Beyond Rental Cars: Public Transportation in Madeira
Exploring Madeira is an experience in itself, but navigating the island should be planned ahead. With nearly 200 rental car companies available, road traffic is on the rise, causing congestion, especially in Funchal and during rush hours. Public transportation emerges as a reasonable and promising alternative to address the island's traffic issues. While a diverse selection of rental cars and tourist agencies can get you anywhere on the island, Madeira has yet to fully prioritize public transportation.
However, there is a gradual shift in this perspective, indicating positive changes in the island's approach to public transit. As of 2024, the introduction of free public transportation for both the elderly and the youth is a significant step in the right direction. This not only represents a commendable leap forward but it is also poised to serve as a catalyst for a transformative vision in Madeira's public transit system.
No Tram, No Train, No Metro.. Buses!
Madeira runs neither a tram system nor a train, also a metro is absent from its transportation offerings. However, the island does have a noteworthy alternative: buses! Madeira’s public transportation is served by four independent bus service providers, all privately owned. Consequently, obtaining a proper ticket for each company is essential, as these tickets are not interchangeable among carriers.
Bus Service Providers in Madeira
Horários do Funchal
Horários do Funchal is based in Funchal. It is the main bus provider in Madeira. The buses are modern and come in yellow color. They operate both Urban and Inter-urban services. They provide transportation to the suburbs of Funchal and to popular attractions including the Botanical Gardens, Praia Formosa, and Monte.
🌍 Website Horariosdofunchal.pt
Single Ticket: 1,95€
Prepaid Ticket: 1,25€ - 1,35€
There are many more ticket constellations. For a full overview, see Ticket Prices Horários do Funchal
Rodoeste
Founded in 1967, Rodoeste operates regular bus services between Funchal and various locations in the west of the island including Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Porto Moniz, S. Vicente, and Santana. They have been connecting Madeira by bus for over 56 years. Rodoeste owns ticket offices in Funchal and Ribeira Brava, but tickets can be bought from the driver. Buses operated by Rodoeste come in white and red color.
Ticket Prices: see Zones on Rodoeste Website
SAM (Sociedade de Automóveis da Madeira)
SAM is a public transportation provider in Funchal. They operate bus routes to the airport and in the east of the island, i.e., Machico and Caniço. They offer a comfortable, fast, and practical transportation service from the airport to Funchal. Buses by SAM come in white, green and yellow colors.
Ticket Prices: see Zones on SAM Website
EACL (Empresa de Automóveis do Caniço)
The EACL bus company has been in business since 1934. It provides public transportation to Caniço and the surrounding area. EACL operates 14 bus routes in Funchal with a total of 255 bus stops. Buses operated by EACL come in white, grey and red colors.
Ticket Prices: See Tariffs on EACL Website
Getting Around by App
Apps are a must when traveling the island. However, Google Maps does not always work reliably outside Funchal. There are other apps that you should have installed to make sure you get the best picture of how to plan your journey. Find some very useful apps below.
1️⃣ Google Maps
You can use Google Maps to easily navigate in Funchal. It will tell you where and at what time to get on the bus and where you need to change. However, real-time support can be an issue as it can happen that delays are not showing or buses are not driving without the Google app informing you about it.
▶️ Get Google Maps Now0
2️⃣ Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio is providing better support than Google Maps outside of Funchal. However, schedules are not in real-time and Rome2Rio will not advise you of delays. Still, the app is indispensable for anyone traveling around Madeira using public transport.
▶️ Get Rome2Rio Now
3️⃣ Moovit
Moovit is another app you can use when traveling outside the Funchal area. If Rome2Rio or Google Maps does not provide adequate information or if you want to double-check the results, Moovit is a great help. The app recently loads quite a few advertisements, which can be annoying.
▶️ Get Moovit Now
Public Transportation From and To The Airport
Aerobus Shuttle Bus
The airport is being served by the Aerobus, a shuttle that runs back and forth from the airport to Funchal. The final stop is Praia Formosa and there are 26 stops in total. Buses run regularly every 60 minutes during working hours and less frequently in the evening and at night. The Aerobus website is easy to understand and has a reliable schedule that you can count on.
