Ruth Haines
Funchal Airport, also known as Madeira Airport, is an international airport located 16km northeast of the city of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. The airport has a range of car rental companies, including Alamo, Centauro, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, InterRent, Key'n Go, National, SurPrice, Auto Jardim, Avis, Hertz, Drive, Rodavante, Thrifty, Sixt, AutoArdim, and Sunny Cars. National car rental is therefore possible at the airport, although it is unclear whether this is the same National company that you refer to.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Car rental companies | Europcar, Sunny Cars, Avis, Budget, Drivalia, Alamo, Centauro, Enterprise, Goldcar, Guerin, InterRent, Key'n Go, National, SurPrice, Auto Jardim, Hertz, Drive, Rodavante, Thrifty, Sixt, AutoArdim |
| Vehicle types | Cars, vans, commercial vans, economy cars, compacts, pickups, minivans |
| Rental requirements | Driving licence, International Driving Licence (if the driving licence is not in the local language), identification document, valid credit card |
| Additional costs | Refuelling, accident processing fee, location surcharge, additional drivers, specialist cleaning, rental extension, additional coverage, automatic toll payment system |
| Pick-up and drop-off | Free pick-up service, out-of-hours pick-up, shuttle service, desk at the airport |
| Insurance | Damage Waiver, liability insurance |
| Payment methods | Credit card, cash deposit, prepaid voucher |
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What You'll Learn
Car rental companies at Funchal Airport
Funchal Airport, also known as Madeira Airport, is an ideal place to enter the island, with its modern facilities and two terminals. The airport is just 20 kilometres from the city of Funchal, and with a rental car, you can easily get to the city centre in 20 minutes via VE1 and VR1.
There are several car rental companies operating at Funchal Airport, providing travellers with a range of vehicles to suit their needs. Here are some of the car rental companies available:
Europcar
Europcar offers a wide range of vehicles for rent, from stylish cars to spacious vans, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. They are conveniently located at the airport for easy pick-up and drop-off. You can book your vehicle online or in person at their office.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a rental counter located near the baggage claim area in the main terminal building. They offer additional driver options, personal accident insurance, and roadside assistance services. Enterprise also provides flexibility with after-hours vehicle returns.
Avis Rent a Car
Avis Rent a Car is another option for car rentals at Funchal Airport. They charge a fee for each additional driver, and offer after-hours pick-up services at certain locations. It's important to note that their off-airport locations cannot provide pick-up services at airports with an on-site Avis location.
Sunny Cars
Sunny Cars provides an all-inclusive car rental experience at Funchal Airport. They offer a shuttle service to a nearby rental office, or you can meet their representative in the arrivals hall to receive your rental car keys. They also provide hotel delivery and collection services for added convenience.
When renting a car at Funchal Airport, it's important to note that you may need an International Driving Licence if your domestic licence is in a different language or uses unrecognisable characters. Additionally, rental companies may require proof of identification and a valid credit card.
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Requirements for renting a car
Yes, you can rent a car at Funchal Airport, also known as Madeira Airport. Funchal Airport welcomes millions of travellers every year, and car rental gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
- A valid driver's licence.
- An International Driving Licence is mandatory if your driving licence is written in a language different from that of the renting country or uses characters that cannot be read in the renting country.
- A valid form of identification, such as a passport or national identity card.
- A valid credit card with an expiry date after the due check-in date.
- Some companies may require a cash deposit or a rental car with a No Deposit service.
- Additional drivers must meet age, driving licence and ID requirements.
- Some companies may require you to be a certain age, such as 25 years old.
- You may need to fill out an accident report form in the event of an accident.
- Some companies may require you to pay a surcharge for additional drivers.
- You may need to pay a location surcharge for renting from an airport station.
- You may need to pay a specialist cleaning charge if you smoke in the vehicle.
- You may need to pay a fee for any special cleaning costs if you have a pet in the vehicle.
- You may need to pay a fee for optional extras such as LDW and other surcharges.
- You may need to pay a fee for fuel if you do not return the vehicle with the same level of fuel it had when you picked it up.
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Pick-up and drop-off options
Picking up and dropping off your rental car at Funchal Airport is a straightforward process. Several car rental companies operate at the airport, including Alamo, Centauro, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, InterRent, Key'n Go, National, SurPrice, Auto Jardim, Avis, Hertz, Drive, Rodavante, Thrifty, Sixt, AutoArdim, and Sunny Cars.
When picking up your rental car, it is important to have the necessary documentation, including a valid driving licence, an International Driving Licence if your domestic licence is not in the local language, identification such as a passport, and a valid credit card. Some companies, like Sunny Cars, allow you to rent a car with a cash deposit or their No Deposit service. Additionally, it is recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during the peak holiday season.
Most car rental companies at Funchal Airport provide a free pick-up service, but you must contact them at least 24 hours before your desired rental time to arrange this. You will need to provide your precise address, exact pick-up time, and a phone number where you can be reached. For Europcar, you can book your vehicle online or visit their Funchal Airport location.
