Why rent a car in Funchal?
Funchal is the vibrant capital of Madeira, known for its colourful flower market, cable car rides, botanical gardens and the lively waterfront marina. A rental car gives you easy access to the rest of the island, from the dramatic cliffs of the north coast and the vineyards of Câmara de Lobos to the lava pools of Porto Moniz and the high mountain plateau of Paúl da Serra.
Pick up your car in the city or directly at Madeira Airport and start exploring the island immediately after arrival. For more destinations across the country, see car rental in Portugal.
Exploring Madeira by car from Funchal
Routes and highlights across Madeira
Funchal is the capital of Madeira and the natural starting point for exploring the island by car. The VR1 expressway connects Funchal to the western tip of the island in under an hour, passing through tunnels and along dramatic cliff roads. The village of Câmara de Lobos, famous for its colourful fishing boats and Winston Churchill’s painting visits, is just 9 km west of Funchal. The Cabo Girão viewpoint, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, is a further 10 km along the same road. In the northeast, the Fanal forest of ancient laurisilva trees in the Paul da Serra plateau is around 45 km from Funchal and one of the most atmospheric drives on the island. The eastern tip of the island, including the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, offers stark volcanic landscapes very different from the lush centre of Madeira. For more destinations, see car rental in Madeira and car rental in Portugal.
Driving conditions in Madeira
Madeira’s road network is remarkable for a small island, with an extensive system of expressways and tunnels that dramatically reduce journey times across the mountainous terrain. Most of the island’s main attractions are connected by fast, well-maintained roads. Secondary roads into the levada walking areas and mountain villages are narrower and require careful driving. The old coastal road from Funchal to Câmara de Lobos is a rewarding alternative to the expressway for short journeys, offering sea views and traditional villages. Pickup is available at Funchal Airport, which is located approximately 18 km northeast of the city centre.
Best time to rent a car in Funchal
Madeira has a year-round mild climate that makes it one of the most comfortable driving destinations in Europe in any season. Spring brings spectacular flower festivals and lush green hillsides. Summer is warm but rarely oppressively hot due to the island’s Atlantic position and altitude. Autumn and winter are popular with visitors from northern Europe seeking mild weather, and the island’s roads are quieter outside the main summer season. The famous New Year fireworks in Funchal attract large crowds in late December, which makes the weeks before and after a particularly lively time to visit.
Car rental price in Funchal
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Funchal, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €320 |
| Mid-size car | from €391 |
| Large car / SUV | from €391 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