When boarding the Bus, the driver - who always speaks English - will ask you where you want him to drop you off. The best is to look it up beforehand or to simply show him your destination on Google Maps. If you stay in a hotel, just tell him the name, he will know and call you up once the bus has reached it.
The ride from the airport takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on where you want to get off and how many people are being transported. It seldom happens that the bus runs at full occupancy and is unable to give all people a ride. If this happens to you, you will need to wait for the next bus which should arrive according to schedule.
Aerobus Prices
In many cases, buying a return ticket makes sense. This is unless you are planning to take a Taxi or a Bolt on your way back to the airport. The prices for the Aerobus divert from normal bus prices. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.
Single Ticket: 6,00€
Return Ticket: 10,00€
Valid for 1 year
Child Ticket: 3,0€
age 6 to 12 years old
Children 12 years or younger must provide proof of age (Passport, ID)
Alternative Modes of Transportation: Taxis and Bolt
If you prefer not to invest too much time in public transportation, you might want to consider Taxis or Bolts as convenient alternatives. These options are readily accessible in Funchal and most major towns along the south coast.
Taxis: Convenient On-Demand Rides
Taxis are readily available in locations such as Camara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, or Porto Moniz. In case you can't locate a taxi provider on-site, you can use the Taxiin App to call a cab to your preferred location.
Taxis in Madeira: Pro’s & Cons
Pros ✅
Rides widely available
App not required
XXL Taxis available (surcharge applies)
Cons 🚫
More expensive
▶️ Get Taxiin Now
Taxis are also widely available to travel throughout the island. Ask a cab driver if he is willing to drive you around for a flat/full-day excursion and show you around. The cost for such a service typically hovers at around 180€. If you do not have a rental car or if you are 3 or more people, this is a good and flexible alternative to booking a tour.
Bolt: It’s Like Uber
There is no Uber on Madeira but Bolt does basically the same, bringing you from A to B through the intermediate of an app. If you are visiting Madeira and you are relying on public transportation: do get the Bolt app! Bolt rides are not only cost-effective compared to taxis but are also easily accessible. If you are a group and traveling short distances, taking a Bolt can even be cheaper than traveling by bus. Keep in mind that in more remote areas, securing a Bolt driver might not be feasible, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.
Bolt in Madeira: Pro’s & Cons
Pros ✅
Cheaper than Taxi
Cashless transactions by default (add credit card to app)
Cons 🚫
Rides unavailable (“busy”) in remote areas
Ride-Cancellations happen after waiting for rides
▶️ Get Bolt Now
Exciting Bus Trips Starting From Funchal
While exploring the entire island by bus is a challenging adventure, there are many excellent day trips you can easily take using public transport. Check out these fantastic rides that all start in Funchal and discover Madeira by bus!
Bus No 81 to Curral das Freiras
Take Bus No 81 (Horarios do Funchal) to Curral das Freiras, a hidden gem way up in the mountains and one of the most picturesque places on Madeira. This is an interurban Service by Horarios de Funchal and different prices apply. Expect to pay about 4 euros per ride. The bus starts at Teleférico-Término (4A) in Funchal and the ride officially has 69 stops. However, the bus only stops if passengers want to get off or on. Expect the ride to Curral das Freiras to take about 45 minutes.
Bus No 113 to Ponta de São Lourenço
Take Bus No 113 (SAM) to Ponta de São Lourenço and go on an unforgettable hike on the eastern tip of the island. The bus ride will take about 1h15 but it is worth the time as it will drive along the waterfront. The hike is not difficult and takes about 2h30 if you go all the way and back.
Bus No 48 to Monte
Take Bus No 48 from Sao Martinho, Funchal and head right up to Jardim Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a definitive must-see and a place full of history and culture. While the ride from downtown Funchal should take - depending where you get on - about 30 minutes, consider spending the day there as it is worth the visit. The entry fee to the garden is 15 euros.
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