Madeira Island Transportation Tips by pikuu Top 5 Page for this destination

Connection Porto Moniz - Funchal

The best road from Moniz to Funchal is via Seixal, Sao Vicente and next by motorway (almost from Ribeira Brava). BY CAR it should take no more than 1 hour (obviously using the 3 km Encumeada tunnel). If you are going through mountains add 30-40 minutes).

Unfortunately there is really poor bus connection (september2006). The Rodoeste line has about 3-4 buses daily. First, give up from bus going along south coast via Calheta and Ponta do Pargo. The trip can last 3-4 hours.

Second and the main challange is that the time of buses does not match the tourists' needs.
Morning bus is starting to early (about 6.30 am), so you will miss the hotel breakfest. ANd next is to late (about 1 pm), so you are in Funchal about 2.30 pm and you lost the hours before noon.

The last bus from Funchal is at 7 pm. The time of bus trip between Funchal and Moniz is different. Once 1 hour 15 min was enough. But it happened that the trip lasted 2.45. So reserve about 1.45 for bus Funchal - Moniz.

Th Moniz bus stop is located near the police station (other stop is situated near the church) and in Funchal near the big balloon (Avenida do Mar). Be prepared that during the travel you will be change the bus. In Sao Vicente is the change-point for buses going to/from Sao Jorge and to/from Porto Moniz. Sometimes bus from Moniz takes the people from Sao Jorge, sometimes vice versa. The information about change you will hear from bus driver.

The bus-stops (called 'paragem')are very common and don't be suprised when bus turns from the main road and goes 20 minutes to the stops surrounded by 2 old houses. ANd do not expect the timetables hanging in the bus shelters. About arrivals and departures ask (in Moniz) in tourist office (friendly and well-prepared girl is working there. thanx for help) and (in Funchal) in Rodoeste kiosk (green one located near the big balloon bus stop - English can be not enough to get info ;)

The ticket PM - Funchal costs about 4 Euro.

My Porto Moniz page

Mode: AROUND

Type: Bus