Botanical Garden Cable Car
Soar above Funchal for breathtaking views, connecting the city to the lush Monte Palace and Botanical Gardens via a scenic cable car ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get best views
Botanical Garden Cable Car
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above Funchal for breathtaking views, connecting the city to the lush Monte Palace and Botanical Gardens via a scenic cable car ride.
"An unforgettable attraction that combines comfort, breathtaking views, and a touch of adventure."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Advantage
Consider a combined ticket for both gardens and cable car rides to save money and time.
⬆️ Cable Car Up, Toboggan Down?
Ride the cable car up to Monte, then experience the thrilling wicker toboggan ride back down!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Ocean Views
During the cable car ride
Soar above Funchal's rooftops and the sparkling Atlantic for breathtaking, unforgettable vistas.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Monte
Explore a surreal world of exotic plants, intricate art, and tranquil lakes.
Botanical Garden Madeira
Above Funchal
Discover over 3,000 plant species with stunning ocean views from its elevated setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Two Gardens
Timing is Key for Views & Queues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Advantage
Consider a combined ticket for both gardens and cable car rides to save money and time.
⬆️ Cable Car Up, Toboggan Down?
Ride the cable car up to Monte, then experience the thrilling wicker toboggan ride back down!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Monte has steep streets, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the gardens and village.
📱 Book Tickets Online
Skip the ticket office queues by purchasing your cable car tickets in advance online.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Advantage
Consider a combined ticket for both gardens and cable car rides to save money and time.
⬆️ Cable Car Up, Toboggan Down?
Ride the cable car up to Monte, then experience the thrilling wicker toboggan ride back down!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Monte has steep streets, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the gardens and village.
📱 Book Tickets Online
Skip the ticket office queues by purchasing your cable car tickets in advance online.
🌊 Sit Facing the Sea
On the way up, choose a seat facing the ocean for the most spectacular panoramic views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Funchal Cable Car is widely praised as a must-do Madeira experience, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Funchal and the Atlantic. Visitors appreciate the smooth, comfortable ride and the convenient access it provides to the beautiful Monte Palace and Botanical Gardens. While some find the cost a bit high, most agree it's a memorable and worthwhile journey that captures the essence of the island's beauty.
"Visiting Madeira would not be complete without experiencing the Funchal Cable Car, a truly unforgettable attraction that combines comfort, breathtaking views, and a touch of adventure. From the moment you step into the modern, spacious cabin, you feel an incredible sense of anticipation as the city begins to open up beneath you.
The ride itself is smooth and relaxing, giving you time to admire the stunning panorama of Funchal’s historic center, the lush terraced hills, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. What makes this cable car ride so special is the unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty—you can see red-tiled rooftops below while at the same time being surrounded by the majestic backdrop of mountains and green valleys.
The journey takes you all the way up to Monte, which feels like stepping into a different world—peaceful gardens, traditional Madeiran houses, and of course, the famous Monte Palace and its tropical gardens are just moments away once you arrive. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer in search of the perfect shot, or simply looking for a memorable way to explore Madeira, this cable car is a “must-do.”
What I appreciated most was how well-organized and welcoming the staff were, ensuring everything ran smoothly and comfortably. The cabins are clean, modern, and offer wide panoramic windows for extraordinary views from every angle.
Overall, the Funchal Cable Car is more than just transport—it’s an experience that captures the very essence of Madeira: beauty, perspective, and tranquility. I would highly recommend it to families, couples, and solo travelers alike—it’s an uplifting journey in every sense of the word!"
Andrei Mitrana
"The Funchal Cable Car is one of the best ways to experience Madeira’s beauty. The ride takes you smoothly from the heart of Funchal up to Monte, offering incredible views of the city, the harbor, and the lush green hillsides. It’s a relaxing, scenic journey that really gives you a sense of the island’s dramatic landscape. At the top, you can explore Monte Palace Tropical Garden or visit the famous church of Nossa Senhora do Monte.
• 🎟 Buy a round-trip ticket, but consider taking the cable car up and the traditional wicker toboggan ride down for a fun adventure.
👉🏻buy your ticket online so you don’t have to wait in line.
• 📸 Sit facing the sea on the way up for the best panoramic views.
• 🕰 Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid long queues, especially on cruise ship days.
• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes, Monte has steep streets and plenty to explore on foot.
• 🍷 Nearby cafés at the top are perfect for a drink or snack before heading back.
A must-do in Funchal scenic, memorable, and a highlight of any trip to Madeira."
