Funchal Airport (FNC), also known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, is the gateway to Madeira — the volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean that is part of Portugal but feels like another world. The airport is famous for its dramatic approach, with planes banking steeply over the ocean before landing on a runway that is partially built on stilts over the sea. Madeira is an island of extraordinary beauty — lush laurel forests, dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and a capital city (Funchal) that blends Portuguese colonial architecture with tropical gardens. Hiring a car here lets you explore the island’s levadas (irrigation canals), the Pico do Arieiro mountain, the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, and the wine lodges of Funchal.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators at Funchal Airport. Compact cars start around €18/day in low season and €30–€45/day in summer. The airport is 20 kilometres east of Funchal.

Why Hire a Car at Funchal Airport

• Funchal: The capital of Madeira, with a harbour, a historic old town, the Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers’ market), and the famous toboggan ride from Monte to Funchal (a wicker sled ride down a steep hill).
• The Levadas: Madeira’s irrigation canals, built over 500 years to bring water from the wet north to the dry south. They are now hiking trails that pass through forests, tunnels, and cliffs. The Levada do Caldeirão Verde and the Levada das 25 Fontes are the most famous.
• Pico do Arieiro: The third-highest peak on Madeira (1,818 metres), with a road that leads almost to the summit. The views of the island and the ocean are spectacular.
• Porto Moniz: 1 hour northwest. Natural volcanic rock pools filled by the Atlantic Ocean, with clear water and dramatic coastal scenery.
• The Wine: Madeira is famous for its fortified wine, produced since the 15th century. The wine lodges in Funchal (Blandy’s, D’Oliveiras, and others) offer tastings and tours.
• The Laurisilva Forest: A UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest, one of the largest in the world. It covers the central and northern parts of the island, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and rare bird species.
• Cabo Girão: One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe (580 metres), with a glass-floored skywalk that offers vertiginous views of the ocean below.
• Santana: 1 hour northeast. A village of traditional thatched-roof houses (palheiros), with the Madeira Theme Park and the Rocha do Navio nature reserve.

Driving in Madeira

Portugal drives on the right. The roads in Madeira are excellent but steep, narrow, and winding. The island is mountainous, and the roads climb through tunnels and hairpin bends. An automatic car is strongly recommended. The VR1 expressway connects Funchal to the airport and the south coast.

Parking in Funchal is in multi-storey car parks — expect €5–€10 per day. At the levada trailheads, parking is free but limited.

Booking Tips for Funchal Airport

• Book 3–4 weeks ahead for summer and New Year (Madeira is famous for its fireworks).
• An automatic car is strongly recommended — the hills are steep.
• GPS is essential — the mountain roads are complex.
• If visiting the levadas, bring walking shoes and a torch for the tunnels.
• If combining with Porto Santo, the ferry is 2.5 hours. The island has a 9-kilometre sandy beach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire at Funchal Airport

How far is Funchal Airport from the city centre? 20 kilometres — 25 minutes by car.

Is Madeira worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, with unique landscapes, excellent wine, and year-round mild weather.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine. An automatic is essential for the steep hills.