Compare cheap car hire at Funchal Airport Madeira with direct flights from Ireland, rental desk locations, pickup advice, prices and Madeira driving tips.
Funchal Airport, officially Madeira Airport, is the main gateway to the island and the best place to collect a hire car if you want to explore beyond your hotel base. Madeira is compact, but the roads are steep, winding and full of viewpoints, villages and coastal stops that are far easier to enjoy with your own transport.
A car is especially useful for reaching the west of the island, mountain areas, walking trail starts and quieter villages where public transport is limited or slow.
Direct Flights from Ireland to Madeira
There are direct flights from Ireland to Madeira, especially from Dublin on seasonal schedules. Additional services from Cork, Shannon or other Irish airports may operate at certain times of year depending on airline demand.
Car Hire Companies at Funchal Airport Madeira
The airport has a dedicated car rental area in and around the terminal. Some desks are inside arrivals, while others operate from nearby airport offices reached on foot or by short shuttle transfer.
- Hertz: Desk in the terminal rental zone. Cars collected from the nearby airport parking area.
- Avis / Budget: Shared airport counter with pickup from marked bays outside.
- Europcar: Terminal desk with nearby vehicle handover spaces.
- Sixt: Airport branch with collection from the adjacent car park.
- Enterprise / Guerin: Airport desk or nearby office depending on booking type.
- Centauro / Goldcar / Drive on Holidays: Often use nearby offices with short shuttle transfer from arrivals.
- Local Madeira Operators: Several island-based companies also operate at the airport.
How to Collect Your Car
- Leave baggage reclaim and enter arrivals.
- Follow signs for Rent-a-Car.
- Complete paperwork at the desk or meet shuttle staff outside.
- Proceed to the nearby parking area or off-airport office.
- Check the vehicle carefully before departure.
Best Cars to Rent in Madeira
| Car Type | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Automatic | Couples, island touring | Good size for narrower roads and easier hill driving. |
| Midsize Automatic | General holidays | Better power for steeper roads with good comfort. |
| SUV | Families, luggage | Useful space and strong visibility on mountain routes. |
| Estate Car | Longer stays | Extra luggage room with good road comfort. |
| Premium | Comfort travel | More refinement for island touring. |
Typical Daily Prices
| Season | Small / Compact | Family Car | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | €18–€38 | €38–€68 | €68–€130 |
| Apr–Jun | €26–€52 | €52–€92 | €92–€170 |
| Jul–Aug | €42–€85 | €85–€150 | €150–€280 |
| Sep–Dec | €24–€46 | €46–€82 | €82–€155 |
Driving from the Airport
The airport sits east of Funchal and connects quickly to the VR1 coastal route.
- Funchal: around 20 minutes
- Câmara de Lobos: around 30 minutes
- Machico: around 10 minutes
- Santana: around 35 minutes
- Porto Moniz: around 50 to 60 minutes depending on route
You drive on the right in Portugal. Roads are well engineered but can be steep, with tunnels, gradients and tight bends in older areas.
Important Madeira Driving Tips
- An automatic car is a smart choice on steep roads.
- Choose a car with enough engine power, not just the cheapest option.
- Use lower gears on descents where needed.
- Parking in Funchal can be limited in busy areas.
- Weather can change quickly in mountain zones.
Useful Official Links
Madeira Airport official website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Funchal Airport the best place to hire a car in Madeira?
Yes, it usually offers the widest choice and easiest island-wide start point.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Madeira?
Yes. Direct flights operate from Ireland, especially Dublin, on seasonal schedules.
Where are the rental desks at Madeira Airport?
Some are inside the terminal, while others use nearby offices or short shuttle transfers.
Should I rent an automatic in Madeira?
Yes, many visitors find automatics easier on steep roads.
How far is the airport from Funchal?
Usually around 20 minutes by car.
Do I need a credit card?
Usually yes for the security deposit.
Are there toll roads in Madeira?
No motorway toll system applies on Madeira’s main roads.
Is driving difficult in Madeira?
Roads are modern, but gradients and bends require confidence and attention.
What is the cheapest time to rent?
Outside summer and major holiday periods is often cheaper.
Is a small car enough for Madeira?
Yes, but choose one with enough power for steep climbs.
