Car Rental Madeira
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 17:02 on 2020-02-23. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
Portuguese
Currency
EUR
Country code
351
Average car rental length
9 days
Economy car rental price
$56.04 / per day
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of town
90 - 100 km/h
56 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Madeira?
Madeira is a great destination to discover by car. From capital Funchal to little villages, rocky beaches, and impressive mountains, having your own wheels is the best way to see it in its full diversity.
Top ways to enter Madeira
- Madeira Airport: Named after the living Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo (whose statue greets the arriving visitors), Madeira Airport is served by more than 40 airlines that connect the island to destinations in mainland Europe.
- Porto Santo Airport: The second and much smaller airport of Madeira, serving the island of the same name, has regular service to Madeira Island and Lisbon, as well as summer flights to and from Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
Useful city facts
- An island archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal. Its population is nearly 300,000 people.
- The largest city and capital is Funchal.
- Madeira enjoys much warmer climate than continental Portugal. The summers are hot and very dry. Even in winter, the temperature rarely drops below 15 (60) °C (°F). Despite that, it’s not rare for snowfall to occur in Madeira mountains.
Top destinations and activities
- Funchal. Madeira’s capital and by far the largest city has different attractions like the Madeira Botanical Garden, the historic Madeira Market where you can still buy produce from local farmers, and the beautiful. São Lourenço Palace
- Porto da Cruz. The small and cozy village on the Atlantic Coast that lives in the shadow of Penha da Águia (the Eagle Rock) boasts regional museums, a rum factory, mountains for hiking, and impressive surfing waves.
- Calheta. Calheta is most famous for its sugarcane museum and visiting here can be easily combined with seeing the two neighboring fishing villages, Paul do Mar and Jardim to Mar.
Traffic and parking tips
- You can only enter the roundabout after giving way to cars already on it.
- The car documentation and insurance always has to be inside a vehicle.
- Drivers can only use a mobile phone if it is a hands free or an earpiece.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.2 for novice drivers.
- Safety cameras are in use.
- When parking in a street, your car must be parked facing the direction of travel.
Toll roads
There are no toll roads in Madeira, but there are quite a few in mainland Portugal. See the official website for maps and prices.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Ponta de São Lourenço. This nature reserve is where unique plants like the Ice Plant and the Cardoon have found their home. Those who dare to climb the steep mountain paths and the volcanic rocks will be rewarded with impressive ocean views.
- Ribeiro Frio Natural Park. Another nature reserve, Ribeiro Frio can be best explored by walking its levadas or nature paths. The only human activity here is the trout farm that you can visit.
- Porto Santo. The ferry to Porto Santo Island takes about two hours from Madeira Island, but is well worth the trip. The cozy Vila Baleira is the only human settlement on the island, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the island’s wild beaches and private atmosphere.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental cars in Madeira are the VW Polo, the Ford Fiesta, and the Fiat 500. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.
Further destinations
- Azores. Even further out in the Atlantic Ocean than Madeira and lying nearly half-way between Europe and North America, the 9 Azores islands offer even more dramatic mountains, volcanoes, and beaches.
- Lisbon. Easily reached by a number of flights every day, Portugal’s first city is one of the most fun, colorful, and relaxed capitals of Europe.
- Porto. Full of history and unique atmosphere, Porto is a fascinating city to explore for days, although you might be tempted to visit the surrounding Northern Portugal region as well.
Car Rental Prices in Madeira
- Station wagons - from $52 per day
- Large cars - from $107 per day
- Medium cars - from $66 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $205 per day
- Premium cars - from $187 per day
- Small cars - from $39 per day
- SUVs - from $91 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
These are some of the things you can try to do to get a good rental car deal in Madeira:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Madeira is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 65% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 3 Cities near Madeira
-
Lisbon Car Rentals from $16.37 per day964.8 km / 599.5 miles away
-
Faro Car Rentals from $4.21 per day935.6 km / 581.3 miles away
-
Porto Santo Car Rentals from $23.14 per day57.6 km / 35.8 miles away
Top 6 Locations near Madeira
-
Madeira, Downtown Car Rentals from $26.59 per day
-
Madeira Funchal Airport Car Rentals from $24.43 per day
-
Porto Santo Airport (Madeira) Car Rentals from $23.14 per day57.6 km / 35.8 miles away
-
Faro Airport Car Rentals from $4.21 per day935.6 km / 581.3 miles away
-
Lisbon Airport Car Rentals from $16.37 per day964.8 km / 599.5 miles away
-
Porto Airport Car Rentals from $17.96 per day1190.8 km / 739.9 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Madeira?
