I-VI 08:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 18:00
Budget is one of the established international car rental brands at Funchal Airport (FNC), Madeira – a dependable, terminal-desk choice with a predictable process, though usually pricier than the island's excellent local operators. Madeira economy cars start around €12–20/day ($13–$22) in low season, there are no tolls anywhere on the island, and the steep mountain roads make an automatic well worth considering. This guide covers Budget in Funchal specifically, the real Madeira prices, how it compares to the locals, and the island-specific traps to avoid.
Budget operates at Funchal Airport and the city, often sharing premises with sister brand Avis.
Madeira has a smaller fleet than the mainland, so prices run a little higher and availability is tighter – especially for automatics. Here is what to expect at Funchal Airport (FNC) in 2026:
Average Daily Rates at Funchal Airport by Season
Booked 4–6 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €12–20 | €16–26 | €28–42 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €20–34 | €26–42 | €40–58 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep, Christmas) | €32–48 | €38–60 | €55–90 |
International brands like Budget typically sit above the island's local value operators for the same car.
Estimated rental cost by trip length
from €12/day
Illustrative — daily rate × days at the lowest 2026 starting price; real prices vary by season & demand.
Funchal Rental Budget Calculator
Estimate only. The daily rate is prefilled with a low-season economy starting price; raise it for peak dates or an automatic.
Budget is part of the Avis Budget Group and operates a terminal desk at Funchal Airport, often sharing premises with sister brand Avis. You get a standard, predictable rental experience and the reassurance of a global brand for one-way drops and breakdowns.
Collect at the arrivals-hall desk and pick up the car in the adjacent car park – quick and straightforward outside peak periods. The trade-off versus the locals is price and the usual counter upsell, so know what insurance you want before you arrive.
On Madeira this isn't just about saving money – it's about safety. The island has gradients up to 20%, hairpin bends above cliffs, and over 100 tunnels. If you're not fully confident with hill starts and steep descents, book an automatic. The premium (€5–30/day) is far cheaper than a clutch-damage bill, and automatics sell out months ahead for summer and Christmas, so reserve early.
The subject of this guide. A dependable international choice with a Funchal terminal desk and the reassurance of a global brand. Usually pricier than the locals, and watch the counter upsell, but reliable and convenient if you value a recognisable name.
A consistently top-rated Madeira company with hybrids, automatics and 7-seaters, no credit card required on many bookings, and a no-deposit option. Excellent service and often cheaper than the chains.
Strong local operators praised for clear communication, cars in great condition and no surprise charges – several include full insurance and accept debit cards.
The strongest international brand for a newer fleet at Funchal. Pricier than the locals; some reports of firm damage claims – film a walk-around video.
Madeira mirrors its mainland reputation: upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
Some good reviews, but a recurring pattern of damage charges at return and pressure not to document the car. Any company that discourages photos is a red flag.
A larger local operator with many positive experiences, but recent complaints about double-charging and unexpected fees. Fine for simple rentals; not top tier.
Basic CDW is included with an excess of €1,000–€2,500, blocked on your card. The counter Super CDW (€8–15/day on Madeira) is pricier than third-party excess cover (€4–6/day) that typically also covers tyres, glass, undercarriage and clutch – genuinely useful given the terrain. Alternatively, several top locals (Madpoint, Just Drive) include full zero-excess insurance in the base price.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Madeira Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Clutch/Undercarriage? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €8–15 | €56–105 | Varies |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–6 | €28–42 | Yes |
Madeira has zero toll roads. The entire motorway network (VR1), every tunnel and every mountain pass is free – no transponder needed. Fuel is regulated and identical at every station (about €1.79/L petrol, €1.81/L diesel in 2026), and slightly cheaper than the mainland. Budget €40–60 in fuel for a week of island exploring.
The island fleet is small; manuals need 4–8 weeks, automatics far more for summer and Christmas.
See the market, then check Madpoint and Autorentacar directly.
The safety case is strong on Madeira's steep roads.
Locals often beat the chains by 30–50% and include insurance.
Buy third-party cover that includes clutch/undercarriage.
Refuel before drop-off; all stations charge the same regulated price.
The drive above the clouds to the third-highest peak, with the spectacular PR1 trail to Pico Ruivo.
The barren red volcanic peninsula at the island's eastern tip, with a stunning clifftop trail.
Madeira's most dramatic coastal drive, ending at the volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz.
The high moorland plateau and the mountain pass through UNESCO laurel forest.
Budget is a dependable international option with a Funchal terminal desk and global backing, ideal if you value a recognisable brand. It's usually pricier than Madeira's excellent local operators (Madpoint, Autorentacar), so compare before booking.
At the Budget desk in the Funchal Airport arrivals hall (often shared with Avis), with the car in the adjacent car park. Some city pickup options exist too.
Recommended unless you're fully confident with steep hill starts. Gradients reach 20% and clutch damage on a manual can cost €800–1,400. Automatics cost €5–30/day more and sell out 3–6 months ahead for summer and Christmas.
No. All roads, tunnels and motorways on Madeira are completely free. You don't need a transponder.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €12–20/day ($13–$22). Peak summer and Christmas push automatic compacts to €55–90/day. Madeira is typically 30–50% dearer than the mainland.
Budget offers brand reassurance and a terminal desk; locals like Madpoint often beat it on price and include full insurance with no deposit. Compare both – the savings booking local can be significant.
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.
