Renting a car in Madeira is the perfect way to explore the mystic mountains and waterfalls of the charming Portuguese island on your own schedule. Although public transport is an option, there’s no freedom quite like driving your own car, and car rental in Madeira couldn’t be easier.
For the best prices, it’s advisable to book a rental ahead of time, rather than waiting until you arrive on the island. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about Madeira car rental, including the documents you’ll need to have ready, what you can expect to pay, and where to find the best car rental in Madeira.
Where to Book a Rental Car in Madeira
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to car rental in Madeira. There are lots of world-renowned and local companies to choose from, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt.
To ensure that you land the best deal, we recommend using a comparison site like Discover Cars, which shows you the best options from a variety of different car rental companies.
The search filters on Discover Cars help you to narrow down your search for the ideal car to meet your needs, and prices and covers will all be clearly displayed so there are no hidden fees or tricks.
Booking ahead online with Discover Cars also tends to be the cheapest option, rather than waiting until you arrive in Madeira to book a rental in person. The website offers free 24/7 support and cancellation.
Discover Cars gives you the option to purchase full coverage, which covers the price of your deductibles, usually up to $3,300. If you decide to purchase this, you won’t need to purchase any other insurance in Madeira.
However, note that this doesn’t include cover of damage to personal possessions, damage that occurred while breaking any rental agreements or laws, damage to the car’s interior, damage from natural disasters or extreme weather, damage for driving off-road, third-party damage, and damage due to civil unrest
Requirements for Renting a Car in Madeira
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Age
In order to rent a car in Madeira, you will need to be at least 18 and be ready to provide proof of age. However, those younger than 25 may sometimes attract an additional fee from the rental company, as their relative inexperience is deemed to be a liability.
In many cases, those younger than 21 will be denied a rental car altogether because of their age, so do read the fine print with the rental company before you sign for anything (via Auto Europe).
Documentation
Regardless of which specific rental car company you choose to go with in Madeira, you will need a few essential documents. These include a valid driver’s license from your home country, a valid passport, and a credit card with enough funds available to cover the deposit.
Some companies will take debit cards, but generally, you will need a credit card to secure a rental. When using Discover Cars, you can filter your search for rentals that do accept debit cards.
In most cases, a driver’s license is enough if it was issued in Europe, the UK, or the USA (if you are staying in Portugal for less than six months), Canada, Switzerland, South Africa, and Australia, however visitors from other countries may require an International Driver’s License (via My Guide Algarve).
Limitations
There aren’t too many hurdles in your way if your dream is to rent a car in Madeira and you’re of age and hold a valid driver’s license.
For novice drivers, the windier mountainous roads on the island may limit your driving, and similarly, if you’re used to driving on the left-hand side of the road, driving in Madeira may require an adjustment.
But despite the unique challenges of driving in Madeira, rental cars are readily available and relatively affordable.
License
It is non-negotiable to hold a valid driver’s license if you want to rent a car in Madeira. All European and UK driver’s licenses are accepted, as are USA driver’s licenses if you are not staying in Portugal for more than six months. Other nationals who don’t require an International Driver’s License include Australians, Canadians, Swiss, and South Africans.
If you come from a country that is not included in this list, you may require an International Driver’s License, so do check with the rental company ahead of time.
Security Deposit
It is general protocol to pay a security deposit when renting a car in Madeira, and most rental companies will require this when you pick up the car.
The company will usually hold a deposit of around €1000 from your credit card, which will be credited to you if you return the car without any damage (via Be Portugal).
Insurance
Basic CDW insurance is automatically included when you rent a car in Portugal, but you have the option to add on extra coverage for additional fees.
Do I Need Car Rental Insurance for Madeira?
A basic level of insurance is required and automatic when renting a car in Madeira. However, you can increase your coverage. Note that if you opt for the full coverage offered on Discover Cars, you generally won’t need to purchase any add-ons.
Full protection from the rental car company usually costs anywhere between €10 and €20 per day.
Additional travel insurance that is separate from your car rental insurance is not mandatory in Madeira, but general travel insurance is always recommended. This may offer you medical coverage, flight delays, and other unexpected costs.
Tips for Driving in Madeira
Take Care on Mountain Roads
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The road conditions are generally quite good in Madeira, but because of the natural terrain, you are also likely to come across mountainous roads. These can be intimidating if you’re not a seasoned driver, so always take extra care and never speed when driving them.
Mountain roads in Madeira might also involve having to drive past waterfalls, which can leave the road slippery. Additionally, these roads can be foggy as the altitude rises. While they are generally safe, always make sure you are concentrating 100% and never go above the speed limit.
Look Out for Falling Rocks And Animals
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Another common hazard that you may face while driving in Madeira is falling rocks. This typically occurs on the mountainous roads and around waterfalls, so again, always be alert.
You also get animals wandering onto the road in the more rural areas. Drive slowly and prepare for cows and goats to stray into your path.
Prepare for Narrow Roads
Both in rural and urban areas in Madeira, the roads tend to be narrow. This is made even more difficult due to the number of cars that park on the road, as parking spaces are limited.
Because of the narrow roads, a smaller car is generally easier to get around in. Regardless of what kind of vehicle you’re driving, you’ll have to practice patience and often wait for oncoming drivers to get around the parked cars before you can keep driving.
Always Wear Your Seat-belt
It goes without saying, but you should always wear your seat-belt when driving a rental in Madeira. It’s mandatory by law, and can also help you to reduce the chance of injury or fatality if you have to come to a sudden stop.
Avoid Drink Driving
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The legal alcohol limit in Portugal is .5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood. Avoid drinking any more than this when you’re driving, and if you’re going to be driving on more difficult roads in the mountains, consider staying totally sober.
