How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Madeira? Real 2026 Prices
Renting a car in Madeira costs between €18 and €55 a day depending on vehicle category and season. An economy car like a Fiat Panda or Seat Ibiza starts from €18/day in low season and rises to €35/day in summer. A compact like a VW Polo or Renault Clio ranges from €22 to €40/day. If you need an SUV like a Seat Arona or Opel Crossland, expect €30 to €55/day in August. On top of these prices you should add optional insurance and, in many cases, a card deposit hold of €200-€500.
Price table by car type and season
| Category | Examples | Low season (Nov-Feb) | Mid season (Mar-Jun, Oct) | High season (Jul-Sep) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Fiat Panda, Seat Ibiza | from €18/day | €24-30/day | €28-35/day |
| Compact | VW Polo, Renault Clio | from €22/day | €28-35/day | €35-40/day |
| Small SUV | Seat Arona, Opel Crossland | from €30/day | €38-45/day | €45-55/day |
| Family | Dacia Lodgy, VW Touran | from €35/day | €45-55/day | €55-70/day |
Prices are per-day estimates for the basic rate. They don't include fuel, extra insurance or optional extras.
What's included in the rental price?
The base rate you see on comparison sites usually includes:
- ✓Basic third-party liability insurance: mandatory, always included
- ✓Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): usually included, but with an excess of €500-€1,500
- ✓Unlimited mileage: most Madeira providers offer this by default
- ✓One driver: an additional driver usually costs €5-€10/day extra
- ✓Portuguese VAT (23%): included in the price shown on serious platforms
What's never included in the base rate: fuel, garage tolls, traffic fines and any extras you add at the counter.
Hidden costs to know about
This is where most surprises happen. Before signing, check these points:
Card deposit
Most rental companies hold €200-€500 on your credit card as a guarantee. Some don't accept debit or prepaid cards. If you're renting with a debit card, confirm this before booking.
Zero-excess insurance (CDW Full)
Removing the insurance excess costs an extra €8-€15/day. Over a week, that's an extra €56-€105 on top of the advertised price. Worth it if your bank card doesn't cover car rentals.
GPS or navigation
If you ask for one at the counter, expect €5-€8/day extra. The alternative: download offline Google Maps before leaving the airport.
Child seat or booster
Legally required for children under 135cm. Usually €5-€10/day, though some providers include it free if you request it when booking.
Out-of-hours pickup surcharge
Pickups outside opening hours (usually before 8am or after 11pm) can add €15-€30 extra.
Fuel policy
The most common model in Madeira is full/full: you receive the car full and return it full. If you return it with less fuel, the company will refill it at a higher price than any petrol station.
When is it cheapest to rent a car in Madeira?
The cheapest period is November to February, except New Year's Eve in Funchal, which spikes prices in the last week of December.
- ✓January and February have the lowest demand. Economy car prices easily fall below €20/day.
- ✓Easter always pushes rates up. Booking 6-8 weeks ahead makes a difference.
- ✓July and August are peak season. Book at least a month ahead.
- ✓October is still mid-season with excellent weather: balanced prices and perfect conditions.
The general rule: the earlier you book, the better the price. Last-minute rates are rarely cheaper.
Where to pick up: airport vs city
Pickup at Funchal Airport (FNC)
The most convenient option if you're flying in. The downside: airport rates usually include a location fee that can add €5-€15 to the total.
Pickup in Funchal city
Some local companies offer lower prices by not passing on the airport fee. If your accommodation is well connected and you take a taxi on day one, it can be worth it.
For most travellers, airport pickup is the most practical option. Having the car from the start lets you go straight to your accommodation without relying on taxis or buses.
How to get the best price
- 1Always compare on an aggregator before going to a rental company's own website. Platforms like Discover Cars, Rentalcars or Kayak show prices from several companies side by side.
- 2Book a refundable rate. If prices drop before your trip, cancel and rebook.
- 3Read the insurance fine print. A very low price with a high excess can end up costing more than a slightly higher rate with full cover.
- 4Avoid counter extras. GPS, child seats and extra insurance are cheaper if you add them when booking online.
- 5Be flexible on category. If you don't need an SUV, a compact is more than enough for Madeira and can save you €15-€20/day.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Madeira
How much does it cost to rent a car in Madeira for a week?
For a full week, an economy car costs between €126 and €245 depending on the season. A compact costs €154-€280 and an SUV €210-€385. Add extra insurance on top if you're not already covered.
Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Madeira?
Most companies require a credit card to hold the security deposit, which ranges from €200 to €500. Some accept debit cards, but it's a minority and they usually ask for a higher guarantee.
Do you need a car in Madeira, or can you get by on public transport?
Public transport covers Funchal and the main towns, but it's slow and infrequent in rural areas. To reach Pico do Arieiro, Levada do Caldeirão Verde or Fanal, a car is practically essential.
What type of car is best for Madeira's roads?
An economy or compact car is perfectly fine for 95% of routes. Only if you're travelling with lots of luggage or in a group with large suitcases does it make sense to go for a family car or SUV.
Do the prices shown on comparison sites already include VAT?
On serious platforms, the prices shown include Portuguese VAT (23%). However, airport fees and counter extras can appear as an additional charge. Always check the price breakdown before confirming.
Compare prices with real-time availability at Funchal Car Hire — no deposit, free cancellation and pickup at Madeira Airport.