The most ideal mode of transport, which will allow you to get to know the island perfectly and stop at the ubiquitous sights, is definitely a rental car.
Even in Madeira, the general guidelines for renting a car apply and if you are new to this segment, read our article How to rent a car abroad for the first time.
Where, when and how to book a car in Madeira
When it comes to booking a car at car rental companies, the earlier you make the reservation, the cheaper it will be. Prices are also higher in the summer season (June-September) than in the winter.
The ideal time to book a car is about 2-3 months before your trip.
To book, we recommend using one of the comparison engines of all car rental companies, which will sort the results according to your chosen criteria:
Compare prices of all car rental companies
All car rental companies are based directly at Funchal Airport, which is the best place to rent a car.
There are many multinational companies to choose from, with Budget, Dollar and Avis among the best value for money in Madeira.
Car rental prices in Madeira
Renting a car in Madeira is not an expensive affair. Even in high season, you can pay from around 22 eur per day for a small car.
The price depends on the length of the rental, the longer the longer, the cheaper the daily price will be. Examples of average prices:
- 7-day rental in winter - small car from 110 eur
- 7-day rental in summer - small car from 180 eur
- Compare prices in 1 click and book a car
Always read the rental terms and conditions in detail, especially the insurance, which you can also find on Booking.com. Some rental companies include insurance in the final price, elsewhere you will have to pay extra, between 5 eur and 10 eur per day depending on the type of car and the length of the rental.
International driving licence and other documents
Madeira is part of the European Union, so there is no need for an international driving licence. The rental company will also accept a national driving licence from any EU country.
In case you hold a driving licence from a non-EU country, Norway, Switzerland or Iceland, get an international driving licence with your licence.
Car rental companies usually require a credit card to rent a car, and will often lend on a debit card, but either on less favourable terms or with a very high deposit often exceeding even 1 200 eur.
Petrol prices and parking
Petrol is quite expensive in Madeira. Prices range from 1,50 eur to 1,65 eur per litre.
There is a good density of petrol stations and you will find a petrol station in every major town.
Parking is easy in Madeira. Virtually all tourist attractions are free to park at, and as in most cities there are free on-street spaces (paid ones are always marked with a blue line).
The only problematic city for parking is Funchal with its heavy traffic and narrow streets. There are parking charges almost everywhere, including public car parks.
Prices range from 1,50 eur per hour to 6 to 7 eur at discounted rates for the whole day. Only coins can be used to pay at the machines.
Traffic and traffic regulations
The roads are in excellent condition and drivers drive very orderly. There is no other way to drive, as Madeira's roads are basically a constant up and down. It is not uncommon to have a climb in front of you that you can't do it except in first gear.
However, the main ring roads and the south-north links through the centre of the island are very good and more or less straight thanks to a system of many tunnels or bridges. No motorways or roads are tolled in Madeira.
Traffic regulations are similar to those in other European countries.
The speed limit is 50 km/h in the village and 90 km/h outside the village, and 120 km/h on the motorway.
But because of the mountainous terrain, you can barely go 60 km/h outside the motorways. The rules are the same at roundabouts (vehicles going round the roundabout have the right of way and you use your turn signal when leaving the roundabout).