7 Seater Car Hire Funchal Airport

Funchal Airport, officially Madeira Airport Cristiano Ronaldo, handled about 5.4 million passengers in 2025, up 12.2% on the year before (DN Madeira). It was the first year the airport passed five million (DN Madeira). The UK is the main international market, with 27.1% of international passengers in the first half of 2026 (DN Madeira).

Funchal is 20 to 25 minutes from the airport, and every expressway on the island is toll free (Visit Madeira).

When the wind closes the runway

Madeira’s airport works to a mandatory wind limit of 15 knots, first set in 1964, and most diversions happen when the wind is between 15 and 18 knots (DN Madeira).

The effect can be dramatic. On 1 July 2025, 57 of 119 scheduled flights were cancelled in a single day (DN Madeira). On 9 April 2026, more than 40 flights were cancelled, London flights among them, and aircraft diverted to Porto Santo, Faro, Tenerife South and Seville (DN Madeira).

Give your flight number when you book, and keep the hire firm’s local phone number in your hand luggage. A booking with free cancellation is worth more here than almost anywhere else.

Steep roads and long tunnels

The VR1 expressway runs along the south coast past the airport. The limit is 90 km/h on a good part of it in dry weather, and lower elsewhere (DN Madeira). The expressway network has numerous tunnels (Sacyr), so take sunglasses off before you enter.

Away from the expressways, the roads are narrow and winding. Madeira’s tourist board advises using low gears on the way down rather than leaning on the brakes, and sounding the horn on blind bends (Visit Madeira). A loaded 7 seater feels every one of those hairpins, so give yourself extra time.

Trail fees and mountain parking

Walking Madeira’s classified trails now means booking and paying in advance. Most cost about £3.80 (€4.50) per person, while the PR1 from Pico do Arieiro costs about £8.90 (€10.50), and everyone must register whatever their age (IFCN). For seven walkers, that adds up before you even reach the car park.

Parking at the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint costs about £3.40 (€4) an hour after a free first 30 minutes, capped at about £17 (€20) a day (IFCN). Congestion there is a long-running problem. In March 2024, badly parked hire cars blocked rescue vehicles there for more than 40 minutes (DN Madeira).

The popular 25 Fontes walk starts at Rabaçal. Park on the ER105 and take the Calheta council shuttle down the 2 km road, at about £4.25 (€5) one way or £6.80 (€8) return. The ER105 from Encumeada is temporarily closed, so approach from the south coast through Ponta do Sol and Loreto (Calheta Council).

On the far east tip, the Ponta de São Lourenço trail has detours from 30 September 2026 for at least nine months while it is improved (DN Madeira).

Parking in Funchal

Blue lines in Funchal mean paid parking and yellow lines mean no parking. White lines are free, though bays marked M are kept for residents (Visit Madeira). You pay on weekdays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays until 2pm, while Sundays and public holidays are free (Visit Madeira).

In 2024 the council reported its Parque 2000 and Campo da Barca car parks running at close to 100% occupancy (Câmara Municipal do Funchal). Arrive early, or stay outside the centre and come in by bus.

Fire risk and closed roads

In summer, high fire risk can close mountain roads. In July 2026, the road from Pico do Arieiro to Eira do Serrado was shut for that reason (DN Madeira). Visit Madeira points drivers to the regional civil protection service, Proteção Civil Madeira, for live road status (Visit Madeira).

Portuguese rules in Madeira

A UK photocard licence is valid in Portugal (GOV.UK). Children under 12 and under 135 cm must use an approved child seat, and the fine is about £102 to £510 (€120 to €600) for each child (Madeira regional government).

The drink-drive limit is 0.5 g per litre, and 0.2 g for new and professional drivers (RTP).

Madeira is part of Portugal and the Schengen area, so the EU Entry/Exit System applies on arrival (SSI). Check GOV.UK before you fly.

Where seven suitcases go

A large suitcase takes 80 to 110 litres (Markenkoffer). With seven seats in use, the roomiest common 7 seaters have about 340 to 350 litres of boot left (Auto Express).

For a full car with a large case each, look for the ACRISS FV class, meaning seven or more seats plus more space. On Madeira’s hills, a lighter load also makes the climbs easier.

Collecting the car at Funchal Airport

The airport lists its car hire desks in arrivals on floor 0, before security, and the cars wait just outside the terminal (Madeira Airport).

Touring mainland Portugal too? Our Lisbon Airport guide and Porto Airport guide cover both cities. The Portugal guide has the national rules.

Making a Madeira 7 Seater cost less

• Book a cancellable rate. Wind diversions are common, so flexible terms protect you if plans change at the last minute.
• Total up the trail costs. Fees and shuttle fares for seven people can shape which walks you choose.
• Compare the total. The headline rate leaves out the deposit, the excess, the fuel terms and any extra driver charge.
• Bring your own child seats. Per day charges for two or more seats soon add up.

Madeira questions answered

How far is Funchal from the airport?

About 20 to 25 minutes by car, on toll-free expressways.

What happens if my flight diverts because of wind?

Call the hire desk as soon as you can with your new arrival time. Flights can divert to Porto Santo or further afield.

Do I pay to walk the levadas?

Classified trails need booking and payment in advance. Most cost about £3.80 (€4.50) per person.

Is there a charge to park at Pico do Arieiro?

Yes. The first 30 minutes are free, then about £3.40 (€4) an hour, up to about £17 (€20) a day.

Where do I compare cheap 7 Seater deals at Funchal Airport?

Our search lines up the 7 seaters at the airport from several firms, with the total price and cancellation terms for each.