I-VII 07:00 – 23:00
Centauro Madeira is the Spanish budget chain's Funchal Airport (FNC) outpost. Their headline rates are among the lowest at FNC — from €11 / $12 a day off-season — but the experience is mixed: 4.1 / 5 on Google across 1,800+ reviews, with a clear pattern of complaints about counter pressure for “Super Relax” cover and damage disputes on return. Worth using if you book with standalone insurance, document the car with a walk-around video, and decline upsells firmly.
Counter outside the arrivals hall (turn right exiting). Free shuttle to the lot 200 m away, typically 5-10 minutes ride. Open 07:00-00:00 daily, out-of-hours by request.
| Class | Models | Low season | Peak Jul-Aug |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | Fiat 500, Kia Picanto | €11 / $12 | €40 / $44 |
| Compact | Hyundai i20, Renault Clio | €15 / $16 | €48 / $52 |
| Mid-size | Peugeot 308, VW Golf | €22 / $24 | €58 / $63 |
| SUV | Dacia Duster, Hyundai Kona | €28 / $30 | €70 / $76 |
Madeira FNC review scores comparison
Trustpilot + Google data — May 2026
Leave the FNC terminal through arrivals, turn right, you'll see the Centauro kiosk under a green sign. Hand over passport, licence and the credit card used to book. Sign the contract (typically 5-10 minutes, longer if you negotiate cover), then shuttle to the lot (1-2 minutes). Walk-around takes 5 minutes. Total: 25-40 minutes from landing to driving off — slower at peak landing slots in July-August.
Centauro's basic CDW has a €1,500-2,500 / $1,635-2,720 excess. Super Relax (€0 excess) costs €13-17 / $14-18 per day. Standalone third-party policies (RentalCover, iCarhireinsurance) deliver the same protection for €4-6 / $4-7 per day — half the cost, AND they typically cover clutch and tyres that Super Relax sometimes excludes.
Madeira has zero toll roads. Every motorway, tunnel and pass on the island is free. Budget €0 for tolls.
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| FNC → Funchal centre | 20 km | 25 min |
| FNC → Câmara de Lobos | 30 km | 40 min |
| FNC → Pico do Arieiro | 40 km | 50 min |
| FNC → Porto Moniz (NW) | 85 km | 1h25 |
| FNC → Ponta de São Lourenço (E) | 20 km | 25 min |
Automatics sell out fast in summer and Christmas.
Madpoint, Autorentacar and Just Drive Madeira often beat Centauro on price AND include full insurance. The €11 / $12 headline at Centauro can become €25 / $27 with Super Relax — more expensive than a local with insurance included.
Saves €91-119 / $99-130 on a week.
Refuel at the BP on VR1 before drop-off.
Centauro's damage-dispute rate is higher than the local champions. A timestamped video at pickup and drop-off protects you.
Refuse dynamic currency conversion.
Top picks: the Câmara de Lobos → Cabo Girão → Ribeira Brava south-coast loop, Pico do Arieiro at sunrise, the dramatic ER101 north-coast drive to Porto Moniz, and the volcanic Ponta de São Lourenço hike at the eastern tip.
Reasonably. 4.1 / 5 on Google across 1,800+ reviews. The main complaints concern counter pressure for Super Relax cover and post-rental damage disputes — protect yourself with standalone insurance and a walk-around video.
Meet-and-greet kiosk outside the arrivals hall, turn right exiting. Shuttle to lot 200 m away, 1-2 minute ride.
Only on selected plans with a higher deposit. Most travellers use a credit card for the standard hold (€1,500-2,500 / $1,635-2,720).
The headline rate is among the lowest, but the all-in price (after Super Relax) often exceeds a local company like Madpoint or Just Drive that includes full insurance. Always compare with insurance included.
Usually no — they don't allow ferry use. Madpoint and a few locals do allow it.
21 with a young-driver surcharge up to age 25. SUV and 7-seater classes require 23+.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program at no extra cost to you. Information verified 19 May 2026 against Centauro's official site and current Google Maps reviews of the Madeira branch.