Car rental prices in Madeira vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Madeira
The best month to rent a car in Madeira is January (when prices for an Economy class start from $13.59). This is 63% cheaper than the yearly average and 81% cheaper than renting in December (when rental prices start at $70.33 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Madeira?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in December, travelers rent a car for an average of 16 days in October, the average rental period is 5 days.
Average Rental Length in Madeira
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Madeira?
While travelers visit Madeira year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is January, and the least popular is October.
Madeira Car Rental Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centauro | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Centauro | Ford Fiesta | 4 | 3 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Peugeot 108 | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Surprice | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Keddy | Renault Clio | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Keddy | Renault Twingo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Goldcar | Fiat Panda | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Surprice | Toyota Yaris | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Goldcar | Fiat Panda | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Interrent | Opel Corsa | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
FAQ
Should I rent a car in Madeira?
A majority of the ratings and reviews left by Discover Cars’ customers recommend renting a car (9.2 from 15 reviews).
What do you need to rent a car in Madeira?
In most cases, you need a driver’s license, passport or ID card, and a credit card (in the name of the main driver), and the booking voucher to rent a car. Some companies may have additional requirements (be sure to check the rental conditions).
On what side of the road do they drive in Portugal?
Drivers must drive on the right side of the road.
Can I rent a car at 18 in Portugal?
Yes, you can rent a car at the age of 18.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Madeira?
You must be between 18 and 99 years old.
Can you rent automatic cars in Madeira?
Yes, automatic cars are available from InsularCar, Global Rent a Car, SIXT, Centauro and Guerin in Madeira.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Though most companies require a credit card to leave a deposit, some accept debit cards. Check the rental conditions for more information.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card to pick up the car. Some may accept debit cards or cash. Check the rental conditions for more information.
What car classes can I rent?
Small cars, Station wagons, People Carriers/Vans, SUVs, Medium cars, Premium cars and Large cars vehicle types are available in Madeira.
Can I rent a car in Madeira with my home country’s driver's license (for example, U.S., U.K., or Australia)?
In most cases, a driver’s license from your home country is acceptable if it uses the Latin alphabet. In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Madeira.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Madeira?
In most cases, if your driver’s license uses the Latin alphabet, you can rent a car in in Madeira without an International Driving Permit (IDP). In some cases, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental conditions for more information.
If your driver’s license does not use the Latin alphabet, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Madeira.
How much does an additional driver cost? Is there an option for a free additional driver?
No rental company in Madeira offers a free additional driver.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Madeira?
A rental car costs $100 per day, on average. The lowest daily price found in the past 48 hours was $24 at InsularCar and Goldcar.
How much is car rental for a week?
The average price for a weekly rental in Madeira is $698. In the past 48 hours, the lowest price for a weekly rental in Madeira was $171.
What car rental companies are located in Madeira?
InsularCar, Global Rent a Car, SIXT, Centauro and Guerin can be found in Madeira.
What is the best car rental company in Madeira?
Ratings and reviews left by our users indicate that the best providers are Rodavante (9.2, 52 reviews), SIXT (8.9, 10 reviews) and Alamo (8.8, 7 reviews).
Our Customers Reviews
EH
United Kingdom
Ford Ka
October 12, 2019
Need powerful engine in Madeira as very mountainous.
RT
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
September 19, 2019
MUST DO Dolphin Swimming! Centauro were a brilliant hire car company
JV
Czech Republic
Fiat 500
August 20, 2019
We have always rented a car for the whole holiday stay in Madeira because we are independent and can enjoy all the beauties and excursions from morning to night and adapt the program to the current weather.
GM
Canada
Ford Fiesta
July 24, 2019
Madeira is a great place to holiday
AD
Netherlands
Peugeot 208
May 9, 2019
Madeira is nice to visit. A car is needed for a lomger stay. i would recommend and powerfulle car (diesel) for the Island is very hilly.
ON
United Kingdom
Opel Corsa
April 10, 2019
Main roads are fine - basically dual carriageways, however back roads tend to be steep, narrow and bendy. Be sure to be comfortable with hill starts if considering driving in Madeira. Make sure to take out full insurance, even though we didn't have to use it, I can see how easy it may be to have a small scrape or bump. I would recommend hiring a car in order to explore the island as gives you great independence.
IS
United Kingdom
Opel Astra
March 8, 2019
Hiring a car makes it a lot easier to visit places, and there are a lot of places to see in Madeira.
