Madeira buses — operators, fares & key routes
Madeira has four bus operators, no shared app, no GTFS feed. Inside Funchal, Horários do Funchal runs urban lines (€1.95 cash, €0.66 with a Giro card) every 10–30 min until late. SAM covers the east (airport, Machico, Santana). Rodoeste covers the west (Calheta, Porto Moniz). Single fares €2–€8 paid on board. North-coast villages get 1–3 buses a day each way — always confirm the last return before you board.
The four operators
Madeira's bus network is split between four companies. They don't share an app, a ticket, or a real-time feed. Once you know which colour covers which direction it's straightforward.
Greater Funchal — Câmara de Lobos, Caniço, Monte, Camacha, Pico dos Barcelos.
Fare: €1.95 single on board (cash). €0.66/ride with a reloadable Giro card.
Official timetables →East — Funchal → Santa Cruz → airport → Machico → Caniçal → Porto da Cruz → Santana.
Fare: €3 – €5.30 depending on distance, paid on board.
Official timetables →West & north-west — Funchal → Ribeira Brava → Ponta do Sol → Calheta → Porto Moniz → São Vicente.
Fare: €4 – €8.50 depending on distance, paid on board.
Official timetables →Câmara de Lobos municipality — Estreito, Jardim da Serra, Curral das Freiras feeder routes.
Fare: €2 – €4 depending on distance.
Official timetables →Fares & the Giro card
- Horários do Funchal (urban): €1.95 single on board, cash, exact change preferred. €0.66 a ride with a Giro card.
- Giro card: reloadable contactless card, €0.50 issue fee at any HF kiosk (Praça da Autonomia is the most central). Also works on the Funchal cable car. Worth it from your 4th ride.
- SAM (east): €3 – €5.30 by distance, paid on board.
- Rodoeste (west): €4 – €8.50 by distance, paid on board.
- Aerobus airport shuttle: €5 one-way / €8 return. Buy at the kiosk in arrivals or on board.
Routes visitors actually use
Short guides to the dozen lines that cover 95% of tourist trips — what they cost, how often they run, and when the last bus back leaves.
SAM line 113 is the public bus between Funchal, Madeira Airport (FNC) and Machico. €5 on board, every 30–60 min, 50–70 min to Funchal.
The Aerobus is the dedicated FNC ↔ Funchal hotel shuttle. €5 one-way / €8 return, ~hourly, 40–50 min, drops at most central hotels.
Horários do Funchal line 8 climbs from Funchal seafront to Monte church and gardens. €1.95 cash, €0.66 with Giro, every 30 min.
An alternative routing to Monte via the Babosas terrace — same Monte church endpoint as line 8, but a more scenic climb.
The only public-bus route into the Nuns' Valley. About 6 services a day from Funchal — confirm the last return before you board.
Horários do Funchal line up to Camacha — wicker furniture village and gateway to the Levada dos Tornos walks.
The frequent coastal hop to Câmara de Lobos — Churchill's painting harbour, poncha bars, and the gateway to Cabo Girão.
The east-coast urban line to Garajau (Cristo Rei statue) and Caniço de Baixo's diving and Reis Magos beach.
SAM line 103 is the long scenic ride to Santana over the central mountains. €6–€7 on board, 2–3 services a day, ~1h45 each way.
Rodoeste line 139 is the only direct bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz's volcanic pools. ~€8.50 on board, 2 services a day, ~2h 15 each way.
Rodoeste line 142 to Calheta beach (imported golden sand). ~€6 on board, several services per day, ~1h 30 each way.
Practical tips
- Pay on board. No turnstiles, no pre-purchase. Cash works everywhere; cards are accepted on the Aerobus and on most HF buses but not universally.
- Confirm the last return. Outside Funchal, the last bus back is often 17:30–19:00. Missing it = €30–€80 taxi.
- Sunday timetables drop sharply. Most rural routes run a single round trip on Sundays and public holidays. Plan accordingly.
- Flag the bus down. Outside Funchal, drivers won't stop at unmarked roadside stops unless you put your arm out.
- Buses don't reach the famous walks. Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, the 25 Fontes car park, Achadas da Cruz and Fanal need a car or tour.
FAQ
Is there one bus app for the whole of Madeira?
No. Each operator publishes its own PDF timetables (horariosdofunchal.pt, sam.pt, rodoeste.pt). Google Maps directions cover Horários do Funchal reliably; SAM and Rodoeste only partially. There is no real-time arrivals feed for visitors.
How much is a single bus fare in Madeira?
Inside Funchal: €1.95 cash on board, or €0.66 a ride with a Giro contactless card. SAM (east): €3–€5 depending on distance. Rodoeste (west): €4–€8.50. EACL (Câmara de Lobos area): €2–€4.
What is the Giro card and is it worth getting?
Giro is the Horários do Funchal reloadable contactless card. €0.50 issue fee at any HF kiosk (Praça da Autonomia, Avenida do Mar). It drops the per-ride fare from €1.95 to €0.66 and also works on the Funchal cable car. Worth it from your fourth urban ride onwards.
Can I get from Funchal airport to the city by bus?
Yes — SAM line 113 (€5, 50–70 min) or the dedicated Aerobus shuttle (€5, 40–50 min, drops at most hotels). For first-time visitors with luggage the Aerobus is usually the better choice.
Can I reach the famous walks (Pico do Arieiro, 25 Fontes, Fanal) by bus?
No. Public buses do not serve Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, the Levada das 25 Fontes car park, Achadas da Cruz or Fanal. For those you need a car, an organised tour, or a taxi.
Related
- Getting around Madeira — all transport options
- Funchal airport transfers
- Madeira car hire guide
- Driving in Madeira
Fares, frequencies and last-bus times are hand-curated and refreshed quarterly from the official PDF timetables. Always cross-check the operator's own site before relying on a service — Horários do Funchal, SAM, Rodoeste.