Getting from Funchal Airport to Madeira Home Cliff Residence — A Practical Guide
Everything you need to know about the last 4 km of your journey to us.
The good news first: you're only 5 minutes from the airport. Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) sits on the same stretch of coast as our apartments, so once you've collected your bags you're almost here. Below is everything you need to plan that last little bit of the trip.
Option 1: Taxi (the simple choice)
The taxi rank is right outside arrivals at FNC. The fare from the airport to Madeira Home Cliff Residence in Gaula is typically €10–15 depending on time of day and luggage. It's the fastest and easiest option, especially if you've had a long flight, and it takes about 5–7 minutes door to door. Pay the driver directly — cash or card both work in most taxis. Uber and Bolt are also available.
Option 2: Rent a car (what we recommend for most stays)
If you plan to explore the island — and Madeira really is best seen by car — picking up a rental at the airport is the right call. You'll be on the road in under half an hour.
There are dozens if not hundred of companies inn Madeira, both international names and good local operators. Centauro is located just 2 minutes away from Cliff Residence; but the most important advice we give every guest is this: make sure your rental includes proper insurance. Madeira's roads are narrow, the parking is tight, and small scrapes happen on the best of trips. A few extra euros up front is much cheaper than a deposit dispute on your way home.
Quick tips:
- Book in advance for Summer — cars run out.
- Ask for an automatic if you're not used to hills and roundabouts. Madeira has plenty of both.
- A small car is easier on the village roads, you will prefer those than the motorway.
Option 3: Bus
The SIGA bus runs from the airport to Santa Cruz and on towards Funchal. A single ticket is around €2.50 one way, payable to the driver, with journeys roughly every 30 minutes. It's a great option for travellers without much luggage and a relaxed plan — but note that the closest stop is Porto Novo, not at our door, so you'll need a 12-minute walk to the apartments from there. For most guests, taxi or car is simpler.
A note to mention that Madeira's buses were reorganised in 2024 into a single network called SIGA — There's no reliable real-time bus app yet — the official SIGA website has timetables, and travellers tend to use Moovit to plan journeys.
What you'll see on the drive
The road from the airport to us hugs the coast on the Via Rápida, with the Atlantic on your left almost the whole way. You'll pass Santa Cruz and then follow signs for Gaula - Porto Novo.