Madeira looks small on the map. Then you start driving. Steep roads, long tunnels, sharp bends on the way up to Pico do Arieiro. A car here is not a luxury. It is how you actually see the island. The catch? The price you see first is rarely the price you pay.
We have rented cars on Madeira six times over the past few years, and our advice is simple: never grab the first cheap deal. Compare offers side by side. We usually start with RosCar Madeira at https://roscarmadeira.com/. It shows prices from international and local rental companies in one place, and you can find cars with no deposit and no credit card required.
Look at the total, not the daily rate
A car listed at €19 a day can easily end up at €45 once and extras are added. From our experience, the gap is biggest in July and August. Always check the full amount for your exact dates.
- Airport surcharge at Funchal: often €20 to €40 per rental
- Additional driver: around €5 to €10 per day
- Child seat: €5 to €8 per day
- Fuel policy: choose full to full and skip prepaid tanks
Deposit: the cost few people plan for
Many companies block €1,000 to €2,500 on your credit card. That money can stay frozen for up to two weeks after you return the car. And some travellers simply don’t own a credit card. We recommend looking for offers without a deposit and without a credit card. They do exist on Madeira, and often cost just a few euros more per day.
Travel Protection options compared
| Coverage type | Typical excess | Approx. extra per day | Our take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW | €1,000 to €2,000 | Included | Risky on narrow roads |
| Super CDW | €300 to €500 | €10 to €15 | A fair middle option |
| Full coverage, zero excess | €0 | €15 to €25 | What we choose every time |
Why full coverage? Parking in Funchal is tight. Scratched mirrors and bumper marks are the claims we see most often. Make sure tyres, glass and the underside of the car are covered too. These are often excluded.
Our quick checklist before booking
- Compare at least three offers for the same car class.
- Check the total price with every fee included.
- Pick enough engine power. A 1.0 litre car struggles on Madeira’s climbs with four people inside.
- Photograph the car at pickup, wheels included.
When to book
For summer, book 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Same for Christmas and New Year, when Funchal fills up for the fireworks. Automatics sell out first. Honestly, if you’re not confident starting a manual on a steep hill, pay the extra for an automatic. You’ll be glad you did on the road to Porto Moniz.