Car Rental in Madeira

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Pick-up location

Madeira, Portugal

Return car in same location

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65

500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Madeira Funchal Airport Car Rental

Mini

Chevrolet Spark or similar

5
1
5
Man.

per day

Madeira Funchal Airport Car Rental

Economy

Kia Picanto or similar

5
1
5
A/C
Man.

per day

Madeira Funchal Airport Car Rental

Compact

Nissan Juke or similar

5
2
5
A/C
Man.

per day

Madeira Funchal Airport Car Rental

Intermediate

Opel Crossland X or similar

5
2
5
A/C
Man.

per day

Travel Information

Language

Portuguese

Currency

EUR

Drive on

Right-hand side

Country code

351

Average car rental price

$115.12 / per day

Average car rental length

7 days

Speed limit within town

50 km/h

31 mph

Speed limit out of town

90 - 100 km/h

56 - 62 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.4

Average gasoline price

$2.00 / 1 liter

Highest gasoline price

$2.20 / 1 liter

Lowest gasoline price

$1.68 / 1 liter

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.

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

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 day trips

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 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

The Azores. Even further out in the Atlantic Ocean than Madeira and lying nearly halfway between Europe and North America, the nine Azores islands offer even more dramatic mountains, volcanoes, and beaches. It is not possible to take a rental car on a trip between the islands, but there is a direct flight from Funchal to Ponta Delgada, the main city of the largest of the Azores Islands, Sao Miguel, and you can pick up another rental car there.
Lisbon. Easily reached by a number of flights every day, Portugal’s capital is one of the most fun and colorful cities in Europe. Simultaneously lively and relaxed, it is known for its rich history and cultural life, as well as landmarks such as São Jorge Castle, the ruins of the medieval Carmo Church and Convent which retain memories of the earthquake of 1755, and the architecture in the nearby town of Sintra. Located in the center of Portugal, Lisbon can also be a hub from which to explore the rest of the mainland.
Porto. Another great Portuguese city just a relatively short flight away from Funchal, Porto is notable for its unique architecture, cuisine, and atmosphere. The city is also characterized by a great learning spirit exemplified by places like the Museum of Sacred Art and Archaeology, the House of Music, and the Port Wine Museum. After exploring the city, why not travel even further and see the rest of Northern Portugal that boasts attractions like Peneda-Gerês National Park?

Car Rental Prices in Madeira

Station wagons - from $107 per day
Large cars - from $176 per day
Medium cars - from $96 per day
Vans - from $219 per day
Premium cars - from $377 per day
Small cars - from $69 per day
SUVs - from $94 per day

Money-saving tips

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.

This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

What travel writers say

The roads can be windy in some sections, and you may even have to ride in the fog higher in the mountains. However, if you drive carefully and keep a safe distance between yourself and other cars and buses, you’ll be alright.

AA&RB

Achraf Aouadi & Rym Bourguiba

We are Ach & Rym, a young travel-couple and we love sharing our journeys with you :-)

Head to Pico do Areeiro for a sunset you won’t forget, with a backdrop that spans Madeira’s central mountains, engulfed in cotton candy clouds. If you have time on the drive up to the peak, you can also take a quick stop at Balcões Levada – another great viewpoint.

BVD&VR

Becky van Dijk & Vanessa Rivers

Becky and Vanessa are two friends who met in London in 2015. They immediately bonded over a mutual love for travel and decided to come together to create a community to inspire women to get out of their comfort zone and see the world!

Yes, with the tunnels and fast roads you can easily drive around the island in a day. Most destinations are under 1h drive from Funchal.

Claire Robinson

Hi there! My name is Claire. And I am a Travel Planning Geek and road trip planning expert.

Top 20 Cities near Madeira

Lisbon Car Rentals from $8.42 per day

964.8 km / 599.5 miles away
Faro Car Rentals from $23.31 per day

935.6 km / 581.3 miles away
Funchal Car Rentals from $66.44 per day

16.4 km / 10.2 miles away
Albufeira Car Rentals from $21.58 per day

918.5 km / 570.7 miles away
Quarteira Car Rentals from $38.58 per day

928.0 km / 576.6 miles away
Lagos Car Rentals from $33.50 per day

885.7 km / 550.4 miles away
Armacao de Pera Car Rentals from $33.50 per day

907.6 km / 564.0 miles away
Vilamoura Car Rentals from $33.50 per day

927.2 km / 576.2 miles away
Portimao Car Rentals from $29.30 per day

898.3 km / 558.2 miles away
Alvor Car Rentals from $33.50 per day

894.5 km / 555.8 miles away
Cascais Car Rentals from $27.04 per day

940.7 km / 584.5 miles away
Porto Santo Car Rentals from $69.94 per day

57.6 km / 35.8 miles away
Setubal Car Rentals from $23.57 per day

963.3 km / 598.5 miles away
Almada Car Rentals from $23.57 per day

954.7 km / 593.2 miles away
Sintra Car Rentals from $21.51 per day

950.1 km / 590.4 miles away
Monte Gordo Car Rentals from $33.50 per day

984.9 km / 612.0 miles away
Olhao Car Rentals

946.0 km / 587.8 miles away
Tavira Car Rentals

966.2 km / 600.4 miles away
Carvoeiro Car Rentals from $58.16 per day

901.0 km / 559.8 miles away
Estoril Car Rentals from $23.72 per day

943.5 km / 586.2 miles away

Top 10 Locations near Madeira

Madeira Airport (Funchal) Car Rentals from $60.67 per day
Porto Santo Airport (Madeira) Car Rentals from $69.94 per day

