Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Many car hire companies in Madeira accept debit cards or even cash with a deposit. Through Funchal Car Hire you can filter offers with no credit card required.

The standard minimum age is 21 with at least 1 year of driving experience. Drivers aged 21-25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge depending on the company.

Yes. Madeira Airport (FNC) has rental car desks in the arrivals area. Most major companies and local operators are represented there.

All vehicles include basic CDW coverage. You can add fully comprehensive insurance with zero excess from the search. We strongly recommend full cover for Madeira's mountain roads.

Not essential, but a compact SUV like the Seat Arona makes driving in mountain areas (Paul da Serra, Fanal) more comfortable. For the city and coast, a small car is fine.

Yes. All offers on Funchal Car Hire include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup.

Yes. A UK, EU or EEA driving licence is fully valid in Portugal, including Madeira. No international permit is required.

We recommend automatic for most visitors. Madeira's mountain roads have steep gradients and tight bends that make constant gear changes tiring. With an automatic you can focus on the scenery.