I-VII 08:00 – 20:00
Thinking of renting with DriveGo in Madeira? This is our honest review – what to expect on price, service and the car, plus how the local operator stacks up against the chains. DriveGo is one of the better-known independent companies on the island, with economy cars from around €18–30/day ($19–$32) in low season. With Madeira's attractions spread across steep, scattered terrain, a car is close to essential – and the island has no tolls, so fuel is your only running cost.
Our review of DriveGo, a popular local car hire operator on Madeira.
DriveGo is a solid local pick for Madeira: keen prices, friendly local service and flexible terms, with airport meet-and-greet at Funchal (FNC). As with any local operator, the experience comes down to reading the agreement, confirming the deposit and fuel policy, and documenting the car – do that and it's good value. Compare a direct DriveGo quote against the comparison sites before you book.
Madeira (Funchal Airport, FNC) is competitive year-round, with a milder seasonal swing than the mainland. 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, Jan–Feb) | €18–30 | €22–36 | €34–52 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €26–40 | €32–48 | €46–64 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep, Dec) | €38–56 | €46–68 | €60–88 |
No road tolls on Madeira – fuel is the only running cost.
DriveGo's headline rates are typically competitive with the other Madeira locals and usually below the global chains, especially for week-plus rentals. Always get a written quote that states what's included (insurance level, mileage, fuel policy) so you're comparing like with like.
DriveGo generally offers meet-and-greet at Funchal Airport or hotel delivery. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement, the deposit amount and the card requirement in advance. The full-to-full fuel policy is the one to want.
Expect a typical island fleet of small hatchbacks and compacts – ideal for Madeira's narrow lanes. Given the steep terrain, check the brakes, tyres and clutch at pickup, and film a walk-around video.
The subject of this review – competitive prices, flexible terms and airport meet-and-greet. Get a direct quote and confirm pickup, deposit and insurance.
A long-running Madeira local with excellent reviews and fair terms – DriveGo's main local rival.
A dependable major and a safe fallback for a guaranteed automatic, though usually pricier than the locals.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
The cheapest listings can carry strict fuel rules and excess disputes. Read the fine print or stick with a trusted local.
Basic CDW with an excess of €900–€1,600, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded – relevant on Madeira's kerb-lined lanes.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €15–24/day – €105–168 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 | €15–24 | €105–168 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
Madeira has no road tolls anywhere – the VR1 expressway and the island's tunnels are all free. Your only running cost is fuel, and the steep terrain pushes consumption up a little.
| Route | Road | Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Funchal Airport → Funchal | VR1 | Free |
| Funchal → west / north coast | VR1 / VE expressways | Free |
| Anywhere on the island | All roads | Free |
| Petrol / Diesel | – | ~€1.90 / €1.80 per L (island prices) |
The island fleet is finite; automatics go first.
See the market price, then get a direct DriveGo quote and compare.
Best for the narrow village lanes.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
Only fuel to factor in.
Refuel before drop-off.
The island's high peak, often above the clouds.
Europe's highest sea-cliff skywalk.
The famous natural volcanic swimming pools.
The traditional triangular A-frame houses.
Dramatic north-coast scenery and old tunnel roads.
Yes – DriveGo is a well-regarded local operator with competitive prices, friendly service and airport meet-and-greet. As with any local company, read the agreement, confirm the deposit and fuel policy, and document the car at pickup.
Low-season economy cars start around €18–30/day ($19–$32), rising to €26–40 in shoulder season and €38–56 in peak summer. Automatics cost more. Get a written quote to confirm what's included.
DriveGo typically offers meet-and-greet at Funchal Airport (FNC) or hotel delivery. Confirm the exact arrangement and deposit when booking.
No – Madeira has no road tolls. The VR1 expressway and all the island's tunnels are free, so fuel is your only running cost.
Yes, effectively – the island's viewpoints, villages and levada walks are scattered across steep terrain that buses serve slowly. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€15–24/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.
