Ferry From Portugal to Madeira

There is a very complicated situation with a ferry from Portugal to Madeira. The problem is that there are ferries, then there aren’t. From year to year, the situation keeps changing. So, let’s take a look at what’s happening right now!

Is There A Ferry From Portugal To Madeira In 2023?

GS Lines officially stated on June 26th, 2023, that there’s an opportunity for individuals to journey to Madeira via their container ship, taking advantage of the available passenger cabins.

The container vessel sets sail from Lisbon each week, precisely on Saturdays, with an anticipated arrival in Caniçal, Madeira by Monday morning. The ferry trip from Lisbon to Madeira comes at a cost of €180 per person, which covers meals and a single piece of luggage weighing up to 20 kg per traveler.

For safety during the sea voyage aboard the container ship, passengers must secure Personal Accident Insurance. This ensures coverage for any potential risks and civil liability between the designated ports.

From what I understand, this is the exclusive option for ferry travel to Madeira. There isn’t another established public ferry service that operates with large-scale passenger ships since 2020!

How Long Is The Ferry From Portugal to Madeira?

Back when there was a stable ferry service from Portugal’s mainland to Madeira, the journey used to be quite a long one. Passengers would embark on an adventure that took around 24 hours or more to reach Madeira, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Since the distance between Portugal and Madeira is approximately 900 km.

24 hours to reach Madeira from Portugal

While it wasn’t the quickest mode of transportation, it did offer a unique experience for those with time to spare. Travelers could enjoy the sights and sounds of the open ocean, relax, and get into the island vibe even before reaching their destination.

Ferry From Funchal to Porto Santo

Nowadays your best bet is to fly from Lisbon or Porto to Madeira, which usually takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours. Once you land in Madeira, you can take a ferry to explore the nearby island of Porto Santo, if you’re interested. Porto Santo Line operates that ferry and it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.