How to Get to Madeira, Island: Transportation Options, Entry Requirements, & More
If youโre wondering how to get to Madeira island, the good news is that the journey is easier than you might expect. This Portuguese destination has become a favorite for travelers looking for dramatic scenery, mild weather, and plenty of adventure, but reaching the island still takes a little planning.
There are a few different ways to arrive, and the best choice depends on where youโre coming from and how you like to travel. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will make the process smoother and help you start your trip on the right foot.
In this guide, weโll cover the main options for traveling to Madeira and share what you should keep in mind before you arrive.
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How to Get to Madeira Island: the Basics
Before diving into the details of each option for getting to Madeira, let's go over some of the basics.
Why Visit Madeira?
Madeira island is a top destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation all in one place. The island is famous for its dramatic cliffs, lush mountains, and scenic levada walks, as well as its mild year-round climate.
From charming towns and botanical gardens to vibrant festivals and delicious local cuisine, Madeira really has something for every type of traveler. Whether youโre looking to explore the outdoors or relax with ocean views, the island provides a unique mix of experiences.
Where is Madeira Island Located?
Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of mainland Portugal and west of Morocco. The island lies about 520 miles (840 kilometers) from Lisbon, making it actually much closer to Africa than to mainland Europe.
Its location gives Madeira a subtropical climate and dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, creating the lush greenery and rugged coastline the island is famous for. Funchal, the islandโs capital, is located on the southern coast and serves as the main hub for travel, culture, and accommodation.
How Do You Get to Madeira Island?
There are a couple of different options for how to get to Madeira island, but the easiest way to get there is certainly from another place in Portugal.
Here are the different options for getting to Madeira:
- Fly to Madeira:ย Funchal is the island's airport, and it has both domestic and international arrivals.
- Sail to Madeira: Some cruise ships visit Madeira, and you can also get select ferries there.
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How to Visit Madeira Island: Entry Requirements
Before traveling to Madeira, itโs important to understand the entry and customs rules. The island follows the same regulations as mainland Portugal, which is part of the Schengen Area.
ย Visa Entry Requirements for Portugal
Most travelers from Europe, North America, and other visa-exempt countries can enter Madeira for short stays without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date.
Travelers from the US, Australia, UK, and many other countries do not need a visa to visit Portugal, or the other countries in the Schengen Zone. They'll be able to stay 90 days within a 180-day period in total inside the Schengen Zone.
The 90/180 Rule
It's important to know that the 90 days count towards all countries in the Schengen area. For example, if you spend 15 days in Hungary (also part of the Schengen Zone), you will then only be able to spend a max of 76 days in Portugalย (or the other Shengen countries) within that 180-day period.
We always use theย Schengen visa calculator, which is really useful for those who are planning on traveling in and out of the EU for more lengthy periods of time.
Schengen Visas
For those of you who are planning on staying longer than 90 days inside the Schengen Zone, or who are from a country which doesn't get visa-free access, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa. Make sure to check the list of countries that need to get a Schengen Visa before traveling anywhere in the Schengen Zone.
How to Get to Madeira Island
Once you know the entry requirements for Portugal, the next step in how to get to Madeira island is choosing your route to the island.
How to Visit Madeira Island by Flight
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), located just outside of Funchal, is the main gateway to Madeira. Direct flights operate year-round from mainland Portugal and several European cities, with additional seasonal routes during peak holiday months.
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), near Funchal, is the main gateway to Madeira island. Direct flights operate regularly from a wide range of cities across Europe, with seasonal connections from North America.
Direct service currently exists (varying by season and airline) from:
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basel/Mulhouse, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Brussels, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dรผsseldorf, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Glasgow, Hamburg, Helsinki, Leeds / Bradford, Lisbon, London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted), Lyon, Manchester, Marseille, Nantes, New York (JFK), Paris (CDG, Orly, Beauvais), Porto, Prague, Stuttgart, Vienna, Warsaw, and Zurich.
Flight Tip:ย Using Skyscanner you can use the calendar option to see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Madeira.
Search for a flight toย Madeira:
ย How to Get to Madeira Island by Sea
While flying is the most common way to reach Madeira, arriving by sea can be a scenic and memorable alternative. Ferries and cruises connect the island to nearby destinations, offering travelers the chance to enjoy the Atlantic waters along the way.
The main ferry route operates between Porto Santo and Funchal, with multiple weekly sailings. The journey typically takes around two and a half hours, and travelers can bring vehicles on board.
In addition, cruise ships regularly call at Funchalโs port during the season, allowing visitors to combine Madeira with other Atlantic or European destinations. Cargo ships from mainland Portugal also occasionally transport passengers, offering a longer, more adventurous voyage to the island.
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How to Visit Madeira: FAQ
Now you have all of the information you need for how to get to Madeira island! In case you missed anything, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions that we've seen across the web.
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How to Get to Madeira Island: Important Things to Know & What's Next
Now that you know how to get to Madeira island, here are some other things you'll probably want to know about visiting!
ย Getting Around:ย Renting a car is the most ideal way to explore the island. They do have public transportation, but it will limit you a bit during your travels. They also have taxis and Uber available for shorter distances.
ย Language: The official language of Madeira is Portuguese.
ย Currency: Madeira uses the euro. Most things can be paid with credit card, so you only really need a bit of cash on you.
ย Safety: Madeira is a super safe island, with very friendly and welcoming people.
ย Weather: Madeira experiences tropical weather with mild temperatures. Weather can be really unpredictable, and the island is also known for its incredible cloud inversions,
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What's Next?
Now you know how to get to Madeira island, you'll probably want to all about visiting there!
Here are some other guides about Madeira we have:
ย ย Top Viewpoints on the Island of Madeira
ย 
ย Best Things to Do in Madeira
... and more coming each week!
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
So are you ready to visit the amazing island of Madeira? The island is full of incredible hikes, gorgeous cascades, quaint towns, and other scenic spots you'll love.
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