I, III, IV, V, VI, VII 08:30 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 18:30, II 15:00 – 18:30
Europcar has an in-terminal desk at Funchal Airport arrivals, rated about 8/10, offering brand-name reliability and a wide fleet from compacts to SUVs. Reviewers highlight warm, helpful pickup; the most common gripe is an occasional wait at drop-off for the car inspection. For predictable service on Madeira's demanding roads it is a dependable, if not the cheapest, choice.
Desk in the Funchal Airport arrivals terminal (Santa Cruz) – walk straight to it. Newer cars and dependable service; allow a little extra time at drop-off for the inspection.
Europcar Funchal – how it scores
Verified ratings
Rates include basic CDW with a large excess blocked on your card. Given Madeira's tight, twisty roads, pre-booked stand-alone excess insurance (or full cover) is worth it – it is cheaper than the counter waiver and refunds your excess directly. Photograph the car carefully at pickup and return, as some Funchal desks charge for small scratches.
Madeira has no toll roads – the vias rápidas and tunnels are all free. The airport is Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo (FNC) at Santa Cruz, about 20 minutes east of Funchal. Roads are steep, winding and tunnel-heavy, so an automatic and full insurance are worth considering, and you drive on the right.
Real 7-day cost guide (economy, peak)
| Item | Typical |
|---|---|
| Economy car, 7 days | from ~€170–300 ($185–330) |
| Pickup | in-terminal arrivals desk |
| Excess (pre-booked cover) | ~€4–7/day |
Yes – the desk is in the Funchal Airport arrivals terminal at Santa Cruz, so you walk straight to it.
It rates about 8/10, with brand-name reliability, a wide fleet and warm pickup. The main gripe is an occasional wait at drop-off for the inspection.
Economy cars typically run €170–300 ($185–330) for a peak week – a bit above the cheapest locals. Compare live prices.
No – Madeira has no toll roads; motorways and tunnels are free.
On Madeira’s steep, narrow roads it is worth it. Pre-booked stand-alone excess insurance is cheaper than the counter waiver.
Many drivers prefer an automatic for Madeira’s steep gradients and hairpins; book early as automatics sell out.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Reviews are based on Trustpilot, Google Maps, traveller forums and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: May 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
