PortugalFunchal, MadeiraWinter sunChecked Oct 2026

London to Madeira for Winter Sun

Madeira is a mild, green island with daytime highs of around 19–20°C in Funchal through the winter, plus some of Europe's best walking. This guide covers direct flights from London, getting from the airport into Funchal, and where to base yourself.

19–20°CTypical winter daytime highs in Funchal

Madeira (FNC)Best airport from London

~3h 50m–4h 10mDirect flight time

The short answer

Fly direct from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton to Madeira Airport (FNC), which takes about 3h 50m to 4h 10m. From the airport, the Aerobus runs into Funchal in roughly 25–50 minutes, or a taxi takes 20–30 minutes and usually costs around €25–€35. If you want to explore the island, hire a car at the airport.

Winter sun essentials

Madeira is mild rather than hot in winter, and the weather changes a lot between the coast and the mountains.

Weather

Funchal's daytime highs are usually around 19–20°C from December to February, with nights around 13–14°C. The sea stays around 18–20°C. Expect about 5 hours of sunshine a day and some showers, especially in November and December.

Coast vs mountains

The south coast around Funchal is the warmest and sunniest part of the island. The north and the high peaks are cooler, wetter and often cloudy, so pack a warm layer and waterproof for levada walks and trips up to Pico do Arieiro.

Christmas and New Year

Funchal puts up big Christmas lights in December and is famous for its New Year's Eve fireworks over the bay. Flights and hotels around New Year sell out early and cost the most, so book well ahead.

Wind at the airport

Madeira Airport is known for strong crosswinds. Diversions to Porto Santo or Lisbon are uncommon but possible, especially in winter, so good travel insurance is worth having.

Good to know

Madeira is part of Portugal, so it uses the euro and the usual EU entry rules apply to UK passport holders. The island is very hilly; comfortable shoes matter even in Funchal.

Every way to get there

From London to Madeira, best options first. Times are typical door to door; check live schedules for your dates.

Fly direct to Madeira, then the Aerobus

Best for most

Door to door6–7h

£ Cost£

Best forStaying in Funchal

London to Madeira (FNC)About 3h 50m to 4h 10m direct. British Airways and easyJet fly from Gatwick, with Jet2 adding Gatwick flights from late October 2026. Ryanair and Jet2 fly from Stansted, and easyJet and Jet2 from Luton. There are no direct flights from Heathrow. Fares are highest over Christmas and New Year. Check current schedules.
Aerobus to FunchalThe Aerobus leaves from outside arrivals and takes roughly 25–50 minutes to central Funchal depending on traffic, continuing to the hotel zone on Estrada Monumental. It runs about every 30–60 minutes during the day. Fares changed in April 2026 and are a few euros; bring cash, ideally the exact amount.

Find LGW–FNC flights Expedia Skyscanner Book a private transfer Welcome Pickups Bus and train: Madeira Airport → Funchal

Check the last Aerobus time against your flight; late arrivals may need a taxi.

Fly direct to Madeira, then a taxi

Fastest

Door to door5h 30m–6h 30m

£ Cost££

Best forLate arrivals, families and groups

London to Madeira (FNC)About 3h 50m to 4h 10m direct from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton.
Taxi to FunchalThe taxi rank is just outside arrivals. The drive to central Funchal takes about 20–30 minutes and usually costs around €25–€35. Official tariffs add about 20% at night (21:00–06:00), at weekends and on public holidays, plus a small charge for luggage. Pre-booked private transfers cost about the same.

Find STN–FNC flights Expedia Skyscanner Book a private transfer Welcome Pickups Bus and train: Madeira Airport → Funchal

Fly direct to Madeira and hire a car

Door to door6–7h

£ Cost££

Best forExploring the island and levada walks

London to Madeira (FNC)About 3h 50m to 4h 10m direct from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton.
Pick up a hire car and driveSeveral hire firms have desks at the airport. Funchal is about 20–30 minutes away on the main expressway. A car makes it much easier to reach walking trailheads, the north coast and the high peaks.

