Madeira airport to Funchal: bus, taxi, ride-hailing or car

Madeira airport is on the east coast near Santa Cruz. Funchal is about 20 km away along the VR1 expressway: 20 to 30 minutes by road, more at rush hour.

Airport bus

SAM runs a direct bus between the airport and Funchal, stopping at the main hotel areas and the city centre. It is the cheapest option and has room for luggage. Buses run roughly every hour or so during the day, with fewer in the evening. Check the latest timetable in the SAM app or at the airport, especially if you land late.

Taxi

Taxis wait outside arrivals. Fares to Funchal are fixed or metered depending on the destination, and are typically around €30 to €40, with surcharges at night, on weekends and for extra luggage. Taxis to the west and north of the island cost much more; ask the driver for the price before you set off.

Uber and Bolt

Ride-hailing apps operate in Madeira, with pick-up points at the airport. Prices are often a little lower than a taxi but rise at busy times.

Pre-booked transfers

Private transfers and shared shuttles can be booked in advance. Useful for families with child seats, for late arrivals and for destinations far from Funchal. Agree what happens if your flight is delayed or diverted.

Hire car

Most rental companies have desks or meeting points at arrivals. If you are staying in central Funchal for the first days, consider picking up the car later, as parking in the city is hard. See hiring a car.

To other parts of the island

• Caniço and Santa Cruz: 10 to 15 minutes.
• Machico: about 10 minutes.
• Ponta do Sol and Calheta: 45 to 60 minutes.
• The north coast: around an hour via the tunnels.

If your flight is diverted

Sometimes flights land on Porto Santo or elsewhere because of wind. The airline arranges onward travel. See Madeira airport wind.