I-VII 08:30 – 20:00
Bravacar is a well-regarded local rental company on Madeira – a good-value, flexible alternative to the big chains for exploring the island's mountains, levadas and coastal roads, with economy cars from around €20–30/day ($22–$33) in low season. The best news for drivers: Madeira has no motorway tolls anywhere on the island, so the price you book is close to what you pay. This guide covers Bravacar in Madeira, the real prices, how it compares, and the practical tips for the island's tunnels and hairpins.
Madeira (Funchal / Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, FNC) is a competitive market with strong local operators, which keeps prices reasonable outside peak season. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates in Madeira by Season
Booked 3–5 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €20–30 | €26–38 | €38–55 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €28–42 | €34–50 | €48–68 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep, Christmas/NY) | €40–60 | €48–72 | €65–95 |
No tolls on Madeira – the booked price is close to your real cost. Local operators like Bravacar are often the best value.
Bravacar is an established local rental company on Madeira, well-reviewed for friendly service and fair prices. Local operators generally offer keener rates and more flexible terms than the global chains, with helpful knowledge of the island's roads.
Bravacar typically offers meet-and-greet at Funchal Airport (FNC) and serves Funchal hotels; confirm the exact pickup arrangement, deposit and card requirement when booking. As a local company, it's well worth a direct quote alongside the comparison sites. Read the fuel and insurance terms and document the car at pickup.
The subject of this guide – a well-regarded local company offering good value and flexible terms versus the chains, with meet-and-greet at FNC. Worth a direct quote. Confirm pickup, deposit and insurance details when booking.
Another highly-rated local company on the island, known for newer cars and smooth airport pickup.
The strongest international brand at FNC for a newer fleet and a predictable process. Pricier; watch the upsell.
A dependable major with a broad fleet – a safe fallback at FNC, useful if you want a guaranteed automatic for the hills.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
Cheap online but notorious for strict fuel rules and excess disputes at return. On Madeira, prefer a trusted local or established major.
Basic CDW with an excess of €800–€1,500, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded – relevant on Madeira's kerbed, narrow lanes.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €12–20/day – €84–140 a week.
Standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) bought before you travel covers the excluded items and refunds any excess charged. Buy it and decline the counter upsell.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Madeira Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €12–20 | €84–140 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
This is simple: Madeira has no motorway tolls. The island's modern VR1 expressway and its many tunnels are completely free, so you'll never need a transponder or a toll device. Fuel is slightly more expensive than the mainland because of the island location.
| Cost item | Madeira (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway tolls | None | VR1 and all tunnels are free |
| Petrol (95) | ~€1.79/L | Slightly above mainland |
| Diesel | ~€1.81/L | Slightly above mainland |
| Funchal parking | Paid zones / garages | Use a hotel garage where possible |
Peak season and the Christmas/New Year fireworks period sell out; automatics go first.
See the market, then check local operators like Bravacar and Rodavante directly.
A willing engine matters more than size on Madeira's climbs.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
There are none – ignore any toll add-on.
Refuel before drop-off near the airport.
Madeira's third-highest peak, often above the clouds – go early for the sunrise.
The famous volcanic swimming pools on the wild northwest coast, via the dramatic north road.
Lush valleys, waterfalls and the old coastal road tunnels.
The arid, rust-coloured eastern tip – a complete contrast to the green interior.
Churchill's favourite fishing village and Europe's highest sea-cliff skywalk.
Yes – Bravacar is a well-regarded local Madeira operator offering good value, friendly service and flexible terms versus the chains, with meet-and-greet at Funchal Airport. It's worth a direct quote alongside the comparison sites.
No. Madeira has no motorway tolls anywhere – the VR1 expressway and all the tunnels are free, so you never need a transponder or toll device.
Not essential, but the island is steep. A manual is fine if you're comfortable with hill starts; otherwise an automatic makes the climbs and hairpins more relaxing. Either way, choose a car with a willing engine.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €20–30/day ($22–$33). Shoulder season is €28–42/day and peak summer or Christmas/New Year €40–60/day, with automatics more.
Bravacar typically offers meet-and-greet at Funchal Airport (FNC) and serves Funchal hotels. Confirm the exact arrangement and deposit when booking.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€12–20/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody – useful on Madeira's narrow lanes.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Our company reviews are based on Trustpilot scores, Google Maps reviews, traveler-forum feedback and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