When dropping off your rental car, it is important to be aware of the fuelling and refuelling policies. Typically, you are expected to return the vehicle with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up. Failing to do so may result in a refuelling charge. Additionally, some companies, like Avis, require you to park and lock the car, place the completed contract and keys in a key drop box, and ensure that you do not leave any personal belongings behind.
Rental extensions are generally possible, depending on vehicle availability. You can contact the rental company to check availability and obtain approval. The extension will be charged at the local daily rate.
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Additional costs and fees
When renting a car at Funchal Airport, there are several additional costs and fees that you may need to consider. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Fuel and Refuelling Charges
Most car rental companies at Funchal Airport provide vehicles with a full tank of fuel. There are typically three scenarios regarding fuelling and refuelling:
- Return the vehicle with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up, as indicated in the Rental Agreement. No additional refuelling charges are incurred in this case.
- Return the vehicle with less fuel than when you picked it up. In this case, a refuelling charge will apply, which includes the cost of the missing fuel and an additional refuelling fee.
- Take the Full Tank Option, where you pay upfront for a full tank of fuel and return the vehicle with any level of fuel. This option may be convenient if you plan to drive extensively, but it may not be cost-effective if you do not use all the fuel.
Rental Extensions
If you need to extend your rental period, you may do so depending on vehicle availability. The rental extension will be charged at the local daily rate. Contact the rental company to check availability and obtain approval for the extension.
Additional Drivers
Some rental companies charge a fee for each additional driver allowed to operate the vehicle. This fee varies by location but can be expected to be around EUR 9.91 per day, per driver, up to a maximum of 8 days. If renting for more than 8 days, you will only be charged for those 8 days and will have coverage for the entire rental period, up to 30 days. Additional drivers must meet age, driving licence, and ID requirements.
Airport Surcharge
Renting a car directly from an airport station may incur a location surcharge, typically around 16% of the total rental costs, excluding fuel, road surcharge, and motor liability insurance. This surcharge is due to the higher operating costs at airport locations.
Accident Processing Fee
If you are involved in an accident, ensure that you complete the required accident report form accurately and promptly. Failure to do so or providing incorrect or incomplete information may result in an accident processing fee, which can be as high as EUR 90.00.
Special Cleaning Costs
Some rental companies allow pets in their vehicles with prior written permission. However, if special cleaning is required due to transporting animals or smoking inside the vehicle, you may be charged a special cleaning fee. This fee is calculated based on the effort and resources needed to restore the vehicle to its original condition.
Coupons and Discounts
When using coupons or taking advantage of promotional discounts, carefully review the terms and conditions. Some offers may have specific requirements, such as a minimum rental period or age restrictions, and may not be applicable during certain blackout periods.
Credit Card and Prepaid Vouchers
When using a prepaid voucher or coupon, you may still need to present a valid credit card for any additional charges, such as extras, refuelling, or deposits. Ensure that your credit card has an expiry date after the due check-in date to avoid any issues.
Age Restrictions
Rental companies may have minimum age requirements for renters and drivers, typically around 25 years old. Younger renters may be subject to an additional daily surcharge.
Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees
In addition to the base rental rate, you may also be responsible for taxes, concession recovery fees, customer facility charges, and optional extras such as LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) or other surcharges. These fees can vary by location and rental company, so be sure to review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement carefully.
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Driving in and around Funchal
Renting a car at Funchal Airport gives you the freedom to explore the island of Madeira at your own pace. You can easily visit places like botanical gardens, levadas, and beaches.
However, it's important to note that Funchal and some nearby southern towns experience heavier traffic during rush hour. Once you head towards the north or more remote areas, the roads become much quieter.
If you're driving a manual car, be prepared for steep hills and narrow roads, especially in mountain towns. Knowing how to do a proper handbrake start and how to handle a clutch are essential skills. An automatic car may be a better option if you're not comfortable with this.
Some roads in more remote locations can be challenging, with small streets and inclines of up to 20 degrees. The old coastal roads are scenic but narrow and beside steep cliffs, so they're best for adventurous road trips rather than for getting to specific destinations.
Overall, if you're a reasonably confident driver with some mountain road experience, you should be fine driving in and around Funchal. Just remember to stick to speed limits, take it easy on winding roads, and always focus on the road instead of the scenery!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several car rental companies at Funchal Airport, including Alamo, Centauro, Enterprise, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, InterRent, Key'n Go, National, SurPrice, Auto Jardim, Avis, Hertz, Drive, Rodavante, Thrifty, Sixt, AutoArdim, Budget, and Drivalia.
You will need a valid driving licence, an International Driving Licence (if your driving licence is not in the local language), your passport or national identity card, and a valid credit card.
The cost of renting a car at Funchal Airport varies depending on the company, vehicle model, rental period, and demand during the desired rental period. However, rates are generally cheaper compared to other European cities.
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your rental car. However, most companies charge a fee for each additional driver, and they must meet the age, driving licence, and ID requirements.
There are no restrictions on where you can drive your rental car in Funchal. However, keep in mind that Madeira is very hilly, so steep hill starts are inevitable.
