Cheap car hire in Madeira, United States

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Driving in Madeira: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need

Bring your licence, passport and credit card.

To rent a car in Funchal, you’ll need a full driving licence, passport and credit card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required in Madeira if your licence is in English or issued within the EU.

Navigating city driving

Expect steep hills and sharp turns.

Driving in Funchal means handling winding roads, tight corners and hillside routes. Use a sat nav to avoid one-way streets and take your time on the climbs — views are great, but roads can be narrow.

Tolls, emissions zones and charges

No tolls or low-emission zones on the island.

There are no toll roads in Madeira. Driving in Funchal and beyond is free from emissions charges or congestion zones, making it simple to explore the island by car.

Parking your car in Madeira

Street parking is tight in central areas.

Parking in Funchal can be limited near the old town. Look for blue zones with pay machines or head to multi-storey car parks. Many hotels offer parking or valet services.

Finding fuel or charging points

Petrol’s easier to find than EV chargers.

Petrol stations are common across Funchal. EV charging stations in Madeira are still limited, so use Electromaps or PlugShare to plan ahead if you’re hiring an electric car.

Local driving style and tips

Drivers are cautious but confident on hills.

Local driving rules in Madeira are followed. Expect steady speeds, careful overtaking and good lane discipline. Take care on mountain roads and use lower gears on steeper slopes.

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How to book the best car rental deals in Madeira

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Madeira car rental search.

Book now, cancel later

We clearly highlight car and van hire options in Madeira that have free cancellation. So you can bag the best deal with total flexibility to change your plans if you need to.

Rent a car in Madeira for a whole month

Want to hire a car for almost a month? Often, car rental companies in Madeira avoid costly admin in between pick-ups by hiring out cars for longer periods. So see if monthly car hire is cheaper than the three weeks you need it for by selecting 30 days.

Compare fuel policies

To save money on topping up the tank as you take off in Madeira, look out for deals with a 'full to full' fuel policy, as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

Skip the queues

We call out keyless pick-up when you search for cars with us. No keys to pick up, means no queues. Just turn up at your preferred Madeira car hire location, hop in and hit the road.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the best value car hire in Madeira?

If you're looking for freedom to explore Madeira, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Madeira that have free cancellation.

Can I book a one-way car hire in Madeira?

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Is it worth renting a car in Madeira?

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Madeira.

Can under 25s hire cars in Madeira?

Most places – Madeira included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers.