Funchal Cable Car - a yellow cable car going up a mountain side
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Funchal Cable Car

4.5
·11k reviews·Funchal, Portugal

Soar above Funchal on a scenic cable car ride to Monte, offering breathtaking ocean views and access to gardens and a thrilling toboggan.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday mornings

Fewer crowds, smoother ride

CrowdLow
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Funchal Cable Car - a yellow cable car going up a mountain side

Funchal Cable Car

Best Time

Friday mornings

Fewer crowds, smoother ride

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Soar above Funchal on a scenic cable car ride to Monte, offering breathtaking ocean views and access to gardens and a thrilling toboggan.

4.5
(11k reviews)

"The views of Funchal from the cable car are fantastic and well worth the money."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Skip the ticket queue by booking online. Scan your QR code to enter.

🛷 Toboggan Combo

Consider the cable car one-way to Monte for the toboggan ride.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 12,434 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City & Ocean Views

Panoramic City & Ocean Views

During the cable car ascent

Soar above Funchal for breathtaking vistas of the city, harbor, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Instagram+1
Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Top station of the cable car

Explore exotic plants, intricate sculptures, and serene ponds in this stunning hillside garden.

Instagram+1
Traditional Toboggan Ride

Traditional Toboggan Ride

Monte village

Experience a thrilling 2km ride down the winding streets in a traditional wicker basket sledge.

TikTokInstagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online to Save Time

Skip the ticket line by purchasing your Funchal Cable Car tickets in advance online. While you might still queue for the car itself, this saves significant time, especially during peak hours. InstagramReddit

Understand the Gardens: Monte Palace vs. Botanical

Funchal has two main gardens accessible via cable car: Monte Palace and the Botanical Garden. They are separate attractions. Many visitors enjoy Monte Palace for its unique features and the toboggan ride nearby. TikTokInstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Friday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, smoother ride
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Madeira toboggan ride is a must try when on the island! Riding down the toboggan in a traditional basket sledge was used by the local residents in the 19th century as transportation. Now it’s become a popular tourist attraction in the village of Monte. You can reach the area with the Funchal cable car that only takes 5 minutes and has stunning views (€12.50 p/p). I advise to come early as th...
@jennasilver_
330.4K likes • 4.4M views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Skip the ticket queue by booking online. Scan your QR code to enter. InstagramReddit

🛷 Toboggan Combo

Consider the cable car one-way to Monte for the toboggan ride. TikTokInstagram

Described by CNN as one of the coolest commutes in the world - would you agree? If you’re visiting Funchal in Madeira you need to try the toboggan! 🇵🇹 #madeiratoboggan #toboggan #funchal #funchaltoboggan #madeira #thingstodoinmadeira #thingstodoinfunchal #visitmadeira #placestotravel #placestosee #thingstodo #travelblogger #femaletravelblogger
@thechaosdiaries
109.5K likes • 1.9M views
Cable car ride from Monte to Funchal 🚠 - Buy tickets online: www.madeiracablecar.com - #visitmadeira #madeiratãotua #madeirabelongstoall #madeirasafetodiscover #travel #madeiracablecar #monte #windowseat #360views #aboveallenjoytheride
madeiracablecar
161 likes • 4.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Old Town

It's a short 10-minute walk from Barcleó Funchal Old Town to the cable car station. Instagram

⚠️ Avoid Second Point

One traveler got stuck at the second point; stick to the main route. TikTok

Everything you need to know about the cable car in Funchal! 🚠❤️ If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Madeira, you cannot miss out on this cable car! This ride connects the main city of Funchal to the botanical garden that’s located higher up in the hills. During this 15 minute ride you get a beautiful view of all the orange rooftops, green nature and ofcourse the blue ocean! How much does ...
thefavouritesguide
649 likes • 8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Skip the ticket queue by booking online. Scan your QR code to enter. InstagramReddit

🛷 Toboggan Combo

Consider the cable car one-way to Monte for the toboggan ride. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Old Town

It's a short 10-minute walk from Barcleó Funchal Old Town to the cable car station. Instagram

⚠️ Avoid Second Point

One traveler got stuck at the second point; stick to the main route. TikTok

💰 Save on Return Trip

Take the bus back from the gardens to save money on the cable car fare. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Funchal Cable Car for its absolutely stunning panoramic views of Funchal and the ocean, calling it a must-do experience. The journey to Monte is smooth and scenic, leading to beautiful gardens and the unique toboggan ride. Some find the cost a bit high for a short ride, and those with a fear of heights might find it a bit unnerving.

