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Getting Around Madeira

Buses, fares, car rental, taxis and cable cars - how to move around the island, and what each option costs.

Tours & activities

Best-rated tours on Madeira

The island's highest-rated guided trips, boat tours and tastings, ranked by the people who took them.

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News
Oct 20, 20261 min read

PSP detains 15 drivers in VR1 road-crime operation

Madeira PSP detained 15 drivers during a road-crime operation on the VR1 in the early hours of 18 October.

Santana, Madeira: the thatched houses, the theme park and the 801 busTravel Tips
Oct 12, 20269 min read

Santana, Madeira: the thatched houses, the theme park and the 801 bus

Two ordinary mistakes ruin the trip to Madeira's postcard village: the Madeira Theme Park is closed on Mondays, and the last bus back to Funchal leaves at 17.25, before the park shuts at 18.00. The 2026 ticket prices, the bus numbers that changed in March 2026 (the 56 is now the 801, the 103 is the 850 and 860), the services marked as a direct connection to the park gate, what the thatched houses actually contain, and the marine reserve below the village.

Madeira whale museum, Caniçal: tickets, bus 702, closed MondaysTravel Tips
Oct 11, 20269 min read

Madeira whale museum, Caniçal: tickets, bus 702, closed Mondays

Madeira's whale museum in Caniçal: 15 euros for adults (2026), open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00, bus 702 from Funchal (not the old 113) and what is inside.

Cabo Girão: the 5 euro ticket, the bus that is now 267, and the cable car that is not at the viewpointTravel Tips
Oct 8, 202610 min read

Cabo Girão: the 5 euro ticket, the bus that is now 267, and the cable car that is not at the viewpoint

The drop under the glass floor is 580 metres, the ticket has been 5 euros since 1 January 2026, and on a weekday exactly two buses from Funchal pass the viewpoint at all. What nobody tells you is that the last bus back past it leaves Ribeira Brava at 12:35, that route 7 became ten numbers on 9 March 2026 and only 267 goes via the cape, that an advance ticket is valid for 180 days, and that the cable car everyone looks for starts in another village entirely. Also why the highest-in-Europe claim on the sign is wrong.

Curral das Freiras and Eira do Serrado: the viewpoint, the walk down and the bus that is now 181Travel Tips
Oct 7, 20269 min read

Curral das Freiras and Eira do Serrado: the viewpoint, the walk down and the bus that is now 181

The viewpoint above the nuns' valley sits at 1,095 metres and the village below it at about 461, which is the whole trip in two numbers. What nobody tells you is that the bus stopped being route 81 on 9 March 2026, that only three departures a day go past the viewpoint at all, and that it is served on request rather than as a scheduled stop. The 2026 fares, the departures that actually pass Eira do Serrado and the phone number you need, the free path down through the chestnut trees, why the long walk out of the valley is only half open, and what the 2004 tunnel replaced.

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), Madeira: booking, fee and busTravel Tips
Oct 6, 20269 min read

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), Madeira: booking, fee and bus

PR8 is 8 km there and back on Madeira's bare eastern tip, about 2.5 hours. Book a 4.50 euro slot on SIMplifica first. Refund rules, bus 702, parking, swims.

What a month in Madeira costs: rent, bills, buses and where to base yourselfTravel Tips
Sep 29, 20268 min read

What a month in Madeira costs: rent, bills, buses and where to base yourself

A week in Madeira and a month in Madeira are different financial questions. Published 2026 figures for rent, electricity, water, internet and the 30-day bus pass, with the source behind each one, plus where to base yourself for a long stay.

Is Madeira safe? Wildfires, landslides, earthquakes, the seaTravel Tips
Sep 18, 20269 min read

Is Madeira safe? Wildfires, landslides, earthquakes, the sea

Madeira is safe: crime is low and the real risks are weather and geology. What fires, rockfalls, earthquakes, the sea and mountain paths mean for a visitor.

News
Sep 1, 20263 min read

Debate Intensifies Over New Bus Lanes in Funchal

Funchal's new bus lanes spark debate on their impact on mobility, pedestrians, and local businesses.

News
Aug 23, 20263 min read

City Councilors Raise Concerns Over Road Conditions in Funchal

Councilors in Funchal have raised alarms over the deteriorating condition of the pavement on Caminho da Achada, a vital route for locals and tourists.

News
Aug 22, 20263 min read

Motorcyclist Injured in Collision on Madeira Roads

A motorcyclist sustained injuries in a collision with a car in Caniço, Madeira. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns on the island's roads.