57.6 km / 35.8 miles away
Faro Airport Car Rentals from $23.31 per day

935.6 km / 581.3 miles away
Lisbon Alameda Car Rentals from $19.37 per day

962.0 km / 597.7 miles away
Lisbon Airport Car Rentals from $8.42 per day

964.8 km / 599.5 miles away
Lisbon Prior Velho Car Rentals from $49.04 per day

966.0 km / 600.3 miles away
Oriente Train Station Car Rentals from $27.04 per day

966.5 km / 600.6 miles away
Porto Boavista Car Rentals from $41.38 per day

1185.7 km / 736.8 miles away
Porto Campanha Railway Station Car Rentals from $20.19 per day

1187.5 km / 737.9 miles away
Porto Airport Car Rentals from $11.95 per day

1190.8 km / 739.9 miles away

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

$29.77

January

$36.29

February

$42.00

March

$82.49

April

$76.21

May

$74.20

June

$88.06

July

$89.93

August

$64.83

September

$52.61

October

$33.58

November

$50.31

December

The best month to rent a car in Madeira is January (when prices for an Economy class start from $29.77). This is 50% cheaper than the yearly average and 67% cheaper than renting in August (when rental prices start at $89.93 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 July, travelers rent a car for an average of 8 days in January, the average rental period is 6 days.

Average Rental Length in Madeira

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Madeira?

The most popular month for renting a car in Madeira is March, and the least popular is April.

Popularity of Car Rental in Madeira by Monthly Searches

108%

January

149%

February

187%

March

74%

April

83%

May

92%

June

77%

July

80%

August

95%

September

81%

October

90%

November

84%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	1
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	Madeira Rent, Funchal Drive rent a Car, Magic Islands Rent A Car, Way2Azores Rent, Rentx Car Rental
Popular car categories	Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Large cars
Lowest price	$58 per day
Cheapest supplier	Bravacar

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Funchal Drive rent a Car	Fiat 500	3	1	Small cars
Rentx Car Rental	Opel Corsa Hatchback	5	2	Small cars
Madeira Rent	Peugeot 208	4	1	Small cars
Madeira Rent	Renault Captur	5	2	Medium cars
Magic Islands Rent A Car	Volkswagen Polo	5	3	Small cars
Magic Islands Rent A Car	Volkswagen T-Cross	5	3	SUVs
Magic Islands Rent A Car	Fiat Panda	5	2	Small cars
Way2Azores Rent	Opel Corsa Hatchback	5	2	Small cars
Way2Azores Rent	Fiat Panda	5	1	Small cars
Madeira Rent	Peugeot 108	2	1	Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

United Kingdom

Fiat Panda

March 27, 2023

We visited the following places

United Kingdom

Fiat 500X

March 19, 2023

Madeira is beautiful and I will return for sure …

United States of America (USA)

Fiat 500

March 16, 2023

Great hiking and canyoning! The car dealt great with the mountains. Did multiple sunsets and sunrises

United Kingdom

Opel Corsa Hatchback

March 13, 2023

3 weeks round the island Glad we had a more powerful car for the hills.

United Kingdom

Seat Ibiza

March 10, 2023

Stayed in 5 different accommodations, this made it easy to see the whole island.

Netherlands

Volkswagen Tiguan

March 5, 2023

Really nice people! They offered us an almost new car which perfectly did the job!

United Kingdom

Suzuki Baleno

March 4, 2023

Walked on the amazing levadas. Great restaurants in Funchal. Swam in the sea at Calheta and Machico.

Poland

Fiat Punto

March 1, 2023

Madeira is the most amazing abroad place I have seen so far. But be prepared for driving on low gears :)

Poland

Citro?n C3

February 23, 2023

We were travelling around Madeira island and see a lot of beautiful nature like Sao Lorenzo or very old Forrest at Fanal.

Slovenia

Volkswagen T-Cross

February 13, 2023

lot of hiking

United States of America (USA)

Peugeot 308 STW

December 28, 2022

Hiking, swimming, eating, drinking, and weather were fantastic. Great place to celebrate Christmas with all the lights and festivities.

United Kingdom

Volkswagen T-Cross

December 23, 2022

Madeira is just such a beautiful island. But if renting a car there the smell in Funchal is burnt clutch smell! You could well be stung if you drive any streep hills with this system

Netherlands

Fiat 500

December 11, 2022

We did a lot of hiking and drove to different parts of the island (even the scary mountain roads). The car gave us the ultimate freedom!

Ukraine

Renault Clio

December 2, 2022

Funchal is an amazing place. All Madeira is awesome. I definitely will come back there.

Poland

Fiat 500

November 10, 2022

Madeira is a beautiful green island with many trekking spots

Slovenia

Fiat 500

November 6, 2022

Perfect place to be. Amazing.

Czech Republic

Renault Captur

October 7, 2022

Nature, travel all of Madeira

Canada

Citroen C4

September 22, 2022

There is many great hikes, easily accessible by car on Madeira.

France

Peugeot 208

August 24, 2022

Madeira is full of places to visit and it’s way easier by car than by bus.

Czech Republic

Fiat Panda

July 9, 2022

There were no problems at all, just little complicated communication about the dealyed flight

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.