Funchal Cable Car
Soar above Funchal on a scenic cable car ride to Monte, offering breathtaking ocean views and access to gardens and a thrilling toboggan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ride
Funchal Cable Car
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother ride
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.
"The views of Funchal from the cable car are fantastic and well worth the money."
🎟️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Ocean Views
During the cable car ascent
Soar above Funchal for breathtaking vistas of the city, harbor, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
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Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Top station of the cable car
Explore exotic plants, intricate sculptures, and serene ponds in this stunning hillside garden.
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Traditional Toboggan Ride
Monte village
Experience a thrilling 2km ride down the winding streets in a traditional wicker basket sledge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online to Save Time
Understand the Gardens: Monte Palace vs. Botanical
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
🚶♀️ Walk from Old Town
It's a short 10-minute walk from Barcleó Funchal Old Town to the cable car station.
⚠️ Avoid Second Point
One traveler got stuck at the second point; stick to the main route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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.
🚶♀️ Walk from Old Town
It's a short 10-minute walk from Barcleó Funchal Old Town to the cable car station.
⚠️ Avoid Second Point
One traveler got stuck at the second point; stick to the main route.
💰 Save on Return Trip
Take the bus back from the gardens to save money on the cable car fare.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The cable car journey from Funchal to Monte takes approximately 15 minutes each way, offering continuous scenic views.
From the cable car, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Funchal's rooftops, the bustling harbor, and the expansive Atlantic Ocean.
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.
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.
Each cable car cabin typically seats six people. If you are in a smaller group, you may be seated with other passengers.
🎫 🛷 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the top in Monte, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden offers space to explore with interesting plants and peacocks, which kids often enjoy. The traditional toboggan ride is another highlight that can be a thrilling adventure for older children and teens, though parental discretion is advised due to the speed and nature of the ride. Consider taking the cable car one-way to Monte to combine it with the toboggan and then arrange alternative transport back down to Funchal to save on costs and manage time. 💰 Budget Travelers
A smart tip is to take the cable car one-way up to Monte and then arrange for alternative transportation back down to Funchal, such as a local bus, which can be significantly cheaper than a round-trip cable car ticket. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for the golden hour, either early morning or late afternoon, for the most dramatic lighting and fewer crowds. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden also provides numerous picturesque spots with its exotic flora, water features, and unique sculptures. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Toboggan Ride
To reach the toboggan starting point, most visitors take the Funchal Cable Car up to Monte.
While some recommend taking the cable car one-way to Monte specifically for the toboggan experience, be aware that it is a significant descent. Visitors should follow signs in Monte to find the starting point. The cost is per basket, with prices varying for one or two people. +1While undeniably fun, some reviews suggest it's a 'tourist gimmick' and advise caution.
Navigating the Gardens: Monte Palace vs. Botanical
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located at the upper station of the Funchal Cable Car. It's renowned for its oriental-inspired design, featuring tranquil lakes, exotic peacocks, intricate sculptures, and a rich collection of art and minerals. Many visitors find it a peaceful and visually stunning place to explore.
+1The Botanical Garden of Madeira, on the other hand, is a bit further from the cable car's upper station and requires additional transport or a longer walk. It boasts a vast collection of plants from Madeira and around the world, organized into thematic areas.
+1The Funchal Cable Car Experience
+1 Each cabin typically seats up to six people, and if you're traveling in a smaller group, you might share with others. Many travelers highlight the breathtaking panoramic views as the primary draw.
+1 The ascent provides a unique perspective of Funchal's red-tiled roofs and the surrounding lush green landscape. It's a smooth ride, though some individuals with a fear of heights might find the occasional slowing or slight shaking unsettling. While the cable car itself is an attraction, it also serves as a convenient gateway to Monte's attractions, including the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the famous toboggan ride.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to bypass the ticket purchase queue, allowing you to scan a QR code and proceed directly to the boarding line. 
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