Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in Madeira
Looking for a cheap car rental in Madeira? With Economybookings, you can easily compare different companies to find the best deals on cheap car hire in Madeira. Whether you're planning to drive to scenic viewpoints or visit coastal villages, a quick search can help you save both time and money. Madeira is a very popular destination all year round, so don't leave your booking until the last minute.
- Compare pick-up locations: check both the airport and Funchal, although the airport is usually the most practical option if you want to start your road trip as soon as you arrive.
- Don't focus only on the lowest price: in Madeira, the smallest cars are often the cheapest, but they may not be the best option because many roads are steep and winding.
- If you're travelling with several passengers or lots of luggage, move up a category - that way, the car won't struggle so much on the hills.
- Book early: if you're travelling in high season, it's worth reserving your car in advance for better prices and wider availability.
Tips when renting a car in Madeira
- The airport is the most logical place to pick up your car if you want to start exploring as soon as you land.
- To get around the island, it's better to choose a small car with enough power rather than the most basic option available. Don't go for the weakest model just to save a few euros.
- Drive calmly. Many roads are narrow, winding, and very steep.
- When you pick up the car, carefully check the fuel level, insurance cover, and any existing marks or scratches.
Driving tips in Madeira
- Always carry your driver's license, rental contract, and insurance documents.
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left. Always signal before any manoeuvre.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, so always stop for them.
- In Portugal, driving under the influence of alcohol is not allowed. The legal limit is 0.5 g/L, dropping to 0.2 g/L if you've held your license for less than three years.
- Madeira has lots of hills, bends, and narrow roads, so drive more carefully than usual.
- On narrower streets, reduce your speed and leave enough space to pass other vehicles safely.
Speed limits
In Madeira, as in the rest of Portugal, these are the most common speed limits:
- 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways.
- 100 km/h (62 mph) on some signposted dual carriageways.
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on secondary roads outside built-up areas.
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
- 30 km/h (19 mph) on many residential streets or near schools.
Many of Madeira's roads are mountain roads, with tight bends, tunnels, and steep gradients. Because of that, it's often better to drive below the speed limit, especially outside Funchal.
Road signs
Road signs in Madeira follow the European standard: clear, easy to understand, and with limits shown in km/h. As the island has many tunnels, steep gradients, and narrow stretches, it's very common to come across signs warning of slopes, sharp bends, rockfall risk, or priority on narrow roads. Overall, the road network is well signposted, but in mountain areas you need to stay alert, as warnings often appear before tunnels, viewpoints, and sudden changes in gradient.
Tolls and restricted zones
There are no toll motorways or paid roads for cars in Madeira. You can drive around the island without paying anything to use the roads. In Funchal and in some urban areas, though, you may come across streets with restricted traffic, pedestrian zones, or temporary one-way changes, especially in the most central areas. Before driving into old or very narrow streets, pay close attention to the signs.
Discover Madeira by car
Madeira is an ideal island to explore by car, because the scenery changes dramatically over very short distances. You can start in Funchal, stop at the Cabo Girão viewpoint, then head north along spectacular roads until you reach Porto Moniz and its natural pools. After that, you can continue to places like Santana, known for its traditional houses. If you want to enjoy the mountains, you can drive up to Pico do Arieiro. If you go at sunrise, the experience can be incredible. And if you prefer greener landscapes, it's well worth driving towards the laurel forest area, where you'll find roads surrounded by mist, ferns, and impressive viewpoints.
When to Visit
Madeira has pleasant weather for almost the whole year, so you can enjoy it in any season.
- Spring (April-May): this is the best time to go, as the island is at its greenest and Funchal fills with colour during the famous Flower Festival.
- Summer (June-September): the weather is usually good and the days are longer, making it an ideal time to explore the island by car, stop at viewpoints, and visit villages and the coast at a relaxed pace.
- December: a good option if you enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and want to see the famous New Year's Eve fireworks.
Languages & Communication
Portuguese is spoken in Madeira, but international tourism is hugely important on the island, so it's very common to find English spoken in hotels, restaurants, activities, and car rental companies. In tourist areas such as Funchal or the main points of interest, communication is usually easy even if you don't speak Portuguese.
Currency & Payments
The euro (€) is used in Madeira. You can pay by card almost everywhere, from restaurants and accommodation to supermarkets and car rental companies. Still, it's not a bad idea to carry a little cash if you're planning to visit smaller villages or make very small purchases. You'll also find ATMs easily, just as in the rest of Portugal.
Top driving routes from Madeira
Madeira is best enjoyed behind the wheel. Driving around the island lets you stop at viewpoints, discover charming villages, and switch landscapes in a matter of minutes.
- Pico do Arieiro: One of the island's most spectacular drives. The road climbs steadily through stunning scenery.
- Santana: In the north of the island, this area combines green mountains, beautiful roads, and traditional houses that give it plenty of character.
- Porto Moniz: One of the island's most striking routes thanks to the dramatic landscape. Besides its natural volcanic pools, the drive there includes some spectacular coastal stretches.
- São Vicente and the north coast: A very green area, with cliffs, tunnels, and views that keep changing all the time. It's one of the most beautiful drives in Madeira.
- Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos: A very easy trip from Funchal, perfect for combining Atlantic viewpoints with the peaceful feel of a fishing village.
