How do you get from Portugal to Madeira?

Unfortunately there is no railway system connecting the island of Madeira with the rest of Portugal. Other than catching a flight, the only way to actually reach this destination is via a ferry or boat to the island. There are more than a few commercial ferries travelling to Madeira and back during season.



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The fastest ferry crossing to Madeira Islands is via the Porto Santo to Funchal ferry, in approximately 2h 30m.

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Whilst cruising to Madeira is very popular, there aren't many reliable ferries that can take you to this stunning island, and certainly not for a day trip. The ferry (when it's running) from Portimao to Funchal takes twelve hours to reach its destination, so it's sadly unfeasible for the purposes of this blog.

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The fastest ferry crossing to Madeira Islands is via the Porto Santo to Funchal ferry, in approximately 2h 30m.

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The Madeira archipelago includes eight volcanic islands in the Atlantic, 600 miles (1,000 km) southwest of the mainland.

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The archipelago of Madeira is located 520 km (280 nmi) from the African coast and 1,000 km (540 nmi) from the European continent (approximately a one-and-a-half-hour flight from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon).

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Utility costs in Madeira are generally lower than those in mainland Portugal. Electricity prices are up to 21.8% lower than in the Algarve, and internet costs are 11.2% less expensive. The island also has a lower VAT rate than the mainland, making certain goods and services more affordable.

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I highly recommend going if you love nature, if you enjoy great food, a warm culture and breathtaking views at every turn. I stayed in the main Funchal, away from the tourist area. I didn't go to Madeira to be surrounded by other tourists taking photos of this or that.

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The quickest and most convenient way to reach Madeira from Lisbon is on a 90-minute TAP flight. The daily flights (9-13, depending on the season) stop at the Madeira airport then go on to Porto Santo.

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Amazing and stable weather denotes April through November as the best time to visit Madeira. April to mid-June is known for price cuts and moderate crowds. This period can offer you unforgettable hiking among lush green vegetation, and you can join famous Madeira Flower Festival.

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There are about 1 daily sailings and up to 5 weekly sailings to Madeira Islands. Ferry schedules can vary by season. Use our deal finder for the most up to date sailing times and compare tickets.

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FLIGHT OR FERRY Alternatively, if you're not afraid of flying and are holidaying in one of our many hotels situated in and around Lisbon, then a fantastic day trip is right on your doorstep. Flights from Lisbon airport can take you to Funchal and back in a single day for as little as £56.

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Madeira is a super easy island to get around – with or without a car! There are buses that can take you almost everywhere and anywhere on the island. There are also lots of awesome tours to all the Levada hikes that pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation (especially if you're staying in Funchal).

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Madeira is a pretty small island, and so luckily you don't need very long to see all of the incredible things that this destination has to offer. If you're looking to experience the must-dos then a short four-day break would be fine. However, a week is the perfect amount of time to really make the most of the island.

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Madeira is renowned for its landscapes, lore—and its legendary wine, which graced the tables of America's Founding Fathers.

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The Madeira archipelago is located in the southwest of Portugal, less than 1000 km from the Portuguese coast, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Madeira is however much closer to Morocco: about 700 km to the east.

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Indeed, the Madeira Islands are closer to the African Continent than to the European Continent itself: 700 km (434 miles) west of Morocco, Africa; 850 km (528 miles) southwest of mainland Portugal and the European mainland; 1000 km (621 miles) southwest of Lisbon, Portugal.

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