Reaching the islands of Madeira and Porto Santa can be accomplished by sea or air. There are two airports: Madeira International Airport in Madeira, and Porto Santo Airport in Porto Santo. As cruising ships often dock at Funchal and Porto Santo, these ports serve as exit points to other islands and destinations too. One can travel between the islands by air or by ferryboat which can even transport cars and vehicles. A modern road network which has been considerably improved in current years makes travelling within the island hassle-free.
Almost all parts of Madeira have good roads and a convenient transport network.
Our Madeira Transportation Guide will tell you all you need to know about travelling to and around Madeira. A great option for getting around is to take an interesting local Madeira tour. Our Portugal Country Guide will tell you more about travelling to and around Portugal.
Madeira Transportation Guide
Getting to Madeira
By Air
Flights including charter flights, scheduled and low cost airlines are available to Funchal from Lisbon, Faro, Porto and the Azores in Portugal and from many cities in Europe (Amsterdam with Transavia, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid, Paris, Munich and the UK amongst others).
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
By Water
The main port is Funchal. Started in 2008, Naviera Armas is a ferry service which sails between Funchal and Portimão, in Algarve on mainland Portugal. The boats which depart every week from June to September also offer other services to Tenerife and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. The main cruise lines also operate to Funchal. Ferries between Madeira and Porto Santo take about two and a half hours depending on the weather.
By Bus
Although the municipal bus service in Funchal is fairly regular, you might have to plan ahead and wait a little longer if you need to travel to remote villages such as Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Machico, and Sao Vicente among other villages.
Getting to Porto Santo
Porto Santo is easily accessible by air (several times a day) from Madeira airport directly to Porto Santo airport. Another option, which is especially good if you need to take your car as well, is taking the Porto Santo ferry which also transports vehicles.
By Plane
Frequent flights are available from Madeira and from Lisbon TAP (Air Portugal). The journey from Lisbon to Porto Santo takes approximately 1h 20 min, while it takes just 15 min from Madeira to Porto Santo.
By Helicopter
One can take charter flights from Funchal and back.
By Ferry Boat
Daily services are available from Madeira to Porto Santo and back. The journey takes about 2h 30min.
Getting Around Madeira
Distances are small on Madeira but you should make allowances for travelling time due to the winding roads.
By Bus
Although slow, the most economical way to move around Madeira is by bus. If you want to explore on your own then you can travel on local buses which will be far cheaper than what tour operators charge, however you will lose out on the commentary of an organised tour. To reach remote places, you should plan ahead as there might be just a single bus a day.
Funchal does not have a bus station but there are three bus companies that serve different areas of Madeira. For Funchal (newsstands no longer sell tickets) there are some self-service ticket offices on the sea avenue, and some bus ‘offices’ (round hut type ticket offices) also on the sea avenue ‘avenida do mar’ where tickets can be bought and information is given. One can obtain information or timetables from the local tourist office, on Avenida Arriaga opposite the Palalce of Sao Lourenço.
Most buses leave from the large park at the eastern Funchal harbour bordering Avenida do Mar. Buses to Camacha or Caniço leave from the ‘avenida do mar’, near the old part of town close to the cable car office.
By Taxi
For trips around Funchal, the taxis use a meter, so there's no way to be taken advantage of, but it’s best to check the meter is on before you travel. For trips around the Island you arrange a price before setting out, and barter. Generally taxis are Peugeots or Mercedes so the journey will be comfortable and safe. In Funchal, there are many taxi queues. One can be found across from the municipal theatre and along side the municipal garden on Avenida Arriaga.
By Car
You should not rent a car on the island unless you’re an accomplished driver used to hairpin bends and narrow roads. However, if you would like to drive, contact us as we can make arrangements for this.
Organised Tours
If you don’t wish to travel around on your own, make use of the organised bus tours that go through the valleys and around the island. Check out the range we offer or contact us for more information. Travellers are picked up from the hotels in Funchal or from the ‘Hotel bus stop’ on Avenida do Mar.
