Madeira Funchal Airport is the main gateway to the archipelago for overseas visitors and can be found 16 kilometres from the city. The single-terminal airport maintains connections with major EU cities, including London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Brussels, as well as with the Canary Islands. The airport terminal is relatively modern and provides well for passengers in terms of its selection of amenities and services.

On hand are ATMs, a bank, a bureau de change counter and a post office, as well as a good selection of shopping and dining outlets. A tourist information counter is available for anyone with holiday-related enquiries. Getting to the city from the airport is easy, with both public buses and taxis available. Some visitors may be offered free shuttle pick ups by their hotel. Car rental is also an option.

Air travel is the primary means of reaching Madeira Island, since there are no ferry services operating from mainland Europe. Luxury cruise liners regularly pull into Funchal, however. There are ferries connecting Madeira Island with Porto Santo, with services operating several times daily and accommodating drivers and their vehicles as well as foot passengers.

Buses provide the main option for getting around Madeira Island and visitors will find local services are efficient and operate on an extensive network. Tickets can be bought ahead of travel from kiosks and newspaper stands, and it’s possible to make savings by purchasing a double journey ticket known as a bilhetes duplos.

Getting around by hire car is a good option but visitors should watch out for unpaved roads in some parts of the island. Taxis are widely available and fares within the city are set by local government and based on distance. Cycling is possible too, but visitors are recommended to bring their own equipment.