Madeira public transport: SIGA buses, Aerobus and fares

SIGA is the integrated public bus network for Madeira and Porto Santo. Services are operated by Horários do Funchal, CAM — Companhia de Autocarros da Madeira — and SIGA Rodoeste. Its official portal is the best starting point for timetables, operators, alerts and sales locations.

A new route-numbering system took effect in March 2026. Some documents and search results still show older numbers, so confirm the current number directly with SIGA. The journey planner continues to evolve; when it does not return a useful route, check the individual timetable and responsible operator.

• Search using the exact origin, destination and travel date.
• Open the alerts section on the day to check diversions and interruptions.
• Save both outward and return times, especially outside Funchal.

GIRO products distinguish municipal, intermunicipal, Aerobus and regional travel. The fare depends on the zone and whether you buy on board or in advance. Under the official tariff reviewed in July 2026, a municipal trip costs €2.05 on board or €1.45 prepaid; an intermunicipal trip costs €2.65 on board or €2.00 prepaid. The GIRO card costs €0.50.

There are 24, 48, 72, 120 and 168-hour tickets. Their validity begins at first validation, not at midnight. Ordinary municipal and intermunicipal day tickets do not include Aerobus; the Regional Tourist ticket includes the regional network and Aerobus. Always confirm the official tariff before purchase.

• One local journey: on-board or prepaid ticket.
• Several trips within one municipality: compare a timed municipal ticket.
• Travel between municipalities: use the appropriate intermunicipal product.
• Multiple days plus the airport: compare the Regional Tourist ticket.

Aerobus, currently route 500, leaves from the arrivals area at Madeira Airport and travels towards Praia Formosa, stopping in central Funchal and near several hotel areas. The airport quotes about 50 minutes for the full route to Praia Formosa; actual time depends on traffic and your stop.

Regular public routes also serve the airport, and there is a taxi rank on the arrivals floor. For late flights, check the last departure in advance and do not assume the normal timetable applies on public holidays or during events.

Within Funchal and the main urban corridors, buses are practical. Outside those areas, services can be less frequent and the return is often the most important part of planning. Group days by area and choose the final return service first; then build the rest of the itinerary around it.

Not every viewpoint, levada or trailhead has a direct service. If you have booked a hiking timeslot, confirm the bus arrives with enough margin and that a safe return option exists.

• Funchal and Câmara de Lobos: useful places to start using the network.
• Machico, Santana and Porto Moniz: check the final return carefully.
• Hiking routes: plan transport before booking the entry slot.

Porto Santo Line operates the sea connection between Funchal and Porto Santo. Timetables vary through the year and can change with sea conditions, so use the operator’s calendar and alerts rather than a copied third-party schedule. If taking a vehicle, check the conditions and availability when booking.

SIGA also covers Porto Santo, but local bus times and the ferry ticket are separate services. Plan the connection between the port, accommodation and return sailing as separate parts of the trip.

SIGA offers transport support for wheelchair users, subject to published conditions and, in many cases, advance reservation. Topography and the assigned vehicle can limit some routes, so confirm the service directly before travelling.