Getting a taxi in Madeira
The best way to move around in Madeira and explore as much as possible during your trip is by taking a Madeira taxi. The island is quite big so instead of wasting time on local buses that are usually crowded and slow, hop in a taxi and get to your destination in no time.
You can find a taxi in Madeira around the clock, especially near busy areas, like tourist attractions, central squares, and major hotels. If you want to have a taxi pick you up, you can stay put and order a taxi over the phone. Also, for a hassle-free start to your trip, consider pre-booking your Madeira Airport taxi to avoid waiting in the long queue at the taxi rank.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
24/7 Email & Phone support
WHAT ARE THE MADEIRA TAXI PRICES?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM MADEIRA AIRPORT TO FUNCHAL | 30 € | 30 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM MADEIRA AIRPORT TO PONTA DO SOL | 45 € | 45 € | 35 MIN |
| FROM FUNCHAL TO JARDIM MONTE PALACE MADEIRA | 10 € | 10 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM FUNCHAL TO SANTA CRUZ | 20 € | 20 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM FUNCHAL TO RIBEIRA BRAVA | 30 € | 30 € | 25 MIN |
| FROM FUNCHAL TO PONTA DELGADA | 55 € | 55 € | 40 MIN |
Madeira taxi prices
Madeira taxi prices are typically calculated by using a taximeter and the main factors affecting the total fare are distance to destination, time of day, and day of the week. However, although the use of a taximeter is mandatory, it’s common for local drivers to refuse to use it or claim it’s broken and offer a fixed fare based on the destination and number of passengers.
When using a taximeter, the following rates apply for a taxi in Madeira:
Tariff 1 (Monday to Friday 06:00-21:00)
Base fare – €3.25
Rate/km – €0.47
Rate/min – €0.25
Tariff 2 (Monday to Friday 21:00-06:00, weekends, holidays)
Base fare – €3.90
Rate/km – €0.56
Rate/min – €0.25
Additional charges include a €1.50 fee for each piece of luggage, while tipping isn’t mandatory.
As a reference, for a 10-km ride with a taxi in Madeira the price is around €10 for up to 4 passengers. For a trip from Madeira Airport to Funchal you can expect to pay around €30 and to Ponta do Sol around €45. In any case, it’s recommended to agree on the fare before getting in the taxi to avoid being overcharged or pre-booking your ride to secure a fixed fare that you will know in advance.
Read all reviews
How to get a taxi in Madeira
Taxi service is a popular transportation option and getting a taxi in Madeira any time during the day is easy. Official taxis are yellow with a blue stripe painted on each side and the typical ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof.
If you see an available taxi on the street, you can wave to the driver and they will pull over to pick you up. If you don’t see any taxis nearby, you can look up the nearest taxi rank on a map application on your mobile. There are several taxi ranks in Funchal, usually on the busiest streets and avenues and near main hotels.
How to get a taxi from Madeira Airport
The official taxi rank at Madeira Airport is on the Ground Floor right in front of the passenger terminal after exiting the Arrivals Hall. You will see a long line of yellow sedan and minivan taxis available for hire; just walk to the first taxi in line or wait in the queue if there is one. The average fare for a taxi from Madeira Airport to Funchal is around €30 and the trip takes around 20 minutes.
How to get a taxi in Funchal
In Funchal, you will find taxi ranks on Av. Do Mar near Funchal Marina, on Av. Arriaga in front of Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias, in front of Funchal Cathedral, and on Largo do Phelps near Funchal Market.
Most popular Madeira taxi apps
Using a Madeira taxi app can be a great way to secure service in more remote areas when you don’t see any taxis around. Although the options are limited and Uber for example isn’t available in Madeira, you can download Bolt or Taxiin, a local popular taxi app in Madeira. Keep in mind that driver availability on the apps may be limited and that drivers often avoid accepting long-distance routes.
To ensure reliable door-to-door service 24/7 anywhere in Madeira, you can choose Welcome Pickups to book your Madeira Airport taxi or any other ride around the island. You can easily pre-book your rides via the online booking form and enjoy peace of mind throughout your trip with English-speaking drivers and fixed fares.
Useful Madeira taxi numbers
Calling a Madeira taxi number is another convenient option if you want to be picked up instead of waiting in the street. Most hotels should be able to call a taxi on your behalf but note that they may affiliate with private operators that are usually more expensive.
If you want to call a Madeira taxi number yourself, you can call any of the following reliable operators:
- Rádio-Táxis Madeira: +351 291 764 476
- Taxi Miguel Pereira: +351 918 399 115
- Madeira Travel Taxi: +351 917 462 001
Finally, it’s common for taxi drivers in Madeira to hand out their private phone numbers. If you enjoyed the service, you can ask for your driver’s mobile number and contact them directly to arrange any additional rides during your trip.
Benefits of booking a Madeira taxi in advance
Although the Madeira taxi service is available 24/7, demand is higher during the high season from June to the end of September. This means that you could waste a lot of time waiting for an available taxi, especially when traveling from the airport.
To avoid the hassle and secure a comfortable ride wherever you are, the best option is to pre-book your Madeira taxi with a reliable operator like Welcome Pickups. That way you can enjoy top-rated service right from the start with a Madeira Airport taxi waiting for you right after landing until it’s time to get back to the airport. With professional English-speaking drivers, modern vehicles, fixed fares, and 24/7 customer support, you can rely on Welcome for seamless transportation throughout your trip.
Madeira taxi tips
- Make sure to wear proper clothing as taxi drivers usually don’t pick up passengers wearing wet swimsuits or carrying towels covered in sand from the beach.
- Sedan taxis can usually accommodate up to 4 passengers but minivans are also available at most taxi ranks and the airport.
- Once you get in the taxi, make sure that the taxi driver resets the taximeter to the base fare or confirm with them the total fare upfront.
- Most taxi drivers don’t speak fluent English so write down anything important in Portuguese or show your destination on a map app on your mobile.
- Paying by card is not always possible so it’s best to confirm payment options before getting in the taxi.
- Many taxis are equipped with WiFi and air-conditioning.
- Tipping your driver isn’t required or expected in Madeira but it’s common to round up the total fare or add 5% to 10% if you enjoyed the service.
- You can ask for a receipt if the driver doesn’t provide one in case you accidentally leave something behind or you need to file a complaint.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Madeira
Standard taxis in Madeira can fit a folding wheelchair in the trunk but are not fully accessible to wheelchair users. If you’re traveling in a wheelchair, it’s best to pre-book your rides with a specialized operator to ensure safe transportation during your trip. You can contact a taxi company like Your Taxi Madeira (+351 918 585 030) which has adapted vehicles in its fleet and can accommodate travelers using a wheelchair and their companions.
Madeira taxi safety and complaints
Using a taxi service in Madeira is generally safe any time during the day but it’s always a good idea to stay cautious and avoid sketchy taxis or drivers. A common scam is drivers trying to overcharge tourists by refusing to use the taximeter. If that happens to you, you can get out of the vehicle and take another taxi.
If you encounter any issues during the ride, you can address the company the driver works for if you booked the service online or over the phone. Make sure to write down the driver’s name, registration number, and license plate.
If you need to report the driver for inappropriate behavior, reckless driving, or anything else requiring immediate action, you can call the national emergency number (+351) 112.