Informally referred to as Funchal Airport and once known as Santa Catarina Airport, Madeira Airport is one of the most unique airports in the world. Once infamous for its short runway (mountains on one side and ocean on the other), its extended runway is now supported by 180 columns each 70m (230ft) high, extending out over the Atlantic.
The airport offers connections to 45 cities around the world and can handle 3.5 million visitors each year. Madeira Airport is perfectly situated as the gateway to Portugal’s vibrant island life.
Madeira Airport provides travellers with a host of services to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable arrival to (or departure from) the island. And it’s not just the runways that were ingeniously conceptualised; its single terminal is mostly underground. It has 40 check-in counters, 16 boarding gates and seven baggage belts. There are no air bridges, but passengers can simply stroll to the terminal once they’ve disembarked or catch one of the free bus shuttles.
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Train: There are no train services on the island.
Bus: Buses depart frequently from the terminal; tickets cost €2.75.
Taxis: There is one taxi stand, at arrivals on Level 0. Taxis are metered, starting at €3.95 during the week. Luggage costs an extra €1.50. Taxis charge an additional 20 per cent on weekdays between 10pm and 7am and on weekends and public holidays.
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There is plenty of parking available at Madeira Airport and travellers can choose between car parks 0, 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7. Lots 5 and 6 are your best bet as they're free for the first 45 minutes, then €0.25 for every 15 minutes up to €4.50 a day. Long-term parking (at monthly rates) is available for €123 in Lot 1 and €59 in Lots 5 and 6.
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Money and communications: There are ATMs on Levels 0, 1 and 2, as well as the Unicambio Foreign Exchange Agency on Level 0. Passengers can find a post office on Level 1 of the airport.
Luggage: There are trolleys, a left-luggage office, lockers and a lost-items counter at the neighbouring police station.
Other facilities: Hairdresser, baby-care areas, public telephones, and a number of local tour operators.
Wi-Fi: There are a number of Wi-Fi zones throughout the passenger terminal.
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