Funchal airport (FNC) is 18 km east of Funchal. Official taxi to central Funchal is around €25-€30 (fixed-zone rate). The Aerobus shuttle is €5 one-way. Public bus 113 / SAM is €5 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.
All your transfer options
Official taxi (yellow with blue stripe)
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
40-50 min to Funchal
Pros: Cheapest with luggage. Drops at most Funchal hotels.
Cons: Roughly hourly, last bus around 00:15. Not useful for hotels outside Funchal.
Public bus 113 (SAM)
50-70 min to Funchal
Pros: Runs every 30-60 min, scenic coastal road.
Cons: Limited luggage space, no fixed timetable on Sundays. Stops at the bus station — onward taxi to hotel.
Pre-booked private transfer
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
20-25 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
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 | €5 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 €5 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.