Madeira & Azores Tourism Guide - Madeira Car Hire

Madeira Car Rental & Driving in Madeira

Driving in Madeira, like Portugal, is on the right hand side. Seat belts should be worn at all times by law, and children under the age of 12 years are not permitted to sit in front seats. For car hire on Madeira, drivers must be over 21 with at least 1 years experience. Speed limits arer 120kph/75mph on motorways, 100kph/62mph on main roads and around Funchal and towns 50kph/31mph.

Alcohol limits are 0.05 percent, and petrol is available in 4 star super and lead free - most car hires take lead free. Funchal has numerous petrol stations, and other towns around Madeira usually have at least one. Fill up though in the morning if you're planning some interior mountain driving.

Madeira is a rugged and mountainous island, so bear this in mind if you're planning car rental. Mountainous driving can be taxing, so don't overdo it! Parking in towns can be horrendous too, and watch rush hour periods in Funchal early morning and evening, as traffic is particularly conjested in Funchal during these times. As you drive along Madeira's main southern duel carriage way, and elsewhere around the island, you'll notice the number of tunnels - a bit of a feature on the island, and a testament to the hardwork put into building roads here through the mountains. Lights should be on (note signs at beginning of tunnels) through all tunnels. Forgetting to turn lights off is a common occurance on Madeira (just don't leave them on over night!).

When picking up your car rental on Madeira, check the car thoroughly before driving off and have any minor damage recorded. Remember to take both your photo and written part of your UK driving licence.