Car Hire at Funchal Airport: The Complete Guide
Funchal Airport (FNC) has car hire desks in the arrivals area, open 24 hours. You can collect your vehicle right after landing, with no transfer or wait. The main companies present are Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Goldcar and local operators like RosCar. Prices start from €18/day for small economy cars in low season. The fastest way to compare all options is Discover Cars, which filters directly by Funchal Airport.
Where the rental desks are at Funchal Airport
Madeira Airport — officially Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo (FNC) — has all rental desks on the ground floor of the arrivals building, to the right of baggage claim exit.
There's no shuttle bus transfer. You come off the baggage carousel and the desks are under 50 metres away. It's one of the most convenient airports in Europe for collecting a rental car.
The companies with a physical desk at the airport in 2026 are:
- ✓Hertz — permanent presence, large fleet
- ✓Europcar — economy and compact options
- ✓Sixt — mid to high-range vehicles
- ✓Goldcar — low-cost rates, very popular
- ✓RosCar — local operator, no-deposit available
- ✓Auto Jardim — local company with good ratings
- ✓Autatlantis — varied fleet, competitive price
Some smaller local operators don't have a desk at the airport but offer delivery directly to the terminal at no extra cost.
Opening hours of the rental desks at Funchal FNC
Most companies with an airport desk operate extended hours, adapted to flight times:
- ✓Usual hours: 7am – 11pm
- ✓Out-of-hours pickups: some companies charge a €10-25 supplement for night pickups (midnight – 7am)
- ✓Delayed flights: if your flight is late, notify the company in advance. Almost all keep the booking even if the flight is delayed, but it's worth confirming.
If you're arriving on a night flight, check before booking whether the company operates at that time or applies a surcharge.
How much it costs to rent a car at Funchal Airport
Prices vary by season, vehicle type and whether you include full or basic insurance.
| Vehicle type | Low season (Nov-Mar) | Mid season (Apr-Jun, Oct) | High season (Jul-Sep) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini (Fiat Panda) | From €18/day | From €25/day | From €38/day |
| Economy (Seat Ibiza) | From €22/day | From €30/day | From €45/day |
| Compact (VW Polo) | From €26/day | From €36/day | From €52/day |
| Small SUV (Seat Arona) | From €32/day | From €45/day | From €65/day |
These prices correspond to rates with basic CDW insurance. With zero-excess full cover, add €3-8 per day depending on the company.
Tip: booking 3-4 weeks ahead in mid-season and 6-8 weeks in July and August can cut the price by 20-40% compared to the last-minute rate.
Documents needed to collect the car
At the counter you'll need to show:
Mandatory:
- ✓A UK or EU driving licence (valid in Portugal with no extra paperwork)
- ✓ID or passport
- ✓Booking confirmation (on paper or on your phone)
- ✓Credit or debit card in the main driver's name
Important about the card:
- ✓Almost all companies require a credit card to hold the deposit (€300-€1,500)
- ✓If you take out zero-excess full cover, some companies accept debit with no hold
- ✓The card must be in the name of the driver signing the contract, not someone else
Additional drivers:
- ✓If more people are going to drive, they must be present at the counter with their licence
- ✓The additional driver surcharge is around €5-10 per day depending on the company
Minimum age to rent at Funchal Airport
- ✓21 years: general minimum age at most companies
- ✓21-24 years: young driver surcharge of €5-15 per day
- ✓25 or over: no age surcharge in most cases
- ✓Licence held: minimum 1-2 years, depending on the company
If you're aged 21-24, compare prices including the age surcharge before booking, as it varies a lot between companies.
What to do at the counter: step by step
1. Show your documents and booking confirmation.
The agent will verify your identity, licence and booking details.
2. Read the contract before signing.
Check the coverage and excess section. Verify what's included and what isn't. The most common exclusions in Madeira are tyres, windows and undercarriage.
3. Inspect the car before leaving the car park.
Walk around the vehicle and check that every existing scratch, dent and damage is marked on the inspection sheet. Take photos or video from every angle. If you find anything not marked, point it out to the agent before signing.
4. Ask how the vehicle works.
Especially if it's a model you don't know: how the fuel cap opens, where the spare wheel is, how the electronic handbrake works.
5. Leave with a full tank.
Most companies hand over the car with a full tank and expect it back the same way. Returning with less fuel costs much more than the normal petrol station price.
Better to book online or at the counter?
Booking online is always cheaper. Counter rates at Funchal Airport can be 30-60% more expensive than the same rates booked ahead on a comparison site.
Advantages of booking online with Discover Cars:
- ✓Fixed guaranteed price, no surprises on arrival
- ✓Free cancellation up to 48-72 hours before
- ✓Compare all airport companies in one search
- ✓Filter by no-deposit, vehicle type, automatic transmission
The only reason to book at the counter is if you arrive without a booking and there's availability — unlikely in July and August.
Frequently asked questions about car hire at Funchal Airport
Is there free parking near Funchal Airport to collect the car?
Companies with a desk in the arrivals building have the delivery car park under 200 metres from the terminal, included in the rental price. No extra parking cost.
Can I return the car somewhere other than the airport?
Yes, but almost all companies charge a one-way return supplement. The cost ranges from €30 to €150 depending on distance and company.
What happens if my flight is late and the office is closed?
Notify the company as soon as you know about the delay. Most keep the booking even if the flight is late. If the desk closes before you arrive, some companies leave keys in a lockbox with instructions. Check the policy before booking.
Can I take the rental car from Funchal to Porto Santo?
Depends on the contract. Some operators allow it on the ferry, others expressly forbid it. If you plan to go to Porto Santo, ask before booking.
Is it safe to park in Funchal with the rental car?
Central Funchal has well-signposted paid parking zones. The Fórum Madeira underground car park and the one at Mercado dos Lavradores are the most central. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside.
Is GPS included in the rental?
Few companies include it for free. GPS rental is around €5-10 per day. The more practical alternative is to use your phone with offline Google Maps downloaded before you leave home.