AJ
United Kingdom
Fiat Punto
March 5, 2019
Make sure you hire a car with a decent powered engine. Hills are very steep and you'll need the power.
MH
United Kingdom
VW Polo
February 27, 2019
need to hire a car to go around especially with young kids as the road is so bumpy and difficult to drive. auto car is advisable .
JW
United Kingdom
Chevrolet Spark
February 21, 2019
You need to be reasonably confident in driving and not intimidated by the driving style of many Madeirans who enjoy speeding on the roads and tend to overtake when not expected!
DE
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
February 1, 2019
Madeira is a lovely island to visit with lots of dramatic scenery. Due to the many steep roads, however, a Diesel engine car would be advisable.
SF
Ireland
Fiat Punto
January 23, 2019
A great place to drive but not for the faint hearted, great fun.
CM
United Kingdom
Chevrolet Spark
January 17, 2019
Madeira is a beautiful island and hiring a car certainly helps to see it more fully. However, the very steep and (inland) narrow roads make driving a challenge and probably not for the more timid and cautious driver!!
BM
United Kingdom
Opel Adam
January 4, 2019
madeira is a fabulous island and getting a car gives you a chance to see many of the magical out of the way places - and to see the popular places before or after the coach parties when they are quiet
LM
Canada
Fiat Punto
December 2, 2018
Who needs to spend more than a couple of days in Madeira I would recommend to rent a car to visit the island landmarks. It is a terrific place, very well adopted for tourists. Get more powerful car with bigger engine or diesel with bigger turgue. There are some streets so steep you might never experienced before. It is not a joke.
EM
United Kingdom
Fiat Punto
November 8, 2018
Roads are narrow mountainous!
TN
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
October 4, 2018
Nice and friendly people
CA
Portugal
Fiat 500
July 26, 2018
The island is wonderful.
OD
United States of America (USA)
Ford Fiesta
June 25, 2018
Madeira is a piece of heaven that fell on earth. Visited several places; including Camera de Lobos, Porto Muniz, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Sao Vicente, Ribeira Brava, Santana, Machico, Santa Cruz and Funchal. All these have their own aura and if you are planning to visit Madeira, you must go site seeing all the above. There is fine dining everywhere you go. The food is great and inexpensive. If you are a wine lover, you couldn't be at a better place. Every glass of wine I tasted was great. I wanted to experience the local life, so I never asked to see a wine list. I just asked for a glass of the house wine, red or white it met my expectations. Here in the U.S, a glass of wine will cost you between $6 to $8. In Madeira it will cost you between two to three Euros. With a little planning you don't need to rent a car the entire time you there. Rent a car to go site seeing and once you are done with it, assuming you are staying in the downtown area, walking is the best way to absorb the sites and sounds of the Island. Funchal is a lively place, restaurants at every "beco" and corner. The architecture is fantastic and the people are happy and friendly. We loved this place so much that my wife and I are talking about retiring there.
Top 16 Suppliers for Madeira in 2020
Interrent
+351291523689 / +351211451381
9100-105 Santa Cruz, Madeira, PORTUGAL
Enterprise
+351291522248
CRISTIANO RONALDO AIRPORT,
Alamo
351291522248
CRISTIANO RONALDO AIRPORT,
SIXT
+351255788199
Estrada Monumental 137, 9000-089 Funchal
Guerin
+351291522248 / +351291522249
Aeroporto Cristiano Ronaldo, 9100-105 Santa Cruz
Europcar
+351291524633
AEROPORTO DO FUNCHAL
Keddy
+351291524633
AEROPORTO DO FUNCHAL
Avis
+351291524392
Sovialma Lda, Aeroporto Funchal, 9100-105 Funchal
Budget
+351291524392
Funchal AirportSovialma Lda
Centauro
+351291091570 / +351308810777
ER237 100, 9200-225 Santa Cruz
Global Rent a Car
+351291706070
Rua Vale da Ajuda n 52
Ace Rent a car
+351291523689 / +18778223872
Aeroportos e Navegação Aérea d, 9100-105 Santa Cruz
Rhodium
351211451595
On-Airport. Arrivals Terminal
Goldcar
+351211451595
On-Airport. Arrivals Terminal
Goldcar
+34965233425 / +351211451595
Airport terminal
Aeroporto de Madeira - Funchal, 9100-105 Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal
Surprice
+351300509199
Madeira Airport, 9100-105 Santa Cruz, Madeira
Highly recommended by our customers
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