I-VII 08:00 – 00:00
Budget Rent a Car operates on Madeira as part of the Avis Budget Group – a recognised international brand for exploring the island's mountains, levadas and coastal roads, with economy cars from around €22–32/day ($24–$35) in low season. The best news for drivers: Madeira has no motorway tolls anywhere, so the booked price is close to what you pay. This guide covers Budget in Madeira, the real prices, how it compares to the strong local operators, and the practical tips for the island's tunnels and hairpins.
Budget Rent a Car operates as part of the Avis Budget Group at Funchal Airport (FNC).
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) | €22–32 | €28–40 | €40–58 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €30–44 | €36–52 | €50–70 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep, Christmas/NY) | €42–62 | €50–74 | €68–98 |
No tolls on Madeira – the booked price is close to your real cost.
Budget Rent a Car is a well-known international brand operated under the Avis Budget Group. On Madeira you get the reassurance of a global booking process and an airport presence at Funchal (FNC), with a value-oriented fleet – though local operators often beat it on price.
Budget/Avis desks are at or near Funchal Airport; confirm whether pickup is in the terminal or via a short shuttle, and check the deposit and card requirement. Read the fuel and insurance terms, decline cover you don't want, and document the car at pickup.
The subject of this guide – a value international brand with an FNC presence, a wide fleet and a consistent global process. Compare its all-in price against the local operators. Confirm the deposit and fuel policy when booking.
A well-regarded local company offering good value, flexible terms and meet-and-greet at FNC – often cheaper than the chains.
Another highly-rated local company, 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.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
The very cheapest online listings often carry strict fuel rules and excess disputes at return. On Madeira, prefer a trusted local or established major.
Basic CDW with an excess of €900–€1,600, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded – relevant on Madeira's kerbed, narrow lanes.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €14–22/day – €98–154 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 | €14–22 | €98–154 | 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 Bravacar and Rodavante directly – they often undercut the chains.
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.
Lush valleys, waterfalls and the old coastal road tunnels.
The arid, rust-coloured eastern tip.
Churchill's favourite fishing village and Europe's highest sea-cliff skywalk.
Budget (part of the Avis Budget Group) gives you international-brand consistency, a wide fleet and an airport presence at Funchal. It's a solid option, but the well-rated local operators like Bravacar and Rodavante often beat it on price – compare both before booking.
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.
Budget operates as part of the Avis Budget Group at or near Funchal Airport (FNC). Confirm whether pickup is in the terminal or via a short shuttle, and check the deposit when booking.
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. Choose a car with a willing engine.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €22–32/day ($24–$35). Shoulder season is €30–44/day and peak summer or Christmas/New Year €42–62/day, with automatics more.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€14–22/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody.
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.
