Discover the Best Ways to Get to Madeira Island, Portugal
Madeira Island, Portugal, is a stunning Atlantic destination located approximately 1,000 km (621 miles) from mainland Europe and just 500 km (311 miles) from Africa. Despite its relatively small size—Madeira covering 741 km² (286 mi²) and Porto Santo spanning 42 km² (16 mi²)—this island paradise offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
If you're wondering how to get to Madeira, this comprehensive travel guide will walk you through the best ways to reach this breathtaking destination. Whether you're flying from Europe, North America, or beyond, there are multiple travel options to ensure a smooth journey to this Portuguese gem.
Flying to Madeira Island: Best Direct Flights & Routes
The best and most convenient way to go get to Madeira is by flying to one of the region's two airports located on either Madeira Island or Porto Santo Island. There are regular flights departing from mainland Portugal via Lisbon and Porto, and travelers coming from the East Coast of North America can also connect via Ponta Delgada in the Azores. As you arrive at Cristiano Ronaldo Airport in Funchal, named for the island's international soccer superstar, be sure to stop by the building entrance for a photo op with Ronaldo's world-famous bust.
- From Lisbon or Porto: There are multiple direct flights daily from Lisbon and Porto to Madeira, with a flight time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Major European Cities: You can fly directly to Funchal from cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, Lisbon, and Porto.
From North America: Best Connections: There are no direct flights from the U.S. or Canada to Madeira, but you can easily connect via:
- Lisbon or Porto – TAP Air Portugal offers direct flights from several North American cities to Lisbon, where you can take a short flight to Madeira.
- Major European Hubs – Fly into London, Paris, or Frankfurt, then catch a direct flight to Funchal.
- Azores (Ponta Delgada) – Some East Coast travelers can connect via Ponta Delgada in the Azores, adding an extra stop to explore another beautiful Portuguese archipelago.
Connecting flights make reaching Madeira easy while offering a chance to experience different parts of Portugal along the way.
Traveling to Madeira by Sea: Cruises from Madeira Island and Ferry Options
If you're wondering how to get to Madeira Island by sea, regular ferry services from mainland Portugal are not available. There is no Lisbon to Madeira ferry, meaning travelers must rely on flights to Madeira Island as the primary transportation method. However, if you're looking to explore beyond Madeira Island travel, you can take a ferry to Porto Santo, the neighboring island in the Madeira archipelago.
- Ferry from Madeira to Porto Santo
The ferry service to Porto Santo Island is provided by Porto Santo Line, which has been operating this popular crossing since the mid-nineties. This service connects the Portuguese islands of Madeira and Porto Santo in the North Atlantic Ocean. The journey covers a distance of about sixty kilometers and takes approximately two and a half hours. Porto Santo Line offers around two daily sailings and up to ten weekly sailings to Porto Santo Island, though the ferry schedules can vary depending on the season.
If Madeira has captured your heart, explore our hassle-free travel packages designed to make your dream trip a reality. Crafted by local experts, our packages take care of all the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy every moment of your Madeira Island travel experience. Let us handle the planning while you focus on creating unforgettable memories!
