Madeira without a car: buses, taxis, tours and the cable car
Madeira’s mountain roads are steep and winding, and not everyone wants to drive them. The good news is that you can see a great deal of the island without hiring a car, using a mix of buses, taxis, organised tours and Funchal’s cable cars. Here is how it works.
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Base yourself in Funchal
If you don’t plan to drive, Funchal is the best base. The capital has the most hotels, restaurants and shops, and it is the hub for island buses, taxis and excursion pick-ups. Many sights, including the Old Town, the market, the waterfront and the cathedral, are walkable.
Funchal is hilly, though. Hotels in the Lido area or high up the hillside can involve steep walks, so check the location and ask about any hotel shuttle to the centre.
City buses in Funchal
The yellow buses of Horários do Funchal serve the city and nearby areas, including routes up to Monte and other hillside districts. Tickets can be bought on board or as rechargeable cards, which are usually cheaper per trip. Check the operator’s website for current routes, fares and timetables.
Island buses
Several companies run buses from Funchal to towns around the island, including the east, the north coast and the west. Buses are an affordable way to reach places such as Machico, Santana or Ribeira Brava, but services can be infrequent, especially on weekends, and journeys can be long because of winding roads. Check the timetable for your return before you set off.
An airport bus has linked the airport with Funchal. Our airport guide covers the options and what to check.
Cable cars
The Funchal cable car runs from near the Old Town up to Monte, giving views over the city and harbour. At Monte, you can visit the church and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. A second cable car has linked Monte with the Botanical Garden.
Many visitors ride down part of the way from Monte in the famous wicker toboggans, steered by drivers in white. Check current prices and times directly, and be aware that you finish partway down the hill, not in the centre. Taxis and buses wait nearby.
Taxis and private drivers
Taxis are widely available in Funchal and can be hired for half-day or full-day island tours, often at prices agreed in advance. Agree the route, duration and price before you set off. This is a flexible way to reach viewpoints, trailheads and villages without driving.
Ride-hailing apps have operated in Madeira, mainly around Funchal, but availability varies, particularly in rural areas.
Organised tours
Day tours by minibus or 4x4 cover highlights such as Pico do Arieiro, Santana’s traditional houses, the natural pools of Porto Moniz, Cabo Girão skywalk and the wine villages. Guided levada walks with transport included are a good way to hike without driving. Boat trips from Funchal harbour offer dolphin and whale watching along the coast.
Book with reputable operators, read recent reviews and check what is included, such as entry fees and lunch.
Where to stay without a car
Funchal’s centre and Old Town are the most practical, with sights, restaurants and transport on your doorstep. The Lido area has many hotels and a seafront promenade, with frequent buses to the centre. Smaller towns like Machico or Calheta are attractive, but are better if you are happy to rely on taxis and tours.
A sample car-free week
Spend your first day exploring Funchal on foot: the Old Town, the market and the seafront. On day two, take the cable car to Monte and visit a garden. Join a guided levada walk with transport on day three, and an island tour to the north coast or the west on day four. Use a city or island bus for a half-day in Câmara de Lobos or Machico, take a boat trip from the harbour, and keep a free day for relaxing by the sea.
Is a car worth it for part of your stay?
If you want to explore remote areas, start hikes early or travel at your own pace, renting a car for just a day or two can be a good compromise. Many visitors combine a few car-free days in Funchal with a short rental for the west or north coast. Book in advance in busy seasons and choose a small car for narrow roads.
FAQ
Can you visit Madeira without a car?
Yes. With a base in Funchal, you can use buses, taxis, organised tours and the cable cars to see much of the island.
Is there a bus from Madeira airport to Funchal?
An airport bus has linked the airport with Funchal. Check the current operator and timetable before travelling.
How do I get to Monte from Funchal?
Take the cable car from near the Old Town, a city bus or a taxi.
Are taxis expensive in Madeira?
Prices vary by distance. For island tours, agree the route, duration and price with the driver beforehand.