Ferry to Madeira Islands
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Ferry to Madeira Islands
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Porto Santo Line provides the ferries to Madeira Islands.
Ferries to Madeira Islands sail approximately 5 times per week. Please note that ferry schedules can vary throughout the year and usually increase during the high season. Check out our deal finder for the latest sailing times and availability.
There is one port that provides ferries to Madeira Islands. Funchal port provides up to 5 weekly sailings.
The Porto Santo to Funchal ferry sails around 5 times weekly, with a sailing duration of 2 hours 30 minutes. The Porto Santo Funchal ferry costs approximately $146 on average. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees.
Prices will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated December 25.
Yes, there is a car ferry to Madeira Islands. Porto Santo Line provide car ferries to Madeira Islands.
Pets are allowed to travel on ferries to Madeira Islands with Porto Santo Line.
The price of a ferry to Madeira Islands can fluctuate by route, operator and season. Please visit our special offers page for all the best ferry offers available.
If you are traveling within Portugal, including between Madeira and Porto Santo, you generally do not need a passport. However, international visitors should always keep their passport with them, as it is the primary document needed for Madeira ferries when confirming identity or ticket details. Those from outside the EU/Schengen Area must use a valid passport to enter Portugal, and these Madeira passport requirements apply regardless of whether you fly or take the ferry. For domestic ferries only, ID is accepted, but your passport remains the safest form of identification for boarding.
The best time of year to take the ferry in Madeira is during spring through early autumn (April to October), when seas are calmer and weather conditions are perfect for sailing between Madeira and Porto Santo. These months coincide with the best time to visit Madeira, offering mild temperatures, sunshine, and smoother Madeira ferry weather.
You should arrive at least 60 minutes before departure to allow time for ticket verification, baggage drop, and boarding for the Madeira ferry, especially for the popular Madeira to Porto Santo ferry. During weekends and peak travel months, it’s best to arrive 90 minutes early, as the Porto Santo Line ferry can be busy and queues may form at Funchal Harbour. Following the recommended Madeira ferry check-in time ensures smooth boarding and avoids any delays.
Madeira Islands are a popular destination for day trips by ferry. The best route for a day trip to Madeira Islands is the Porto Santo to Funchal ferry with Porto Santo Line, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Book ferry tickets to Madeira Islands online with Direct Ferries by using our Deal Finder and compare routes, prices and operators for the best deals.
Find out what it's like onboard the ferries before you travel.
The Madeira Islands, a picturesque Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, are celebrated for their striking natural beauty, subtropical climate, and rich cultural heritage. The main island, Madeira, boasts dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and the ancient Laurisilva forest, while its capital, Funchal, charms visitors with its historic streets, colorful markets, and vibrant gardens. Nearby, Porto Santo offers a peaceful retreat with its golden sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Meanwhile, the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens Islands remain pristine nature reserves, protecting unique wildlife. From scenic hikes along levadas to tasting world-famous Madeira wine, the islands provide a captivating blend of adventure, relaxation, and breath-taking scenery.
