Taxis at FNC run on the official Madeira meter tariff; transfers are a fixed price agreed when you book. The choice comes down to convenience, destination, and whether you want the price settled in advance.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Taxi | Pre-Booked Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Price to Funchal | Metered, from EUR 4.00 base | EUR 25–40 |
| Price to Calheta | Metered | EUR 55–80 |
| Fixed price | No — meter, plus 20% nights/weekends | Yes, guaranteed |
| Meet & greet | No, taxi rank | Yes, name sign in arrivals |
| Child seats | Rarely available | Yes, on request |
| Vehicle quality | Standard | Newer, consistent |
| Night availability | Available for flights | Available 24/7 |
| English spoken | Usually basic | Generally good |
When the taxi is fine
For the standard Funchal center run, a taxi is perfectly adequate. The taxi rank is right outside arrivals, vehicles are clean and metered, and drivers know the routes well. The tariff is regulated: Madeira Airport's own site gives the base price as EUR 4.00 for a weekday trip starting at the airport, with a 20% surcharge from 21:00 to 06:00 and all day at weekends and on public holidays, plus EUR 1.50 for baggage. We could not verify a current per-kilometre rate, so ask the driver or check the posted tariff before you set off — and remember the same trip costs 20% more on a Saturday.
Madeira taxis are generally honest — the meter runs fairly and drivers do not take unnecessary detours. The island is small and routes are straightforward.
When a transfer is better
A transfer provides more value when:
- Your hotel is in the hills above Funchal — some hotels are accessed via narrow, winding roads. A driver who knows the exact address saves time and stress.
- You are heading to western Madeira — for longer trips to Calheta or Porto Moniz, a fixed price is reassuring, and the driver can point out scenic spots along the way.
- You need child seats — taxis rarely have them, transfers provide them on request.
- You are arriving late — guaranteed vehicle, no worrying about taxi availability.
- Language — transfer drivers working with international tourists generally have better English than average taxi drivers.
The Aerobus alternative
Do not overlook the Aerobus as a third option — SAM's express airport service, which is a different service from SAM's ordinary line 113. For solo travelers or couples heading to Funchal center with light luggage, it is an excellent choice that costs a fraction of either a taxi or transfer, and it reaches Avenida do Mar in about 24 minutes. The bus is modern and the route is scenic. Bring cash: it does not take cards. Fares changed on 1 April 2026, so check the current one with SAM or SIGA.
Rental car consideration
If you plan to explore Madeira for more than a day or two, a rental car may be more practical than any transfer. The island's roads are excellent, and having your own car opens up levada walks, mountain viewpoints, and coastal villages that are difficult to reach by taxi.