The capital of Madeira, Funchal is located on the island’s south coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled between the hills and the sea, it is the main gateway to the Portuguese archipelago. Whether you’re arriving from Europe, mainland Portugal or another island in the archipelago, there are several options for reaching the city. Here we present all the practical solutions for getting there, depending on your starting point and preferences.
In this article, you’ll find practical information on how to get to Funchal by plane and ferry, as well as the different ways to reach the city center from the airport.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Funchal
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here are the essentials for getting to Funchal:
- Funchal is located on Madeira’s south coast, ~22km west of Madeira – Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC).
- By plane: direct flights from many European cities in the high season, and from Lisbon all year round. Compare available flights.
- By ferry from Porto Santo: approx. 2h30 crossing from the neighboring island of Porto Santo – See timetables and availability.
From the airport to your destination:
- By rental car: from the airport, ~30min to the center of Funchal – Compare rental offers.
- By private transfer: driver at the terminal exit, ideal for families or groups. See available transfers.
- By bus: Aerobus SAM runs from the airport to the center of Funchal, duration ~1h, economy fare.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Funchal location and map
Funchal lies on the south coast of Madeira, the largest island of the eponymous archipelago. The town stretches out like an amphitheatre on the Atlantic coast, backed by hills whose slopes reach several hundred meters. This position gives it a mild, sunny microclimate, particularly appreciated in winter.
The Aéroport Internacional da Madeira – Cristiano Ronaldo is located to the east of Funchal, in the municipality of Santa Cruz, around 22km from the city center. The journey by car takes an average of 25 to 30 minutes on the VR1 coastal freeway. Here is a map to help you find your way:
By plane, Internacional da Madeira – Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC)
An airport with spectacular landings
Since 2017, Madeira International Airport has been named after Cristiano Ronaldo, the island’s most famous child. Located in Santa Cruz on the east coast, it is renowned among pilots for the complexity of its approach: the runway extends partly on pillars above the sea, making it one of the most technical airports in Europe. Its extension, inaugurated in 2000, has made it possible to accommodate long-haul aircraft and considerably increase the airport’s capacity.
We recommend you choose a window seat on landing: the view of the cliffs and ocean is breathtaking.
Main flight connections to FNC
Funchal airport benefits from a well-developed network of direct connections, particularly during the high season.
- From France: seasonal flights from Paris (Orly and CDG), Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille (Transavia, easyJet, Volotea).
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (Edelweiss, easyJet)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair), Brussels-Zaventem (TUI fly)
- From Germany: Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Berlin (Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair)
- From the UK: London (Gatwick, Luton, Stansted), Manchester, Bristol (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2)
- From Scandinavia: Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo (SAS, Norwegian)
- From mainland Portugal: Lisbon and Porto (TAP, Ryanair) – year-round flights, approx. 1h30 from Lisbon. This is the most frequent route, with several daily flights.
- Compare available flights to Funchal.
From the rest of the world: Madeira has no direct long-haul connections. We recommend transiting via Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal hub), which offers numerous connections from North America, South America, Africa and Asia. Depending on where you are coming from, transit via London, Amsterdam or Paris may also be appropriate.
Good to know: in the low season (November to March), supply from Europe is significantly reduced. If you’re traveling out of season from France or Belgium, it’s often more convenient to go via Lisbon.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Options to reach Funchal from the airport (~22km, ~25-30min)
There are several means of transport from the terminal to the center of Funchal. The choice depends on your budget, the size of your group and your local plans.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
By rental car
Car rental is our preferred option for exploring Madeira. It gives you total freedom to travel from Funchal to the different regions of the island. The main international agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) have counters in the arrivals hall. Local rental companies sometimes offer more competitive rates.
We recommend booking in advance, especially in July and August: available vehicles are scarce and prices rise considerably in high season. The journey from the airport takes around 25-30min on the well-signposted VR1 freeway. Compare car rental deals in Madeira.
By bus
SAM provides a direct link between the airport and the center of Funchal via its Aerobus service. The bus stops at several points in the city center, including the coach terminal.
Duration: ~1h
Cost: approximately €5 per person
This is the most economical option, although frequency is limited. We advise you to check the updated timetables on SAM’s official website, as they vary according to the season.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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By cab
Cabs are available outside the arrivals terminal. The rate is set by the meter; we recommend that you check that the meter is switched on at the start. A surcharge applies at night and on public holidays.
Duration: ~25min
Cost: approx. €25-35
Private transfer
For added comfort on arrival, we offer a private transfer service with a driver waiting for you at the terminal exit, sign in hand, and dropping you off directly at your accommodation. This solution is particularly suitable for families or groups, as the price is set per vehicle and not per person. We also like it after a long flight, so you don’t have to look for your bearings when you’re tired. See available transfers from Funchal airport
By ferry from Porto Santo
If you combine your stay in Madeira with a stopover on Porto Santo Island, the ferry is the natural link between the two islands. Porto Santo Line operates regular crossings from Porto Santo to the port of Funchal.
The crossing takes around 2 hours 30 minutes and offers an arrival at sea facing the city. We recommend this option for travelers who want to reach Funchal while enjoying the seascape. In calm weather, the crossing is pleasant; in rough seas, take a seasickness medication if you’re sensitive. See ferry schedules and availability.
Good to know: in high season, ferries quickly fill up. Book in advance if you’re traveling in July or August.
Excursions from other parts of the island
If you’re already staying in Madeira and want to reach Funchal from another part of the island, the options are simple. The car remains the most flexible means, as the island is well served by a road network in good condition. From Calheta in the west, allow around 45min. From Santana in the north, the journey takes around 1 hour along the coastal road.
There are also a number of excursions from Funchal that allow you to discover the island without having to drive. This is a good alternative if you prefer to let a local guide take you to the must-see sites. We recommend this option for hikes at altitude or tours in the north of the island, where roads can be narrow. See available excursions from Funchal
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Getting around Funchal on arrival
Funchal is a large, sloping city. The historic center can be explored on foot without difficulty, but to reach the various neighborhoods or venture into the hills, some form of transport is necessary. A car remains the most practical option, especially if you’re planning excursions into the hinterland or to other parts of the island.
For those who prefer public transport, hop-on/hop-off buses serve the main tourist attractions. We like it for a first day of discovery, as it gives a good overview of the city without any effort. Choose from 30 stops – See prices, photos and availability.
Cabs are plentiful in the city center, and fares are reasonable for short journeys. The Monte cable car is also an original way of getting up to the high districts from the seafront.
And once in Funchal…
Once you’ve settled in Funchal, the city offers many possibilities. The marina and old town are well worth a long stroll. The Monte cable car, tropical gardens, Municipal Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) and landscaped beaches are just some of the highlights. Funchal is also the ideal starting point for discovering the rest of Madeira, from the Levada do Caldeirao Verde to the cliffs of Cabo Girão.
- The port and the historic old town
- Monte cable car and Monte Palace tropical garden
- Mercado dos Lavradores and Rua Santa Maria
- Traditional tobogganing (Carreiros do Monte)
- Beaches and sea excursions
See our article on Funchal’s top attractions.
Find out more about our favorite neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Funchal.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