A.
"The cable car ride is okay, you get an amazing view of Funchal. I’ll say this….it beats walking. Ticket line moves quick. Was about €15 one way per person or €20 for return. Decided to do the sled ride down."
Lisa Young
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cable car station is located in the lower part of Funchal. You can reach it by car, bus, or even a scenic walk from the city center. Many visitors take the cable car from Funchal up to Monte to access the gardens.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Funchal and can take you directly to the cable car station. While more expensive than the cable car, it's a convenient option.
Parking in Funchal can be challenging. There are several public parking garages near the cable car station, but they can fill up quickly, especially on busy days.
The cable car ride itself connects Funchal to Monte, where you can then access both the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Botanical Garden. Some routes may require a short walk or another short cable car ride depending on your starting point.
The cable car ride from Funchal to Monte typically takes about 15-20 minutes, offering continuous scenic views throughout the journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary. A one-way trip can cost around €12.50, while a round-trip ticket is approximately €18-€20 per person. Family tickets might be available.
Yes, combined tickets are often available at the cable car station, offering a discounted price for the cable car ride and entry to one or both gardens. These can be a great value.
It is highly recommended to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket office, especially during peak season or on days when cruise ships are in port.
The cable car generally operates from around 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden has similar hours, typically 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the Botanical Garden, which is around €8. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden has a separate entrance fee of approximately €12.50.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cable car journey offers incredible photo opportunities. Look out for panoramic shots of Funchal's colorful rooftops, the vast Atlantic Ocean, and the lush green hillsides. Sit facing the sea for the best ocean views.
Absolutely! The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is incredibly photogenic with its diverse flora, tranquil lakes, pagodas, and intricate tile work. The Japanese and Chinese gardens are particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes of the gardens and city views. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing details of the plants and architectural elements. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Avoid midday sun, which can create harsh lighting.
Yes, you can take photos inside the cable car cabins. The large panoramic windows provide excellent, unobstructed views. Just be mindful of other passengers.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
At Monte, you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, the Botanical Garden, the Church of Our Lady of the Mount, and experience the famous wicker toboggan ride down to Funchal.
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to comfortably enjoy the cable car ride and explore both the Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden. You might want more time if you plan to linger or have lunch.
The cable car cabins are generally accessible. However, the gardens themselves, especially Monte Palace, have many stairs and uneven paths, which can be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
There are cafes and restaurants at the top in Monte, including a coffee house within the Monte Palace gardens that is highly recommended. You can also find places for a drink or snack before heading back down.
The Monte toboggan ride is a unique Madeiran experience where you slide down the steep streets of Monte in a wicker basket steered by two men. It's a fun, albeit touristy, way to descend.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the top in Monte, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden offers plenty of space to explore, with interesting plants, lakes, and art that can spark a child's curiosity. Consider purchasing a combined ticket for the cable car and gardens to simplify your day. While the toboggan ride is thrilling, assess if it's suitable for your children's ages and comfort levels. +1💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the diverse plant collections and ocean vistas at the Botanical Garden. A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the expansive landscapes, and a zoom lens can be useful for details. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Gardens and Cable Cars
+1 Many visitors opt for a combined ticket that includes the cable car ride and entry to one or both gardens, which is often more economical and convenient. When planning your visit, consider the order of your exploration. You can take the cable car from Funchal directly to Monte and then visit the gardens. Alternatively, some visitors start at the Botanical Garden and take the cable car up to Monte. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is renowned for its exotic plants, oriental-inspired design, lakes, and art installations, offering a truly immersive experience.
The Botanical Garden boasts a vast collection of over 3,000 plant species from around the world, with beautiful ocean views, especially from its cafe. For a truly memorable experience, many travelers combine the cable car journey with the traditional Monte toboggan ride down to Funchal. This unique descent in a wicker basket is a thrilling and iconic Madeiran activity.
+1 Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as Monte has steep streets and plenty to explore on foot. Maximizing Your Cable Car Experience
Timing is crucial to avoid long queues. The cable car operates daily, but wait times can be significant, especially on days when cruise ships are docked in Funchal.
While the cable car offers a comfortable and scenic ascent, many visitors choose to descend from Monte via the traditional toboggan ride. This offers a different kind of thrill and a unique perspective on the winding streets of Monte.
+1 If you're looking for a comprehensive experience, look into combo tickets that bundle the cable car ride with entry to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and/or the Botanical Garden, as this can offer significant savings. 
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