FUNCHAL HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 7 funchal hop-on hop-off bus tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Use a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 5-day Yellow Bus pass to explore Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, and Cabo Girão. Ride the full route first, then return to stops that interest you. Audio commentary, Blandy’s wine tasting, and Bordal embroidery access are included, while Cabo Girão’s glass viewpoint costs extra.
“The tour was definitely worth it, and the Cabo Girão route was breathtaking in good weather.”
Use a 24 or 48-hour City Sightseeing ticket to explore Funchal by open-top bus. The 48-hour option adds Monte, Jardim do Imperador, walking tours, a night ride, and port shuttle service. Audio commentary comes in 14 languages, and a historic centre walk is led by guides such as Pedro.
“Excellent Funchal city walking tour with Pedro. Very interesting and well told stories about the history of Madeira look and Funchal. We have learned a lot. However, during bus sightseeing, the guide over headphones was either not working, out of sync or not really engaging. Plenty to improve there.”
See Funchal by open-top sightseeing bus, then follow the coast to Câmara de Lobos and take the connecting bus to Cabo Girão’s Skywalk. Your 48-hour or five-day pass includes recorded commentary, discounts, and the freedom to get off at major sights, though bus waits can vary.
“Waited over 65 mins at 1st stop Inefficient boarding process. Staff overwhelmed. System needs serious overhaul.”
See Funchal from an open-top double-decker bus, then hop off at viewpoints, seaside stops, Câmara de Lobos, Monte, and city sights. Your ticket includes audio commentary, a Blandy’s Wine Lodge tasting, and extra discounts. Choose 24 or 48 hours, with the longer pass adding the Blue Route and more walking tours.
“The tour was okay.... it rained the whole time we were on the tour. Not Viator's fault that the weather was so bad. What we did see was wonderful and would love to see it in the sunshine. I was amazed at the way the homes are built into the side of the cliffs. And the narrow streets made for an interesting tour.”
Use one 48-hour pass to see Funchal and Câmara de Lobos at your own pace. Ride the full route in about two hours, then hop off for the Old Town, market, Madeira wine, Pico dos Barcelos, the fishing harbor, and coastal hotels. Buses run every 30 to 35 minutes.
“I can barely recommend the Yellow Bus. First my cruise ship dropped me off next to Red Bus, which just happens to be RED and YELLOW. Also all of the local buses (nor tour) also happen to be Yellow. When I asked the local tour agent where the YELLOW bus was. she just pointed in a direction. After an 15 minute walk in that direction we gave up. We finally found the YELLOW bus at one of its stops.. In the meanwhile two RED buses had driven past us. The narration on the bus as to the sights was poor. We would be told to look at the right/left and…”
Use the Yellow Bus to reach Funchal’s Old Town, market, viewpoints, Lido, and Câmara de Lobos at your own pace. An audio guide adds context, while the included catamaran cruise offers a chance to spot dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds from the Atlantic.
“Fantastic sunny day with yellow bus. I love it. The bus driver was excellent. The panoramic bus was great.”
Use a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass around Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, then board a VMT catamaran for dolphin and whale watching. Allow time for the 30-minute check-in, a possible three-hour boat trip, Madeira wine tasting, and a swim at Fajã do Cabo Girão.
“communication needs to be clearer, we thought start time referred to start of 48 hours but apparently it was the catamaran, so we nearly missed it. but the catamaran trip was lovely and we saw lots of dolphins close up so that was a bonus”
Pick a coast, a ridge or a cellar.
