Funchal airport transfers: taxi, shuttle, bus & private

Short answer

Funchal Airport is 25 minutes and about €15 by Bolt from the city centre. The airport (FNC) sits 18 km east of Funchal. Official taxi to central Funchal is around €25–€30 (fixed-zone rate). The Aerobus shuttle is €6.70 one-way. SIGA public bus 113 is €2.65 but takes 50–70 minutes. Private pre-booked transfers (Welcomepickups, Suntransfers) cost €25–€45 for a sedan and €40–€70 for a 7-seater, usually cheaper than a taxi for 3+ people with luggage.

Distance: 18 km, 20–25 minutes on the VR1
Official taxi: €25–€30 to central Funchal (fixed-zone rate)
Aerobus: €6.70 one way, about 40–50 minutes
Bus 113 (SIGA): €2.65 on board, €2.00 with a Giro card, 50–70 minutes
Private transfer: €25–€45 sedan, €50–€90 for a 7-seater
Uber / Bolt: €20–€28, pickup on the departures level
Train: None: Madeira has no railway
Child seats: Free on private transfers; taxis do not carry them

All your transfer options

Official taxi (yellow with blue stripe)

€25-€30 to Funchal · €35-€55 to Calheta / Porto Moniz

20-25 min to Funchal

Pros: Always available, fixed-zone rates posted at the rank, accepts card.

Cons: +€1.60 per piece of luggage, +20% Sun/holiday surcharge, +€2 night rate after 21:00.

Aerobus airport shuttle (500 / 500R)

€6.70 one-way · no combined return ticket

40-50 min to Funchal

Pros: Cheapest dedicated airport service with luggage. Drops at most Funchal hotels.

Cons: Last bus from the airport 22:00; cash only on board. Not useful for hotels outside Funchal.

SIGA public bus 113

€2.65 cash to driver (€2.00 on Giro)

50-70 min to Funchal

Pros: Runs every 30-60 min, scenic coastal road.

Cons: Limited luggage space, reduced timetable on Sundays. Stops at the bus station: onward taxi to hotel.

Pre-booked private transfer

Sedan €25-€45 · Van €40-€70 · 7-seat €50-€90

20-25 min to Funchal · 60-75 min to north / west

Pros: Driver waits inside arrivals with a name board. Fixed price, child seats free on request, English speaking.

Cons: Must book ahead. Cancellation deadlines vary by provider.

Uber / Bolt

€20-€28 to Funchal (surge in peak hours)

20-25 min

Pros: App-based, no haggling, often slightly cheaper than the taxi rank.

Cons: Pickup is on the upper-departures level (not arrivals). Sometimes 5-10 minute wait. Coverage thins outside Funchal.

Hire car at FNC

From €25/day with insurance

30-45 min from desk to wheels

Pros: Best for any trip 2+ days. See our full car hire guide.

Cons: Pointless for a single airport-hotel-airport trip.

Prices by destination

Destination	Distance	Taxi	Shuttle	Private transfer
Funchal centre (Sé, Lido)	18 km	€25-€30	€6.70 Aerobus	€25-€45
Caniço / Garajau	10 km	€18-€22	n/a	€20-€35
Câmara de Lobos	25 km	€30-€38	n/a	€30-€50
Ribeira Brava	37 km	€55-€65	n/a	€45-€65
Calheta / Ponta do Sol	55 km	€70-€90	n/a	€60-€85
Porto Moniz	75 km	€100-€130	n/a	€90-€120
Santana	55 km	€80-€100	n/a	€70-€95
Machico	8 km	€15-€20	n/a	€18-€30

FAQ: Funchal airport transfers

How far is Funchal airport from Funchal?

18 km: about 20-25 minutes by car via the VR1 expressway. The airport's official name is Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo (code FNC).

Is there a train from Funchal airport?

No. Madeira has no railway. Your options are taxi, the Aerobus shuttle, the public 113 bus, a pre-booked transfer, Uber/Bolt or hire car.

How much is an Uber from Funchal airport?

Roughly €20-€28 to central Funchal in normal hours, more during peak arrival times. Pickup is on the upper departures level, walk up one floor and follow the Uber pin.

Is the Aerobus worth it?

Yes if you are travelling solo or as a couple with normal luggage and staying in central Funchal. At €6.70 one-way it beats a €28 taxi. Not worth it for families, late-night arrivals, or hotels outside Funchal.

Are taxi fares fixed from Funchal airport?

Yes, Madeira operates a fixed-zone rate system from FNC. Rates are posted on a board at the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Surcharges apply for luggage, late-night and Sunday/holiday trips.

Can I pre-book a taxi from Funchal airport?

You can pre-book via a private transfer company (Welcomepickups, Suntransfers, Easy Transfer Madeira). The driver meets you in arrivals with a name board. The official airport taxi rank does not take pre-bookings: first come, first served.

What time does the Aerobus run?

Roughly every 60 minutes from 05:30 to 00:15, timed to arrivals. Tickets bought from the driver. Cash and card accepted.

Are child car seats provided?

Yes, every major private transfer company provides infant, toddler and booster seats free of charge if requested at booking. Taxis do not provide them.

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