Madeira is a wonderful family destination — warm, safe, and scenic. Getting from the airport to your hotel with children is straightforward with a bit of preparation.
Child seat requirements
Portuguese law requires children under 12 years old or shorter than 135 cm to use an appropriate child restraint in vehicles. This applies to all transport, including taxis — though enforcement in taxis is relaxed.
| Transport | Child seat available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | Rarely | Legally required but almost never provided |
| Pre-booked transfer | Yes, on request | Specify age and weight when booking |
| Aerobus | N/A | Public transport, no seats needed |
| Rental car | Yes, rent with car | Reserve in advance; ask the agency for the daily rate |
Fixed-price private transfer
FNC Funchal City Center
From€39for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €57 per vehicle, about €14 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
For families with children who need car seats, a pre-booked transfer is the straightforward solution. Request infant carriers, convertible seats, or boosters when you book.
The Aerobus with children
The Aerobus is feasible with children if you are traveling light. Pros: it is a bus fare rather than a car fare, it is scenic along the coast, and children enjoy looking out the windows. Cons: managing luggage with children on a bus with multiple stops is tiring, especially after a flight — and it is cash only, so have notes ready before you land.
For a family of four with luggage, the bus is workable but a taxi or transfer is more comfortable: about 20–30 minutes to the city centre, against roughly 24 minutes to Avenida do Mar on the bus but longer to the Lido hotel strip.
Luggage and strollers
The airport terminal is compact and flat — no issues with strollers or trolleys. The taxi rank is close to the exit.
| Family setup | Recommended transport |
|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1 child, 2 bags | Taxi or Aerobus |
| 2 adults + 2 kids, 3 bags + stroller | Minivan transfer |
| 2 adults + 3 kids, 4+ bags | Minivan transfer essential |
Standard taxis fit 2–3 large bags. For larger families, request a minivan when booking your transfer.
Weather and comfort
Madeira has a mild, subtropical climate — 18–26 C depending on season. It is rarely extremely hot, which is easier on children than many southern European destinations. That said, the sun can be strong, so have sun protection ready.
The drive from the airport to Funchal follows the motorway through tunnels — the road is smooth and children usually do fine. For longer drives to western Madeira, bring entertainment and snacks for the 45–80 minute journey.
When a private transfer from FNC is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Funchal City Center is from €57, about €14 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
FNC → Funchal City Center from €39Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
FNC Funchal City Center
From€39for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €57 per vehicle, about €14 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations