Madeira is an island in the middle of the Atlantic, so there's only one way in: by air. Here's what to know about flights, the airport's famous runway, and the fastest way from arrivals to your first sunset on the water.
How do you get to Madeira?
By plane, exclusively — there is no ferry or rail connection from mainland Portugal or anywhere else. Every visitor lands at Madeira Airport (FNC), officially Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, in the town of Santa Cruz, about 18km east of Funchal. Most travellers connect through Lisbon or Porto, though a growing number of direct routes from northern Europe mean many visitors now skip the mainland altogether.
Is Madeira Airport really as tricky to land at as people say?
It has that reputation for historical reasons, not current ones. The original runway was short and hemmed in by mountains and sea, which made it one of the more demanding airports in Europe for pilots. In 2000, the runway was extended to 2,781 metres on a platform of concrete pillars built out over the ocean — an engineering project that effectively solved the problem. Crews still need specific certification to fly the approach, and turbulence from the surrounding peaks can make for a bumpy final few minutes, but the airport's modern safety record is excellent. It's worth requesting a window seat on the way in regardless — the approach along the south coast is spectacular.
Which airlines fly direct to Madeira?
TAP Air Portugal runs the most frequent service from Lisbon and Porto, usually several times a day in summer. From the UK, easyJet and British Airways operate direct routes, typically from London and Manchester; from continental Europe, direct flights run seasonally from cities including Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and several German and Nordic hubs, with frequency highest between spring and autumn. Routes and frequencies shift by season, so it's worth checking live availability rather than assuming a route runs year-round.
What's the best way from the airport to Funchal?
It depends on your priorities. The Aerobus shuttle is the cheapest option — around €6 one way, about 30 minutes, with stops near several central hotels and space for luggage. A taxi is faster and more flexible: official yellow-and-blue metered cabs wait at the arrivals rank, the ride takes roughly 20–30 minutes, and fares to central Funchal are typically in the €25–35 range. Pre-booked private transfers meet you at arrivals with a name board and are worth it if you're arriving late or travelling with a group. Car hire desks are also at the terminal if you plan to explore independently from day one.
Should you rent a car in Madeira?
Only if you need it. If your trip is centred on Funchal — the old town, the marina, restaurants, a boat trip — buses and taxis cover everything, and parking in the city is tight. A car earns its cost if you want to reach remote levada trailheads, the north coast villages, or Pico do Arieiro on your own schedule, since public transport to those spots is limited and slow. Many visitors find a hybrid approach works best: no car for the first few days in Funchal, then a short rental for a north-coast or mountain day.
How do you get from the airport to Marina do Funchal?
Any of the transfer options above will get you within walking distance of the marina, since it sits right at the edge of Funchal's old town. A taxi can drop you at the marina directly; the Aerobus stops a short walk away near the seafront. If you're arriving specifically for a boat trip, tell your driver "Marina do Funchal" — it's well known and distinct from the cruise terminal further along the bay.
How early should you arrive to fit in a boat trip?
Landing by early-to-mid afternoon on your first day usually leaves enough time to check in, get to the marina, and still catch a sunset cruise with Chifbay that same evening — a good way to see the coastline before you've even unpacked. If your flight lands later, or you'd rather ease in first, it's simpler to book a half-day or full-day trip for your second or third day, once you're settled and the weather forecast for the week is clearer.
The island only has one door in — but once you're through it, the sea is five minutes from the airport road.
Whichever route gets you here, the same thing waits at the other end: a small Atlantic island where the coastline is best seen from a boat, not a car window.