Funchal Airport Guide

sleeping in funchal airport — (photo courtesy of a guest traveller / August 2024)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Funchal Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

everywhere there were some wood banks where we could sleep on. Unfortunately they are ‘non-sleeper’ design – Moddi

FNC Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Funchal’s Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.

What to Expect

Funchal Airport (code: FNC) consists of a medium-sized, recently updated terminal. This airport, known for its unique design, has been built partially into the volcanic island and features a runway over the ocean. Amenities include several shops and eateries, though none are open 24 hours. Free WiFi helps pass the time. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter a few airport lounges.

Sleeping in Funchal Airport

Overnight sleepers can expect things to quiet down around 10:00 PM. Seating is plentiful but equipped with armrests, so consider a sleeping bag or travel mat for spreading out on the floor. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Funchal Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

Funchal Airport is open 24 hours a day.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Funchal airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near the airport:

Hotel Albatroz Madeira Beach & Yacht Club (0.2 mi) Luxury hotel.
Vila Galé Santa Cruz (1.1 mi) Upscale resort.
Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus (1.2 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Baía Madeira Hotel (1.6 mi) Mid-range hotel.
Hotel White Waters (1.7 mi) Mid-range hotel.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

ANA Lounge – Location: Airside, International Departures, 3rd Floor. Hours: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Food & Drink

Food outlets operate on varying schedules. Most open between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM and close between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. There are currently no 24-hour dining options.

Options include: Buondi Caffe • Burger King • Clocks • Cockpit • Gelati di Chef • Go To Cafe • Pizza Hut • Saudade Madeira Cafe • Specially • Starbucks.

If you are staying overnight, consider purchasing food and water before outlets close.

Drinking Water
A reader (September 2024) reports a drinking water fountain airside near Gate 10.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Two luggage storage options are available:

Baggage Deposit: €4.00 per item (up to 24 hours, or shorter periods under 24 hours). No maximum storage period is indicated.
Luggage Lockers: €2.50 – €3.50 per day, depending on size.

Both services are available 24 hours. Enquire at the Information Desk for assistance.

Mobile Charging

Charging points are available, though exact locations are not confirmed.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available. Connect to the “VINCI Airports WiFi” network.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Accessibility Services – Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility is provided in partnership with MyWay. Services include physical accessibility features (lifts, escalators, moving walkways and signage) and personalised assistance. Advance booking (at least 48 hours) is recommended.
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available landside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling.
Baby Care Facilities – Baby changing facilities are available in several washrooms throughout the terminal.
Baggage Carts – Baggage carts are available in the Arrivals (baggage claim) area and on the Departures level. Shopping carts are also available in retail areas.
Currency Exchange – Unicâmbio provides currency exchange, Western Union services, and VAT tax refunds. Located landside. Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping (three locations) is available airside from 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Additional retail shops and boutiques operate throughout the terminal, including three Relay news shops.
Information Desk – An Information Desk is located on Level 1. Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Luggage Wrapping – Safe Bag luggage wrapping is available landside in the check-in area. Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Medical Services – A First Aid station provides urgent and emergency care. Located landside. Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
Post Office – A mailbox and stamp vending machine are available landside for sending mail.
Travel Agencies – Several travel agencies have offices landside, including Abreu, MTS Madeira Travel Service, the Tourist Information Desk and TUI.

Airlines

Funchal Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Nostrum • Austrian • Azores Airlines • Binter • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Condor • EasyJet • Edelweiss • Enter Air • Eurowings • Finnair • Jetair • FlyJet2.com • Lufthansa • Luxair • Norwegian Air • SAS • TAP Portugal • Transavia • Travel Service • TUI Fly • Vueling.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

City buses are available to connect you to downtown Funchal from FNC airport. At the time of this update, the adult fare is €3,35 one way.

An airport shuttle bus is also available. The Aerobus departs from the Arrivals area and connects travellers with Formosa beach, with stops at/near several hotels along the way. And if your flight is delayed, the Aerobus will wait up to one hour for you. At the time of this update, the adult fare is 5,00€ one way or 8,00€ return. For route maps, schedules and fares for either of these buses, visit the SAM website.

Car Rentals

Onsite car rental agencies include Avis/Budget • Europcar • Goldcar • Guerin/Enterprise • Hertz • MadeiraRent • Rodavante • Sixt.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are available at a taxi stand on Level 0, just outside Arrivals. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. The starting fare on the meter is € 4, with a surcharge of € 1.50 per piece of luggage. Fares are 20% higher on weeknights, between 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM, and on weekends and public holidays.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-20

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.