Funchal Cable Car
The Funchal Cable Car (Teleférico do Funchal) climbs roughly 550 meters from the old town up to Monte, giving sweeping views over the city, harbor, and surrounding hillsides along the way. It's one of the more scenic ways to reach Monte, avoiding a steep uphill drive or walk.
Most visitors ride up to see Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Monte church, then either ride the cable car back down or take the famous wicker toboggan (carros de cesto) — a traditional sledge steered by two men in straw hats down the winding streets back toward town, a novelty that's become one of Madeira's best-known tourist experiences.
Funchal Cable Car FAQs
About 15-20 minutes each way, covering roughly 3.2km and 550 meters of elevation gain.
They're separate experiences with separate tickets — the cable car gets you up to Monte, and the wicker toboggan (an optional, additional-cost activity) is one way back down.
It operates in most conditions but can close temporarily during strong winds — check the operator's status if the weather looks rough.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Monte church (Nossa Senhora do Monte), both worth combining with the cable car ride.
In peak season it's worth buying tickets ahead or arriving early, as queues can build at both stations.
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