Airport Guide

Car Rental at Funchal Airport (FNC)

Madeira's international airport hosts 27+ car rental companies. Understand the different pickup models to choose what works best for your arrival.

27+Companies
125+Vehicle Types

Airport Quick Facts

  • Located in Santa Cruz, 16km from Funchal city center
  • Rental car parking in P0 (closest) and P1 areas
  • Most counters open 8am-10pm; local operators flexible
  • ~16% airport surcharge common for on-airport pickup

Pickup Models Explained

How you collect your rental car varies by company. Understanding these models helps you choose the right option for your arrival time and preferences.

Airport Counter

Typical wait: 15-45 minutes

Traditional rental desk inside or near the terminal. Walk to counter, complete paperwork, then walk/shuttle to car.

Companies using this model:
SIXTHertzEuropcarAvisEnterprise+1 more
Pros:
  • Familiar process
  • Staff on-site for questions
  • Multiple companies to compare
Cons:
  • Potential queues after flights
  • Walk to car park
  • Counter upselling common
Best for: Travelers who prefer established process and want to ask questions in person

Meet & Greet

Typical wait: 5-15 minutes

Company representative meets you at arrivals with your name. Walk directly to car in nearby parking. Quick handover.

Companies using this model:
RodavanteInsularcarCarwave MadeiraAutomatic Rental CarsStones Rent-a-Car+4 more
Pros:
  • Personal service
  • Minimal waiting
  • Car ready immediately
  • Direct contact with company
Cons:
  • Need to communicate arrival time
  • Coordinate if flight delayed
Best for: Travelers wanting quick, personalized service

Shuttle Service

Typical wait: 20-40 minutes

Some companies provide shuttle from terminal to off-airport location where cars are parked.

Companies using this model:
Enterprise (sometimes)Some budget brands
Pros:
  • Often cheaper rates
  • Larger car selection at depot
Cons:
  • Extra travel time
  • Wait for shuttle
  • Less convenient
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers with flexibility

Hotel Delivery

Typical wait: Scheduled at your convenience

Skip airport pickup entirely. Company delivers car to your hotel in Funchal or elsewhere.

Companies using this model:
RodavanteInsularcarCarwave MadeiraStones Rent-a-CarMadeiraRentCar+1 more
Pros:
  • No airport stress
  • Rest first, drive later
  • Flexible timing
Cons:
  • Need taxi/transfer to hotel
  • May have delivery fee
  • Requires coordination
Best for: Travelers arriving late or wanting to rest before driving

Our Recommendation

Meet-and-greet with local operators offers the best experience for most travelers. You skip queues, get personal service, and your car is waiting in nearby parking. Companies like Carwave Madeira, Stones, and Rodavante excel at this model.

Car Rental Companies at FNC

SIXT

International
4.2(1250)

Pickup: counter

Deposit: €900-€2,500

Hertz

International
4(890)

Pickup: counter

Deposit: €800-€2,000

Europcar

International
4.1(720)

Pickup: counter

Deposit: €750-€1,800

Avis

International
4(650)

Pickup: counter

Deposit: €800-€2,000

Enterprise

International
4.3(580)

Pickup: shuttle

Deposit: €500-€1,500

Guerin

Portuguese
4.2(420)

Pickup: counter

Deposit: €500-€1,200

Rodavante

Local
4.5(850)

Pickup: meet & and-greet

Deposit: €300-€800

Insularcar

Local
4.4(620)

Pickup: meet & and-greet

Deposit: €300-€700

Carwave Madeira

Local
4.9(726)

Pickup: meet & and-greet

Deposit: No deposit

View All Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is car rental at Funchal Airport (FNC)?

Car rental companies at FNC are located in the arrivals hall (counters for major brands) and in the adjacent parking areas (P0 and P1) for meet-and-greet services. Local operators typically meet you at arrivals with a sign.

What's the best pickup model for Madeira Airport?

Meet-and-greet is generally best—minimal waiting, personal service, and your car is ready in the parking area. Local operators excel at this. Counter pickup works but expect queues after busy flights.

How early should I arrive at FNC for car return?

Allow 20-30 minutes before your flight for car return. Meet-and-greet returns are fastest (often 5-10 minutes in P0/P1). Counter returns may take longer during busy periods.

What if my flight is delayed?

Most companies monitor flight arrivals. For meet-and-greet, contact the company via WhatsApp (most local operators provide this). For counters, they typically stay open or adjust to flight arrivals. Always save the company's contact number.

Can I pick up a car at FNC late at night?

Most major brands have limited hours (closing 10-11pm). Many local operators offer flexible out-of-hours pickup for late flights—confirm this when booking and expect a small surcharge (typically €15-30).

Airport Pickup Tips

Arriving Late?

Book with a local operator offering out-of-hours pickup. Most charge €15-30 extra but will meet you regardless of flight time.

Flight Delays

Save your rental company's WhatsApp/phone number. Most local operators monitor flights and adjust, but a quick message helps.

Skip the Airport

Consider hotel delivery instead. Take a taxi to Funchal (~€30), rest, and have the car delivered next morning. Less stress after a long flight.

Ready to Book Your Airport Pickup?

Compare companies offering FNC airport pickup and find the best deal for your arrival.

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