus for Funchal and rent a car for just 1–2 separate days (or book an organised day tour / private guide).
- Want to hike remote areas daily (e.g. from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo)? → Then do rent a car, or use special hiking shuttles/transfers.
- Airport transfer: → Travelling with 2 or more people? Then a Bolt (€15 – €25) is almost as cheap as separate Aerobus tickets, but takes you straight to the door of your accommodation!
Frequently Asked Questions About Transport in Madeira
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth renting a car in Madeira?
For stays in and around Funchal, usually not: Bolt, Uber and the SIGA buses cover the city well and cost much less than car hire, fuel and parking. If you do decide to hire a car, remember that our guests always have a free, secure parking space in the private garage — so the biggest parking headache in Funchal is taken care of. For remote hikes or frequent trips to the north coast, a car (or an organised tour) is more convenient.
How much is a taxi from Madeira airport to Funchal?
A Bolt or Uber costs around €15 – €25 to our apartment in Barreiros, Funchal, while a regular metered taxi costs €25 – €35. The Aerobus is the cheapest per person at about €5.50 – €6.70.
Does Uber work in Madeira?
Yes, Uber operates in Funchal and the south of the island. Bolt is currently the largest on Madeira, with the most drivers and the shortest waiting times.
What is the best way to get around Funchal without a car?
Combine Bolt/Uber for comfort with the frequent SIGA city buses for the best value. The centre, Monte, the Botanical Garden, Lido and Câmara de Lobos are all easy to reach by bus.
Continue reading: five easy levada walks in Madeira
Availability & transparent pricing
See available nights, public holidays and the applicable price level in the calendar. Every request is personally confirmed.
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