Front-seat Passengers Must Be Over 12
Per European regulations, child passengers in Madeira who are under 12 years of age must be confined to the backseat and have the proper restraints (via EuraAxess). So if you’re traveling with kids, remember to keep them in the back seat of the car.
Locals May Walk on the Road
Because there’s limited space in Madeira, there also tends to be a lack of sidewalks. It’s not uncommon, therefore, for locals to walk on the roads. This is another potential hazard to be mindful of while driving, and another reason to remain alert at all times and avoid speeding.
Practice Etiquette
In general, drivers in Madeira are polite and courteous to their fellow drivers. Even if you have the right of way, sometimes the situation may just call for you to wait for someone else to pass.
Remember to judge each situation as it comes–particularly where parked cars on narrow roads are concerned–and if you need to pull over and wait for the other car to pass, it won’t kill you. If someone else lets you pass, say thank you by waving your hand.
Don’t Drive on “Acesso Local” Roads
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In Madeira, you’ll likely come across road signs that say “acesso local” which means “local access.” This means that you should avoid that particular road as a non-resident.
Important Madeira Rental Car Tips
Opt for Automatic Transmission
Where possible, try to book a car with automatic transmission rather than manual transmission, unless you are an experienced manual driver.
The steep streets will be much easier with an automatic, and it will also be easier if you have to constantly stop and start due to hazards like parked cars, falling rocks, and grazing livestock.
Take Photos of Your Rental When You Pick It Up
If your car is returned with any damage, a fee will be deducted from your security deposit. Accidents do sometimes happen, but the last thing you want to do is pay for damage that you haven’t caused.
Check the car when you pick it up and note any scratches or dents to the staff, also taking photos for proof in case you need to dispute a fee later on.
Choose “Full to Full” Fuel
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“Full to full” fuel means that you receive the car with a tank full of fuel, and you will also return it with a full tank. This is the best way to go as you will only pay for the fuel that you use.
Go for Petrol Cars Over Diesel Cars
Petrol cars are better for mountainous routes than diesel cars as they have a higher level of revolutions per minute (RPM).
Download Your Maps
Data and Wi-Fi can drop out unexpectedly, so it’s always a good idea to download your maps ahead of time and ensure that you can use them without internet access.
If you are staying for a longer period of time, ask for a weekly rate
Weekly rates can often work out cheaper than daily rates. So if you are staying longer than seven days, it may be worth booking your rental at a weekly rate.
FAQs About Renting a Car in Madeira
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Is It Safe to Drive in Madeira?
Madeira is a small volcanic island which naturally lends itself to narrow roads and tunnels (via Marvellous Madeira). While it’s not unsafe to drive in Madeira, you should be aware that the conditions may be more intense than what you’re used to.
The capital tends to be one of the easiest places to drive as many of the roads are straight and feature the standard two lanes. You can get twisty, steep roads in some areas, but often, tunnels will get you through the mountainous areas without having to traverse challenging driving conditions.
Overall, if you’ve driven in mountain towns in Europe before, driving in Madeira should be no different. The good news is that the steeper and windier roads are by no means the only way of reaching certain destinations.
They still exist for those who want a more exciting and sometimes scenic drive (particularly those that you’ll find along the coast), but newer roads have been built to provide an easier route.
Should I Rent a Car in Madeira?
Renting a car in Madeira is one of the best ways to get around the island. There are public transport options available, but they don’t give you the freedom and flexibility that renting your own vehicle can.
The bus network, in particular, is quite limited as not all of the popular sightseeing destinations on the island are easily reachable by bus.
For those that you can get to by bus, the bus might only travel there once or twice per day, so it doesn’t make for a great resource to rely on, especially if you’re only on the island for a short amount of time—the last thing you want to do is plan your itinerary around an in inconvenient bus schedule.
With relatively easy driving conditions in Madeira, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t rent a car.
What’s the Cheapest Car Rental Company in Madeira?
When considering which car rental company to go with in Madeira, it’s important to choose a company that is highly rated for its service, along with its affordable prices.
The best car rental companies in Madeira are the well-known corporations of Europcar and Alamo, along with the local MadeiraRent. Use a website like Discover Cars to find the cheapest prices, as rental companies are competitive and the prices often change according to several different factors.
Do I need an International Driver’s License to Rent a Car in Madeira?
You won’t need to go to the trouble of obtaining an International Driver’s License to rent a car in Madeira in most cases, unless you come from a nation outside of Europe, the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, or South Africa. You will, however, need a valid driver’s license from your own country, so don’t forget to bring that along.
How Much does Renting a Car in Madeira Cost?
Like many things, the cost of renting a car in Madeira comes down to several factors. How big do you need the car to be? Are you after a luxury vehicle or a budget vehicle? Will you be purchasing full-cover insurance with the car?
According to Discover Cars, car rental in Madeira starts from around $12 USD per day for a mini. You can get medium and large cars for around $13 per day, and for those who want to splurge on a convertible, you’re looking at around $56 and up. If you’re traveling with a larger group, vans can be rented for approximately $73 per day.
Can I Rent a Car in Madeira?
As long as you are of age and have a driver’s license (note this doesn’t need to be an International Driver’s License in most cases), you can rent a car in Madeira.
The driving age in Portugal is 18, but be aware that some rental companies won’t allow you to rent a car unless you’re over 25 years of age. In some cases, they will allow you to rent a car, but there will be an extra fee for those under 25, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
What Side of the Road Do They Drive on in Madeira?
As with other European countries, Portugal drives on the right-hand side of the road. This means that the steering wheel and driver’s seat are on the left-side of the car.
If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Europe, Canada, or the United States, then this will be what you’re used to already. If, however, you’re traveling from the United Kingdom or Australia, it will be the opposite of what you’re used to.