Car rentals on the island of Madeira: the best deals
Cheap car hire on the island of Madeira
Renting a car on the island of Madeira allows you to travel more efficiently between the island’s various municipalities. Given the spread of its main attractions—from Funchal to the north coast—it’s advisable to have your own vehicle to minimize travel time. Additionally, many natural areas and scenic viewpoints lack frequent public transportation service.
Car rental options on the island of Madeira range from compact models to more powerful vehicles, suitable for steeply sloping roads. It is also possible to find affordable car rentals in Madeira with various coverage options and categories. With Pepecar, evaluating different options before your trip makes it easier to choose the most suitable vehicle based on your planned itinerary.
Why hire a car on the island of Madeira
Madeira combines urban centres, mountain roads and coastal towns, separated by tunnels and steep gradients. In this context, hiring a car on the island of Madeira simplifies daily planning and allows you to visit several points of interest in a single day.
A hire car in Madeira can be a practical option when your itinerary involves frequent travel between towns. Budget hire cars on the island of Madeira are suitable for both short trips and longer stays. Having your own hire car in Madeira helps you organise your journey by area, optimising travel times between destinations and visits.
Pepecar's tips for hiring a car on the island of Madeira
A compact 4-seater car, ideal for exploring Madeira as a couple, making it easy to get around Funchal and explore the island.
In Madeira, it may be advisable to use designated parking areas in central locations such as Funchal, where there may be parking restrictions or limitations.
Hybrid or petrol – these are the most practical options for exploring Madeira at your own pace, particularly given the hilly terrain and the limited availability of charging points outside Funchal.
Refuel at Galp, BP or Prio, with a wide national network and many 24h stations.
Useful information about car hire on the island of Madeira
Highest Rated Provider
Most Popular Car
Average Price
Where can you pick up your hire car on the island of Madeira?
Leading car hire companies on the island of Madeira
OK Mobility
€20.02
AddCar
€24.33
Goldcar
€24.95
Tangerine
€26.77
Klass Wagen
€29.39
Keddy By Europcar
€30.69
Centauro
€31.21
Budget
€32.68
Europcar
€33.64
Dollar
€34.66
Alamo
€36.10
Sixt
€36.44
Enterprise
€36.80
Drive on Holidays
€39.11
Avis
€41.72
Thrifty
€43.52
Hertz
€48.34
Madeira Rent
€49.21
Drivalia
€49.54
Key'n Go
€52.71
Guerin
€54.51
Autounion
€106.83
Consejos para alquilar un coche en la isla de Madeira
About tolls
Use petrol station apps
Check local traffic regulations
Frequently asked questions about car hire on the island of Madeira
What documents do I need to hire a car in Madeira Island?
In order to rent a car, you will normally be required to provide the following documents:
- National identity card or passport valid in Portugal
- Driving licence valid in Portugal
- Credit card in the name of the driver who made the booking.
What happens if the card isn't in the driver's name?
At the pickup location, you'll need to present a card in the name of the primary driver listed on the reservation. If you don't present the card, you may lose your reservation and be subject to a cancellation fee with no refund. You can use a different card to pay for the reservation online—that's fine!
Is it possible to hire a car in Madeira Island without a security deposit?
In general, most car hire companies in Madeira Island require a security deposit. The amount of the deposit may vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle. When returning the car in the same condition, the deposit is refunded.
How can I view, modify, or cancel my reservation?
You can view, modify, or cancel your reservation through the “Manage Reservation” section on the Pepecar website or by contacting Customer Service. Please note that modifications and cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of the service you booked. Some modifications may depend on the availability of the rental car office, and for certain reservations, cancellation or modification fees may apply.
What should I do if I'm having trouble contacting the pickup office?
If you're unable to reach the pickup office, please call our customer service department. Our representatives will help you get in touch with the operator and assist you with your issue.
What happens if the assigned car isn't available when I arrive?
The final vehicle assignment is at the discretion of the rental car company and depends on availability at the time of pickup. If the vehicle or category you reserved isn't available at the pickup location, they may offer you an equivalent or higher-class vehicle at no additional cost.
Customer reviews of car hire on the island of Madeira
ANGEL JOSE MARIN ALCALDE
06-05-2026
flexibilidad
Maria molins nubiola
12-05-2026
Por la facilidad, rapidez y precio.
Alexia Gonzalez
12-05-2026
Todo genial, rápido y cómodo. Ahora a ver qué tal va en la recogida y con la empresa que hemos contratado.
Marisol
12-05-2026
Reservar fue muy fácil. Los precios son buenos también
Francisco BAZAN ROCA
14-05-2026
Practicidad y rapidez
JOSE IGNACIO
14-05-2026
Buen precio y rapidez.
Joaquin Manuel Alvira Lechuz
20-05-2026
Rapidez , servicio y ofertas.
Edwin Martinez II
21-05-2026
Generally GOOD experience, but I DON'T like working through middlemen to get the "BEST" rate when renting cars -- especially in Spain.
I sometimes get the feeling that the entire car rental ecosystem in Spain is nothing more than a rigged game.
Juan Garcia
22-05-2026
Fue muy fácil tramitar la reserva
Javier Rodriguez Diaz
24-05-2026
Muy fácil de reservar, y Muy intuitivo...y unos buenos precios
ABDOULAYE TOURE TOURE
25-05-2026
La rapidez et amabilidad del chico que ma atendió
Rafael
26-05-2026
Rapidez y precio
Leonard
02-06-2026
Busqueda rapida y eficiente
Carmen S
02-06-2026
La plataforma tiene buena informacion.Es facil realizar todo el.proceso y tiene gran variedad de compañias para elegir.
Jorge Feijóo Suñol
03-06-2026
Todo como una seda. Un servicio excelente.
Santiago Conde de arjona
03-06-2026
Rapidez y eficacia. Gracias
Rating of - out of 5 based on - reviews. See all reviews.
Collect your hire car on the island of Madeira and start your journey
The main way to reach the island and the usual pick-up point for hire cars on the island of Madeira is by air, with regular flights from mainland Portugal and other European destinations.
The usual arrival point is:
- Madeira International Airport - Cristiano Ronaldo (FNC): located about 20 minutes drive from Funchal, this is the main gateway to the island and the most frequent place to pick up a hire car before heading into town.
From here it is common to start the journey to different parts of the island:
- Funchal (20 min): capital of Madeira, known for its harbour, historic centre and places such as the Mercado dos Lavradores or the Botanical Gardens.
- Câmara de Lobos (15 min. drive from Funchal): traditional fishing village with a natural harbour and restaurants by the sea.
- Machico (10 minutes from the airport): one of the oldest towns on the island, with beach and promenade.
Booking your hire car on the island of Madeira directly at the airport makes it easy to start exploring Madeira straight away and to organise your visits around the island with greater convenience.