"We booked online, 20 euro per person.
Well worth the money, there are fantastic views of Funchal from the cable car.
The Tropical Gardens at the top are well worth a visit. There is also a church at the top worth calling to see.
We were advised by a guide to avoid the toboggan , a tourist gimmick."

L and D O C

"Short walk from the cruise ship past the Cristiano Ronaldo museum then hopped on a bus for 2€ to the gardens which were beautiful. Took the cable car to the top station which had bars, restaurants & shops before descending to the waterfront. Altogether a great experience & using the bus part way saved loads on a fully inclusive return cable car ticket"

Robert Moore

"It’s better to buy tickets online, you’ll still have to wait in a line but at least you’ll skip the ticket line.
The views are beautiful. One car sits six people, so if there’s fewer of you, you’ll be put together with others from the line."

Inna B

What People Like

Incredible panoramic views
Scenic journey to Monte
Access to gardens & toboggan

What People Dislike

Can be pricey
Slightly unnerving for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The main Funchal Cable Car station is easily accessible from the city center. It's a short 10-minute walk from areas like Barcleó Funchal Old Town. You can also take a bus to get closer to the station. Instagram

Information on dedicated parking for the Funchal Cable Car is limited, but there are public parking options in Funchal's city center. It's often recommended to walk or use public transport to reach the station. TikTok

Yes, taxis are readily available in Funchal and can take you directly to the cable car station. This is a convenient option if you're coming from further afield or prefer not to walk. TikTok

The most scenic and popular way to reach Monte is by taking the Funchal Cable Car. It offers stunning views during the 15-minute journey. Instagram+1

Yes, local buses operate in Funchal and can get you close to the cable car station. Some visitors have used buses to reach the gardens area and then taken the cable car down. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but online booking is recommended. Expect around €20 per person for a round trip. Buying online can help you skip the ticket purchase line. InstagramReddit

You can purchase tickets online through the official website (www.madeiracablecar.com) or at the ticket office at the station. Booking online is highly advised to save time. Instagram

While there isn't always a single combined ticket for both gardens and the cable car, it's worth checking for package deals. Visitors often purchase cable car tickets separately and then entry to the gardens. Reddit

The cable car typically operates daily from around 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as they can change seasonally. Instagram

Yes, if you purchase your tickets online, you can usually scan a QR code at the gate to gain entry, bypassing the ticket purchase queue. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The cable car journey from Funchal to Monte takes approximately 15 minutes each way, offering continuous scenic views. Instagram+1

From the cable car, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Funchal's rooftops, the bustling harbor, and the expansive Atlantic Ocean. Instagram+1

At the Monte top station, you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, explore the charming village, and access the famous toboggan ride. There are also shops and restaurants. Instagram+2

The ride offers incredible views but can be unnerving for those with a fear of heights. Some riders have noted occasional slowing and shaking, which might exacerbate this fear. Reddit

Each cable car cabin typically seats six people. If you are in a smaller group, you may be seated with other passengers. Reddit

🎫 🛷 Toboggan & Gardens

After arriving in Monte via the cable car, follow the signs for the toboggan starting point. It's a short walk from the cable car station. Instagram

It's a thrilling 2 km ride down the streets in a traditional wicker basket sledge, steered by two men. It can reach speeds up to 40 km/h and takes about 10 minutes. Instagram+1

Monte Palace Tropical Garden is known for its oriental-inspired design, peacocks, and unique art. The Botanical Garden features a wider variety of plant species from around the world. They are separate attractions. InstagramReddit

Many visitors find the toboggan ride a unique and fun experience, though some consider it a tourist gimmick. Prices are per basket, with single riders paying more than two. TikTokInstagram+1

With careful planning, it's possible to visit both gardens and the toboggan in an afternoon, especially if you book tickets online and manage your time efficiently. Reddit

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