I-VI 08:30 – 13:00 and 14:30 – 18:00
Rodavante is an established Madeira-archipelago car rental company with a base in Funchal – a solid local choice that pairs island knowledge with a modern fleet, often at better value than the international chains. 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 Rodavante in Funchal specifically, the real Madeira prices, how it compares to the locals and chains, and the island-specific traps to avoid.
Rodavante is an established Madeira-archipelago operator with a Funchal base and a modern fleet.
Madeira has a smaller fleet than the mainland, so prices run higher and availability is tighter – especially for automatics. Expect roughly the following 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 |
Local operators like Rodavante usually offer better value than the international chains 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.
Madeira Rental Budget Calculator
Compare live Madeira car rental prices →Rate prefilled with a low-season manual-economy starting price; change it for your dates and season.
Rodavante is a regional operator covering the Madeira archipelago, with a Funchal base and a modern, well-maintained fleet. As a local company, it tends to be more flexible on terms and better value than the big international names, while still offering airport and city pickup.
Arrange pickup at Funchal Airport (FNC) or in the city when you book. Local Madeira operators are generally praised for personal service and helpful local advice – useful for planning the island's mountain drives. Confirm the deposit and card policy when booking, as these vary by operator.
On Madeira this is a safety question as much as a money one. Gradients reach 20%, with hairpins above cliffs and 100+ tunnels. If you're not fully confident with hill starts and steep descents, book an automatic – the €5–30/day premium is far cheaper than a clutch-damage bill, and automatics sell out months ahead for summer and Christmas.
The subject of this guide. A recognisable regional name with a Funchal base, modern cars and straightforward terms – a reliable local choice that usually undercuts the international chains. Confirm the deposit policy when booking.
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.
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. Some local operators include fuller insurance in the base price, so check what Rodavante's rate already covers.
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 VR1 motorway, 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), 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 peak.
See the market, then check Rodavante, Madpoint and Autorentacar directly.
The safety case is strong on Madeira's steep roads.
Rodavante and other locals often beat the chains by 30–50%.
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 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.
Yes – Rodavante is an established archipelago operator with a Funchal base, a modern fleet and good value versus the international chains. Like all locals, confirm the deposit and insurance details when booking.
You can arrange pickup at Funchal Airport (FNC) or in the city when booking. Confirm the exact location and any shuttle details in your confirmation.
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.
Often, yes – Madeira's local operators frequently beat the international chains on price and flexibility, and several include fuller insurance. Compare Rodavante against Budget, Sixt and the other locals before booking.
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.
