Should You Rent a Car from Funchal Airport? 7 Things to Consider

Arriving at Funchal Airport and stepping onto Madeira’s volcanic soil evokes the thrill of embarking on a dream adventure. But before exploring peaks, levadas, and coastlines, a question lingers in your mind: Should I rent a car directly at the airport or not?

Renting a car directly at Funchal Airport offers freedom, flexibility, and convenience for all travel styles, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with your family. In this detailed guide, we’ll present 7 essential considerations to help you make the right choice. We’ll also show you why choosing a trusted local company like 7M Rent a Car can elevate your experience, ensuring a stress-free drive through Madeira.

1st Thing to Consider – Funchal Airport vs City Car Rental: Weighing Convenience and Cost

Convenience

Renting a car at Funchal Airport means stepping off the plane and driving straight to your destination, without the need for transfers, city transfers, or lugging luggage to downtown offices. You save time and start your trip immediately.

Cost Comparison

Some Airport Rentals may have additional fees, such as airport concession fees and fuel surcharges. City rentals may offer lower rates, but may incur the cost, hassle, and time of traveling to a pick-up point in the city center.

Tip: Compare final rates, considering fuel policies and relocation fees. This accurate picture helps you see where convenience outweighs minor costs.

2nd Thing to Consider – Availability: Secure the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Madeira’s narrow mountain roads and winding paths require suitable vehicles. Will your choice of rental car at Funchal Airport support your travel plans?

• Families need luggage space and comfort on Madeira trip.
• Hikers may prefer 4x4s or vehicles with higher ground clearance.
• Couples may prefer a compact or convertible for scenic roads.

At 7M Rent a Car, our Airport fleet includes compact cars, SUVs, and family vehicles, all maintained and ready for your Madeira adventure. Booking in advance ensures you get your preferred option.

3rd Thing to Consider – Insurance Coverage and Security at Funchal Airport

Travel insurance is essential. But what about the insurance packages offered by Airport Car Rental Companies?

• Read the policies carefully! Check for excess coverage, roadside assistance, and GPS.
• Watch out for upsells! Extra insurance, young driver fees, or navigation device fees.

7M Rent a Car includes essential insurance with all its Airport Car Rental Companies, as well as optional extras like full collision damage waiver and personal accident protection with no hidden fees.

4th Thing to Consider – Navigating Airport Logistics: Pick-Up and Drop-Off Made Easy

Most airport terminals simplify vehicle pick-up and drop-off with on-site transfers or counters, but some complications can arise:

• Lines and wait times after your flight.
• Additional fuel charges if you miss your return fuel level.
• Off-site drop-off procedures after closing hours.

At Funchal Airport, 7M Rent a Car offers a counter right after baggage claim and accessible parking. Furthermore, the rental return process is seamless, with no surprises or charges after hours.

5th Thing to Consider – Local Driving Conditions: Are You Prepared?

Madeira’s terrain is spectacular, yet challenging. If you’re arriving at Funchal Airport, consider the journey ahead:

• Narrow mountain roads, steep climbs, and sharp curves.
• Frequent weather changes, potentially experiencing all four seasons in a single day (fog, rain, wind, and sun).
• Local driving habits, pedestrian awareness, and roundabout use.

7M Rent a Car assists travelers with pre-trip briefings, road maps, and tips on the best driving routes to avoid difficult areas, ensuring trips without guesswork or navigation anxiety.

6th Thing to Consider – Cost Efficiency: Fuel and Parking Considerations

Your total cost goes far beyond the rental car price. When deciding to rent at Funchal Airport, keep in mind:

• Fuel — Choose the best value vehicles based on your itinerary
• Parking — Public parking fees, private parking fees, and underground parking fees.

7M Rent a Car helps you understand fuel policies and regional parking areas (e.g., Funchal’s colour-coded system) so you can create an accurate quote and avoid unexpected fees.

7th Thing to Consider – Customer Support & Accessibility: The Local Advantage

Emergencies happen. Whether you hit a rock, need urgent mechanical assistance, or have questions about directions, roadside assistance makes all the difference.

Disembarking at Funchal Airport with 7M Rent a Car includes 24/7 roadside assistance. The multilingual team is available through local offices, phone, or online chat, ensuring you’re never alone, whether you’re in a secluded location in downtown Funchal or on remote island roads.

Why 7M Rent a Car at Funchal Airport is Your Best Choice

Reliable and Transparent Rates

No hidden fees, just clear cost details, with optional extras you can add or decline.

Designed for Any Traveler

Vehicle fleet for couples, families, solo adventurers, or hiking groups.

Local Expertise

The 7M team knows Madeira inside and out and offers route planning tips, weather alerts, and scenic detours.

Full Support Services

From breakdown assistance to travel advice, they are available 24/7, ensuring peace of mind.

Convenient Airport Procedures

Pickup counter at Funchal Airport, allowing for safe car return and no hidden fines outside of business hours.

Bonus Tips Before You Drive Off

1. Inspect the vehicle upon pick-up: Note any dents or scratches. Photograph or document any damage before driving.
2. Clarify fuel policies: Refilling the tank when it is full is usually cheaper.
3. Download offline maps: Mobile data may be unreliable on remote roads.
4. Prepare for challenging road conditions, including steep inclines, sharp curves, and single-lane roads. Above all, drive safely.
5. Pay attention to speed limits: Mountain roads generally have a speed limit of 60 km/h, while urban roads have a speed limit of between 30 and 50 km/h.
6. Parking knowledge: Use coloured zones, pay with cash versus apps, and avoid reserving spaces with objects or people.
7. Respect local laws: Safety is paramount, from wearing seatbelts to drinking and driving restrictions and overtaking rules.

In Conclusion: Make Renting at Funchal Airport Your Smartest Move

So, should you rent a car at Funchal Airport? Yes, if you want to:

• Start your Madeira adventure immediately, without delays;
• Choose your ideal vehicle for family trips, hiking, or romantic getaways;
• Access comprehensive insurance options and dedicated local support;
• Save time and energy traveling to remote locations;
• Enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off at Funchal Airport;
• Trust 7M Rent a Car‘s price transparency and local expertise.

However, you should also be prepared and informed about the rules, driving sensibly, and respecting Madeira’s traffic and terrain laws.

Discover more about the Why You Should Rent a Car in Funchal City – 5 Key Benefits, in our guide.