News
Aug 15, 20263 min read

Multiple Traffic Accidents in Madeira Highlight Road Safety Concerns

A series of traffic accidents in Madeira over the past few days have raised concerns about road safety on the island. The incidents involved both cyclists and motorcyclists, leading to several injuries.

News
Aug 11, 20262 min read

Smooth Sailing on Madeira's Roads: No Traffic Disruptions Reported

Road conditions remain optimal in Madeira with no reported accidents or delays, ensuring smooth travel for residents and tourists alike.

News
Aug 10, 20263 min read

Funchal Increases Bus Services for Monte Festival

In response to the upcoming Monte Festival, Horários do Funchal is enhancing bus services to ensure convenient travel between Funchal and Monte.

News
Aug 10, 20263 min read

Horários do Funchal Enhances Transport for Nossa Senhora do Monte Festival

Horários do Funchal will increase bus services to Monte during the Nossa Senhora do Monte festival, offering sustainable travel options for residents and tourists.

News
Aug 9, 20263 min read

Traffic Incidents on Madeira's Roads Leave Several Injured

Recent traffic accidents on Madeira's roads have resulted in several injuries, highlighting the importance of road safety on the island. Emergency services were quick to respond to each incident.

News
Aug 9, 20264 min read

Multiple Accidents and Incidents Impact Madeira's Roads and Airport

In the past few days, Madeira has witnessed a series of accidents and incidents affecting both its roadways and the vicinity of its airport, causing injuries and drawing significant emergency responses.

News
Aug 8, 20263 min read

Traffic Incidents Spark Concern on Madeira's Roads

Recent traffic incidents on Madeira Island have raised safety concerns among residents and tourists alike, highlighting the need for improved road safety measures.

News
Aug 7, 20263 min read

Wind Turbine Transport Causes Road Disruptions in Madeira Until September

The transport of large wind turbine components in Madeira is expected to cause occasional road disruptions until September as part of a renewable energy project.

News
Aug 7, 20263 min read

PPM Advocates for Enhanced Road Safety Measures in Madeira

The PPM Madeira is urging the implementation of more mobile speed cameras and increased road surveillance to curb the rising number of traffic accidents in the region, emphasizing that fixed radar installations alone are insufficient.

News
Aug 6, 20263 min read

Emergencies in Madeira: Road Accident, Fire, and Assault in One Day

Madeira faced a series of emergencies on August 6, 2026, with a road accident, a fire incident, and an assault requiring immediate attention from local authorities.

News
Aug 3, 20262 min read

Smooth Traffic Flow on Madeira Roads: No Delays or Incidents Reported

Traffic on Madeira's roads is moving smoothly without any incidents reported today, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for both residents and tourists.

News
Jul 28, 20262 min read

CDU Raises Concerns Over Mobility Risks in Curral Cable Car Project

The CDU warns of serious mobility issues in the Curral cable car project, highlighting planning flaws and the need for an integrated transport strategy.

News
Jul 28, 20262 min read

Smooth Traffic Flow on Madeira's Roads This Tuesday Morning

Traffic on Madeira Island remained free of incidents this Tuesday morning, ensuring smooth travel across the region's main roads.

News
Jul 27, 20264 min read

Fire Incidents and Road Accident Stir Concerns in Madeira

A day of challenges for Madeira as firefighters combat two separate wildfires in Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, while a road accident in São Vicente leaves a woman injured.

News
Jul 22, 20263 min read

Madeira Government Announces Incentives for Freight Transport Between Islands

The Madeira government introduces new incentives to alleviate the impact of rising fuel costs on goods transport between Madeira and Porto Santo, primarily benefiting manufacturing industries.

News
Jul 17, 20263 min read

Public Consultation on National Road Safety Strategy Concludes This Saturday

The public consultation for Portugal's National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, "Vision Zero 2030," ends this Saturday. Locals and tourists are encouraged to participate to help shape safer roads in Madeira.

News
Jul 7, 20263 min read

Tragic Bus Accident in Agualva-Cacém Leaves Two Dead and Several Injured

A devastating bus accident in Agualva-Cacém has resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred near the train station, involving a Carris Metropolitana bus that lost control.

News
Jul 7, 20263 min read

Tragic Bus Accident in Sintra Leaves Two Dead and Fourteen Injured

A tragic bus accident in Sintra involving a Carris Metropolitana vehicle resulted in two fatalities and fourteen injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, while the local community mourns.

News
Jul 2, 20262 min read

Jorge Afonso Freitas Postpones Road Network Proposal for Thorough Discussion

Jorge Afonso Freitas has delayed a proposal on road network maintenance to ensure a comprehensive debate with the Public Works Councillor.