Madeira Airport Bus
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is a top tourist destination year-round, attracting visitors who come to the capital city of Funchal to enjoy the fantastic scenery, excellent weather, outstanding dining and shopping options and much more. There’s truly something for everyone.
One of the popular ways to arrive here is by getting a flight to Madeira Airport, and then you’ll need to choose from a few different transportation options to get into the city center. Your options include taking a bus, renting a car or getting a private transfer or taxi. This guide focuses on everything that you need to know about buses from Madeira Airport, including frequently asked questions.
Advantages of taking the bus include that it is by far the cheapest of the selections for getting to your hotel or other destination in Funchal or elsewhere, so it’s great if you’re traveling on a budget.
There are some disadvantages to consider as well, including that seats and luggage space on the bus might be limited if you are traveling at busy times, such as during peak summer tourist season.
The typical travel time is only about 30 minutes more than a taxi, private transfer or hiring a vehicle, when you add in the waiting time before the next bus arrives. The distance between the airport and the center of Funchal is roughly 12 miles (or about 20 kilometers), and the driving time should be about 30 minutes, although waiting can easily add another 15 to 20 minutes or more on top of that. The ride will also take longer when the roads are busier, for example during rush hour.
Buses are an affordable and reliable transport option at the airport
If you are interested in taking a bus to get from Madeira Airport to Funchal, then you will be able to decide between taking the Aerobus shuttle or getting on a standard public bus.
Aerobus
Location: Outside of the airport arrivals area
Time to Funchal: About 30 minutes but waiting time can be up to an additional 20 minutes
Cost: €6.40 for adults and €3.20 for children
The Aerobus shuttle picks up at the airport, directly outside the arrivals area of the terminal. Including the airport, it makes 26 stops in total, including around Funchal, before ending in Formosa.
You can consult with the Aerobus website in advance of your vacation to look up timetables and stops, and see whether the bus will be making a stop that is within a manageable walking distance to your hotel or wherever else you might be staying during your vacation.
One of the benefits for fliers with taking the Aerobus is that it is designed for people arriving at the airport, and therefore has suitable luggage space for those arriving on holiday.
Public bus
Location: Outside of the airport arrivals area
Time to Funchal: Can be over 50 minutes but waiting time can add up to 20 more minutes
Cost: €3
Alternatively, there are a number of public buses that include stops at Madeira Airport and take passengers not only to Funchal but other locations in and around the region.
Check the website for SIGA, which is the bus operator, to browse the various timetables and routes, in order to see whether there is one that includes a stop near your ultimate destination. Popular lines that pick up travelers at the airport heading for Funchal and elsewhere include the 20, 53, 78, 113, 113RS and 208. The 113 route is the one that operates the most throughout the day.
Because the public buses stop at many more locations, they are popular with locals who need to get around for shopping and other tasks. But this also means that the buses take a very long time, and don’t be surprised if your journey to Funchal is more than 50 minutes. And that doesn’t include the time that you will have to wait at the airport for a bus, which could be up to another 20 minutes.
Madeira Airport Bus FAQ
What is the total distance between the airport and downtown Funchal?
The two destinations are just over 12 miles (or roughly 20 kilometers) apart.
How long will it take to ride a bus from Madeira Airport into the city?
The exact time will vary based on the stop at which you plan to get off the bus, but the driving time between the airport and downtown is usually no more than 20 minutes. However, you might have am additional wait of 15 to 20 minutes or longer at the airport before you are able to board a bus.
Where can I find the location to board a bus at the airport?
After your flight has landed, you have gone through passport control and collected your bags, just look for the signs within the terminal that will direct you to the bus waiting area, which is outside the arrivals section. If you cannot find the right place, ask an airport staff member to assist you.
What is the cost for getting a bus from the airport to Funchal?
If you take the Aerobus for your trip, a one-way ticket will cost €6.40 for adults and €3.20 for children, whereas a public bus should only be €3 for a single ticket.
If I’m traveling with lots of luggage, is the bus still a suitable transport choice?
It depends on which type of bus you use, because public buses tend to have minimal space for large suitcases, so they’re more useful for people traveling with light luggage. By way of contrast, the Aerobus will have more space for baggage, so is good for those people traveling with a lot of it.
ONE WAY TRANSFER PRICE LIST
(average charge – all included by a Private Transfer) From Naxos Airport.
| Destination | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Parikia Town (Capital) | 48€ |
| Naousa | 57€ |
| Paros Port | 48€ |
| Punta | 44€ |