MADEIRA BY BUS
Discover Madeira Stress-Free and Sustainable - Your Adventure Awaits!
Reach 24 Dream Destinations by Public Bus
– interactive, practical and authentic –
For only 19,90 €
this interactive guide
is available to you 24/7
🌴 Experience Madeira relaxed and sustainably – all without a rental car!
Stunning destinations, charming places, and breathtaking views – all with ease by the island’s public buses.
Enjoy your vacation without the stress of parking, complicated bus schedules, or expensive car rentals!
What awaits you:
- Easy-to-understand bus timetables with the right routes to 24 dream destinations
- Always up to date – daily updates for timetables and tips
- Insider tips for activities off the beaten paths
- QR codes in the book for zooming in on maps and accessing current information
- No parking worries – sit back and enjoy the ride
- Perfect combination of departure and return times for maximum enjoyment at your destination
- A sustainable and cost-effective way to explore Madeira
- Practical & interactive – available as a PDF for download or as a printed book
Turn your vacation into an unforgettable experience – stress-free and full of discoveries!
Find Your Perfect Travel Companion:
MADEIRA BY BUS is available as
printed book oder PDF Instant Download
Madeira by Bus
> Printed Book-
Perfect for hands-on readers
-
As a book to touch & flip through
-
With QR codes for current info
-
No additional devices required
Madeira by Bus
> Instant PDF Download-
Instant access - no waiting
-
Available for immediate download
-
With links for up-to-date info
-
Always with you, the backpack is lighter
Get your bus line guide and enjoy
- 24 full-day, experience-filled excursion destinations
- The best bus connections from Funchal at a glance
- Insider tips for unknown places
- Daily updates on timetables and tips
- Interactive links in the PDF
- QR codes in the book for current info
- Hiking suggestions with alternative return routes
- And much more
Master your mobility on vacation
with the MADEIRA BY BUS travel guide
# 1: Detailed + Always Up-to-Date
Available in PDF format or as a printed book with 24 full-day, experience-filled excursions; includes maximum stay times and activity tips on-site.
Always up to date with the permanent publication of temporary or permanent changes on our website.
# 2: Interactive
Some cross-location hikes with route paths (linked to OpenStreetMap and Alltrails.com) and additional return options.
Links to attractions with general information, current opening hours, and entrance fees.
Emergency contact numbers for each destination.
# 3: Sustainable
By using public buses, you avoid difficult road conditions and actively contribute to environmental protection. At the same time, you can enjoy Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes without the stress of driving and gain an authentic insight into island life.
Look forward to immersing yourself in island life.
# 4: Comfortable
MADEIRA BY BUS is the perfect combination of sustainable transportation and comfortable tour planning. It gives you the freedom to discover Madeira’s beauty by bus without the hustle and bustle.
Whether from home or on-site: You’ll find everything here for your successful trip planning.
Useful Information / FAQ
In general, the public buses on Madeira are surprisingly punctual, and all operators strive to adhere to the set schedules as closely as possible. However, various factors can affect the schedule, such as landslides after rainfall (especially in remote areas). Therefore, it’s important to be aware of potential delays and to plan some buffer time into your day.
Public buses on Madeira are increasingly becoming wheelchair accessible and offer space for strollers. This is especially true for newer buses, which have ramps or special provisions for wheelchair access. Many buses have specific areas for strollers. However, surfboards are generally not allowed on buses, as there are no secure storage areas for large items.
You can reach a wide range of destinations on the island using Madeira’s public buses. However, destinations in the island’s interior, such as the Paul da Serra plateau and Rabaçal, are only accessible via hiking. Nonetheless, the breathtaking views and unique landscapes more than make up for the sometimes challenging ascent along public roads.
Madeira is known for its impressive hiking trails and nature parks. Trails like PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço can be accessed directly via bus line 113, or the Encumeada Pass via line 6. Other popular destinations, such as Queimadas (the starting point for the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike) or Fanal in the Laurisilva forest, can be reached with a combination of bus and hiking. To ensure enough time for your hike and avoid missing the return bus, it’s advisable to start early in the morning. Should time run out, we’ve listed local taxi numbers for each destination to keep travel time and costs low.
The frequency of public buses on Madeira varies depending on the route, time of day, day of the week, and season. Buses between major towns and important tourist spots (e.g., Funchal to Machico, Ribeira Brava, or Porto Moniz) typically run every 1 to 2 hours. Buses to rural or more remote areas tend to have fewer trips, sometimes only a few times a day or even just once a day. Bus services can also be reduced during school holidays. On December 25th, all bus services on the island are suspended.
There are several ways to recognize your stop. You can ask the bus driver when boarding or during the ride, or you can check at the stop itself. Most drivers are helpful and will let you know when it’s time to get off. Our bus guide also provides tips and a location map of the bus stops. OpenStreetMap also displays bus stop points, provided you zoom in far enough. That’s why we’ve linked all the maps in the guide with OpenStreetMap. Another way is to communicate with fellow passengers or other tourists; most people are friendly and happy to help.
Most public buses on Madeira do not offer Wi-Fi, so it’s advisable to rely on mobile data. Check your mobile carrier for international roaming options or purchase a local SIM card for your stay. Many public spaces, cafés, and restaurants on Madeira offer free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of these opportunities to connect your devices and download important information before getting on the bus. Download maps and schedules ahead of time to use offline. Apps like Google Maps offer offline features that can be helpful when you don’t have internet access.
There are practical day and week tickets for tourists on Madeira, allowing unlimited travel, ideal for exploring the island intensively. Availability and specific details are still unclear following the merger of the bus companies into the SIGA network. We’ve included a dedicated chapter on this in our bus guide and keep our website updated with the latest changes.
These and other questions are answered in our bus line guide. For feedback or more questions, feel free to contact us directly by filling out the form beside this section.