Quick answer. Madeira's airport, officially Cristiano Ronaldo International, is at Santa Cruz, about 20 kilometres east of Funchal. The Aerobus and the regular SAM buses run into the city for a few euros, and a taxi costs roughly €30 to €40. For euros, use a Multibanco machine in arrivals, which charges nothing at the machine. Keep some cash and a working card on you: strong winds regularly divert or cancel flights, and a night in a hotel on Porto Santo or the mainland is not unusual. Portugal has no Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner.
Where to get euros at FNC
At FNC any Multibanco machine is a good choice. The exchange counter and the dollar prompt are the only real costs. Figures are for the euro equivalent of $100, at roughly €1 = $1.15.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multibanco ATM with a no-FX-fee card | Arrivals and across Funchal | Network rate, no machine fee | ~$115-116 |
| BoA or other fee-charging card at Multibanco | Arrivals and town | Your bank's foreign and non-network fees | ~$119-123 |
| Airport exchange counter | Arrivals | Wide spread plus commission | ~$123-130 |
| Accepting 'charge in USD' at any terminal | Anywhere | +4-8% conversion markup | ~$120-125 |
Multibanco machines at Madeira (FNC), and the bus and taxi into Funchal
Madeira's airport is famous for its runway, extended in the 2000s on a platform of nearly two hundred concrete columns over the shore, and for the crosswinds that make landing here a test for pilots. Flights are diverted or cancelled in strong winds several times a year, usually to Porto Santo, Lisbon or the Canaries. The single terminal has Multibanco machines in the public arrivals area; like every Portuguese bank machine, they charge nothing at the machine. Hire-car desks are in the same hall. Our Funchal money guide covers what the euros are for in the city, including the toboggan, which is cash only, and the Madeira money guide covers the island's VAT, tourist tax and trail fees.
Arrivals hall
TAP, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Binter, SATA and seasonal European and North American flights
Multibanco machines are in the public arrivals area. Use one, decline any offer to charge you in dollars, and choose euros. Hire-car desks are in the same hall; many firms keep their cars in the car park opposite.
Bus stops outside arrivals
Aerobus to Funchal hotels; SAM buses to Funchal and Machico
The Aerobus stops at the main hotel areas and takes cards on board on most services; the regular SAM buses are cheaper and slower. Check the last departure if you land late.
Porto Santo connection
Binter flights to Porto Santo, the neighbouring island
Porto Santo has a few machines in Vila Baleira. Withdraw before you fly if you are staying outside the town.
Do you actually need cash at Madeira (FNC)?
Not for the journey: the Aerobus, taxis and hire desks take cards. But keep some euros for Funchal:
Aerobus to Funchal hotels (a few euros): About 30-45 minutes depending on the stop; card on board on most services.
SAM bus to Funchal (around €3): Cheaper and slower; pay the driver in cash.
Taxi to central Funchal (roughly €30-40): About 25 minutes on the expressway; many take cards, but carry cash in case.
Hire car (varies): Credit card for the deposit; the expressways are toll-free.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Madeira (FNC) to Funchal?
No. The Aerobus and taxis take cards on most services, and hire desks take cards. Keep 50 to 100 euros for Funchal: the Monte toboggan is cash only, and so are many poncha bars and the SAM buses.
Can I order euros before flying?
Useful if your flight could be diverted and you want euros in hand from the start. CEI Currency Exchange ships euros to a US address in 2-5 days. Otherwise, a Multibanco machine in arrivals gives euros at the network rate with no machine fee.
Why do flights to Madeira get diverted?
Because of wind. The airport sits between mountains and the sea, and when crosswinds exceed the limits, flights cannot land. They divert to Porto Santo, Lisbon, Porto or the Canary Islands, or are cancelled. It happens most often in autumn and winter. Keep a card and some euros to hand, and check what your airline and travel insurance cover.
How much is a taxi from Madeira Airport to Funchal?
Roughly 30 to 40 euros to central Funchal, a ride of about 25 minutes on the expressway. Fares to the Lido hotel area are a little higher. Many taxis take cards, but carry some cash in case.
Is there an ATM at Madeira Airport?
Yes. Multibanco bank machines are in the public arrivals area. They charge nothing at the machine itself, so a card with no foreign transaction fee withdraws at the network rate. Decline any offer to convert into dollars.