Find LTN–FNC flights Expedia Skyscanner Hire a car Plan the drive

Mountain roads are steep and narrow, and parking in central Funchal is tight, so a small car is easier.

Fly via Lisbon

Door to door8–10h

£ Cost££

Best forHeathrow flyers and extra date choice

London to LisbonAbout 2h 30m. Several airlines fly from London to Lisbon, including TAP Air Portugal and British Airways. Check current schedules.
Lisbon to Madeira (FNC)About 1h 45m. TAP, easyJet, Ryanair and SATA fly between Lisbon and Funchal. Book as one ticket where possible so you're protected if the first flight is late.

Find LHR–FNC flights Expedia Skyscanner

Usually only worth it if direct flights are full or expensive on your dates, or you want a night in Lisbon on the way.

Where to stay in Funchal

Compare hotels and apartments, many with free cancellation. Book early for December weekends.

See hotels in Funchal Expedia KKday

Plan the rest of your trip

🎟️ Tours & tickets 🚕 Airport transfer 📶 Travel eSIM 🚗 Car hire 🎫 City passes 🧳 Luggage storage ⏱️ Flight delay claim

All options compared

Typical times and relative costs. £ is cheapest, £££ is priciest.

Option	Door to door	Cost	Best for
Fly direct to Madeira, then the Aerobus	6–7h	£	Staying in Funchal
Fly direct to Madeira, then a taxi	5h 30m–6h 30m	££	Late arrivals, families and groups
Fly direct to Madeira and hire a car	6–7h	££	Exploring the island and levada walks
Fly via Lisbon	8–10h	££	Heathrow flyers and extra date choice

Where to stay

Most people base themselves on the sunny south coast, with Funchal the easiest choice without a car.

Your base

Funchal

The capital has the most hotels, restaurants, the old town, the Monte cable car and the botanical gardens. The hotel zone west of the centre is handy for the Aerobus and sea-view hotels.

Hotels in Funchal Expedia

Near the airport

Caniço

A quieter coastal town between the airport and Funchal, with clifftop hotels and sea swimming spots. Good if you want calm evenings but easy access to the city.

Hotels in Caniço Expedia

South-west coast

Calheta

One of the sunniest parts of the island, with a sheltered beach and marina. Best with a hire car.

Hotels in Calheta Expedia

North-west tip

Porto Moniz

Known for its natural volcanic rock pools and dramatic coastline. Cooler and wetter than the south in winter, so better as a day trip than a base for most.

Hotels in Porto Moniz Expedia

Local tip: Do mountain walks early in the day, before cloud tends to build over the peaks.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to what people ask most about this trip.

How long is the flight from London to Madeira?

About 3h 50m to 4h 10m direct to Madeira Airport (FNC), depending on the airport and airline.

Which London airports fly to Madeira?

Gatwick (British Airways, easyJet and, from late October 2026, Jet2), Stansted (Ryanair and Jet2) and Luton (easyJet and Jet2). There are currently no direct flights from Heathrow. Check current schedules.

Is Madeira warm enough in winter?

It's mild rather than hot. Funchal is usually around 19–20°C by day from December to February, with some showers. It's great for walking and sightseeing, but don't count on beach weather every day.

How do I get from Madeira Airport to Funchal?

Take the Aerobus (roughly 25–50 minutes, a few euros, cash) or a taxi (20–30 minutes, usually around €25–€35).

Do I need a car in Madeira?

Not if you're staying in Funchal and happy with buses and tours. A car is worth it for walking trailheads, the north coast and the mountains.

Are flights to Madeira ever diverted?

Occasionally. The airport is known for strong crosswinds, and some flights divert to Porto Santo or Lisbon, most often in winter. It's uncommon, but good travel insurance is sensible.

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Times and prices are typical estimates, checked Oct 2026. Always confirm with the operator before booking. Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.