Why rent a car in Madeira?
Madeira is one of the most spectacular island destinations in the Atlantic, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush laurel forests, levada walking trails and year-round mild climate. A rental car is the best way to explore the island’s diversity, from the colourful capital of Funchal and the towering peaks of the central mountains to the remote village of Porto Moniz with its natural lava pools and the wild northeastern tip of the island.
Pick up your car 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
Routes and highlights from Madeira
Madeira is one of the most rewarding islands in Europe to explore by car, with a road network that now reaches almost every corner via tunnels and viaducts that were impossible to imagine a generation ago. From Funchal, the capital in the south, the VE1 expressway leads west toward Camara de Lobos, the fishing village Winston Churchill famously painted, and on to Cabo Girao, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, approximately 15 km west. The EN104 mountain road north from Funchal climbs through eucalyptus and laurisilva forest to the village of Poiso and then descends to Santana on the north coast, famous for its A-frame thatched houses, about 40 km in total. The Pico do Arieiro summit at 1,818 metres, one of the three highest points on the island, is accessible by road from Poiso. Porto Moniz on the northwestern tip, with its natural lava rock pools, is approximately 80 km from Funchal, around 90 minutes via the expressway. For more destinations, see car rental in Portugal.
Driving and parking in Madeira
Madeira Airport (IATA: FNC) is located approximately 20 km northeast of Funchal, near Santa Cruz. The VE1 expressway connects the airport to Funchal in about 20 minutes. Driving on Madeira requires attention: the roads outside the expressways are narrow and winding, and the older mountain roads involve sharp bends and steep gradients. A smaller car is recommended for those planning to explore the interior. Parking in Funchal city centre is available in several paid car parks. The expressway network, largely built since 2000, has significantly improved journey times across the island and the main routes are easy to drive.
Best time to rent a car in Madeira
Madeira is a year-round destination with a mild climate throughout. The best driving conditions are from April to June, when the island’s famous flower festival takes place and the levada walking paths and mountain roads are at their most scenic. February brings the carnival in Funchal and the almond blossom in the north. July and August are the warmest months and the busiest for tourism, though the island rarely feels as crowded as Mediterranean destinations. Autumn (September to November) offers warm temperatures and fewer visitors, and the grape harvest in September is an atmospheric time to drive through the wine villages of the south coast.
Car rental price in Madeira
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Madeira, 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.
