How to find a cheap car hire deal in Funchal
Searching for a cheap rental car in Funchal? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging £172 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in Funchal start from just £31.
Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from £213 and squeeze in a few road trips.
Snap up the best price on a Funchal car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.
The coverage on your Funchal car hire can differ between suppliers, so be sure to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge you for it.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Funchal.
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at £52 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around £45.
The third option also performs well on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly £45 a day.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Intermediate rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Funchal.
Compare car hire types in Funchal
Small: These cheap rental cars in Funchal may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all in without a hassle. Ideal for longer drives, this Funchal car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Funchal that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Funchal car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Funchal.
Good to know
To rent a car in Portugal, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher fee, so always go over the policies before securing your ride.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a car seat to your Funchal car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Portugal.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Portugal. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for everything you buy here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.
Best hotels in Funchal for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at The Reserve - Within Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World. Offering parking as well as Wi-Fi and a bar, this hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Funchal.
Quinta da Casa Branca - Small Luxury Hotels of the World also works well for a trip built around driving. It features valet parking, plus a library and a restaurant. Check in here and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in Funchal for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
You're ready to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Funchal and your hotel. From Miradouro de Santa Luzia to Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Seilbahn funchal, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Funchal
Shift gears and head toward Machico. Around 16 kilometres northeast of central Funchal, it's home to must-sees like PR10 Levada do Furado (endpoint) and Praia de Machico.
You'll be well taken care of at Vila Gale Santa Cruz Resort Hotel and Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Machico.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Funchal and drive around 24 kilometres north to Santana. Featuring PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada Caldeirão do Inferno, it's every bit as good as advertised.
Santana has some good accommodation options including Hotel O Colmo and Hotel Quinta Do Furao. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.
