Car rental at Funchal Airport (FNC)

Madeira's rental operators generally work on a meet-and-greet basis rather than a big terminal desk: your operator greets you in arrivals or a short step outside, hands over the car nearby, and you're on your way. It's usually quicker than queuing at an international-brand counter.

Your confirmation email carries the operator's name and phone number and the exact meeting instructions. If your flight is delayed, message them — arrivals are tracked and pickups are flexible within reason.

From FNC, the VR1 expressway runs straight along the south coast into Funchal — roughly 20 minutes, toll-free, mostly through tunnels and above the sea. Heading east instead brings you quickly to Machico and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula; north takes you up through the tunnels toward the mountains.

The airport sits in an open, sometimes breezy spot, so take a moment to get comfortable with the car before joining the expressway. After that it's an easy, well-signed drive in any direction.

Have your driving licence, passport or ID, the deposit card and your Drovy confirmation ready when you land — it makes the handover quick. Some operators require a credit card for the refundable deposit; that's flagged on the car before you book, so there are no surprises at the airport.

If you're not driving on your first night, you don't have to collect at the airport at all — many operators deliver to hotels in Funchal instead. Airport pickup is simply the fastest way to be on the road.