Madeira vacation: costs at a glance

Round-trip flights from the US East Coast to Madeira typically start around $700 in economy class. This usually includes one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) and a carry-on. Business class fares begin at about $1,400, though summer departures often run higher. Premium economy options are sometimes available through codeshares with airlines like TAP Air Portugal or Iberia, starting from about $1,100.

Major carriers serving Madeira from the US (via Lisbon or other European hubs) include TAP Air Portugal, United (codeshare), Delta, American, and Lufthansa. Prices vary depending on the airline, route, and time of year.

Seasonal differences are important: flights in the winter months are often several hundred dollars cheaper than in peak summer. You can also save by booking early, especially for popular holiday dates.

For an overnight stay in a 2–3-star hotel, you can expect prices starting around $70. 4-star hotels generally begin at about $130, while 5-star hotels and resorts typically start from $220 per night.

Madeira offers a strong tourist infrastructure with a wide range of hotels at different price levels. You can also choose a vacation rental or apartment, which is often a more affordable option if you prefer self-catering.

Seasonal differences matter: accommodation in Madeira is usually much cheaper in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer. Depending on the property, average nightly rates can vary by as much as $220 throughout the year.

The most popular activities on Madeira range from about $40–80 per person. Within this range, you can enjoy guided day tours through the island’s scenic east, catamaran cruises for whale watching, hikes through the Rabaçal nature reserve, or a beginner diving experience.

Madeira’s natural beauty is also easy to enjoy on a smaller budget — you can swim in the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz or hike along the remote levadas at no cost. Many activities are inexpensive as well, such as the cable car ride to the Botanical Gardens, which costs about $20.

For a touch of luxury, expect to pay around $185 for a full-day wine tour including lunch, or about $250 for a private island tour.

Rental cars in Madeira start at about $55 per day for a small car, around $100 per day for a mid-size car, and about $120 per day for SUVs. Gasoline averages roughly $7.60 per gallon.

The main form of public transportation in Madeira is the bus. The network is well-developed and reaches most important towns and attractions. Bus tickets within Funchal cost about $2, while an intercity ride from Funchal to Porto Moniz runs $6–8.

Taxis charge a base fare of about $4 and then around $3.50 per mile. Many operators also offer special flat rates for excursions to popular destinations.

Expect to pay about $8–16 for a meal in an inexpensive tourist restaurant in Madeira. Fast food meals are a bit cheaper, usually $7–10. A three-course dinner in a mid-range restaurant typically runs $22–65.

Local specialties are well worth trying. Picado, a meat-and-potato dish meant for sharing, costs about $9–13, while bolo do caco, a sweet-potato bread often served with garlic butter, is just $1–5.

On average, restaurants in Funchal tend to be the most expensive. Prices usually drop as you head away from the capital, making food and drink more affordable throughout the rest of the island.