For first timers to Madeira, a visit to Pico do Arieiro is a must do on your holiday itinerary. And if, like me, you prefer not to drive – well, weave your way up – to Madeira’s 3rd highest mountain, thankfully there is a dedicated Pico do Arieiro bus service that gets you there easily.

On any day of the week you can take a bus from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise or sunset.

What to know about Funchal to Pico do Arieiro bus service

If you plan to go to Pico do Arieiro without a car, let me help you with key things to know before you go…

Where do you get the bus to Pico do Arieiro?

The bus to Pico do Arieiro departs from Praça da Autonomia. This is the main departure point in the centre of Funchal where most buses depart from. This bus stop is next to the Teleférico Término (4A) Funchal cable car which should be a helpful point of reference for you.

Where do I buy a bus ticket for Pico do Arieiro in Funchal?

As you board the bus in Funchal, buy a single ride bus ticket for Pico do Arieiro from the driver. Do the same on the journey back as return tickets are not sold at this time.

Remember to bring small notes and change for your bus journeys!

How much is the bus ticket for Pico do Arieiro?

A single fare ride on the Pico do Arieiro bus costs 3 euros per person.

What time does the bus to Pico do Arieiro leave from Funchal?

The bus to Pico do Arieiro leaves Funchal at 6am or 1:30pm in the summer. The schedule can be found on the Horários de Funchal website.

The return bus from Pico do Arieiro to Funchal leaves at 12:15pm or 7pm in the summer.

Always check the official bus site as the schedule changes with the seasons. There is currently a summer timetable and a winter timetable.

Suggestion: For more great hikes in Europe see: Hiking Samaria Gorge in Crete, Greece

Getting to Pico do Arieiro without a car. Here’s my experience..

I visited Madeira in the month of April. Over my week long stay on the island, I kept my itinerary open and flexible. On Day 3, when the weather forecast looked really positive, I made the snap decision to go to Pico do Arieiro.

Everything worked out beautifully – from the convenience of getting the bus, to the weather. (Heads up that weather can be very tricky in Madeira as the island has several micro-climates.)

Suggestion: To take the bus to another favourite tourist destination in Madeira (including me!) see: Valley of the Nuns

Finding the departure point

I left my hotel in Funchal around 5:20am and walked towards the Avenida do Mar waterfront promenade. In less than 10 minutes I’d arrived at Praça da Autonomia where the bus departs.

Given the hour, it was pitch dark. Thankfully, the streets and area around the bus stop are well-lit.

Headed up to Pico do Arieiro

We paid the driver 3 euros each in cash as we boarded. When I asked about buying a return ticket, the driver indicated that it was only possible to buy an individual single fare ticket on each ride. 

My bus was surprisingly not full. I imagine that in the summer months it 100% fills up. (It has a seat capacity of 31 seats.) I’d recommend going to the bus stop around 20 minutes ahead of departure. 

We left exactly on time at 6am and the ride took approximately 45 minutes.

About 15-20  minutes into the bus journey to Pico do Arieiro, I started to feel a bit queasy. I figured it was because I hadn’t had a full breakfast that morning. Then it hit me: we were ascending, duh. I was feeling the effects of the change in altitude, which thankfully passed by the time we arrived. 

Fast Fact: Pico do Arieiro in Madeira is 1,818 m or 5,965 feet high

At Pico do Arieiro

The bus dropped us by the small car park below the visitor’s centre and cafe. Seeing all of the car chaos around us, I quickly concluded that the Pico do Arieiro bus plan had been for the best. Every tourist on Madeira seemed to have had the same idea that morning! At 6:45am the road was busy as a long line of cars arrived with fellow sunrise chasers.

On the return leg, the bus picked us up just below a roundabout close to the entrance. This time however, only a few people from the original journey rejoined. I’m guessing that they arranged a private return transfer to avoid being restricted by the limited bus schedule. 

Final thoughts: Is it worth it to take the bus to Pico do Arieiro?

Overall the bus ride from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro and back went really smoothly. I’d definitely recommend this option to anyone looking for a convenient and budget-friendly way to see this top attraction in Madeira. And, if you go for sunrise you’ll be back in Funchal around 1pm. That’s just in time to enjoy a leisurely lunch in Zona Velha do Funchal, followed by an afternoon nap, of course. Tourism is tiring, my friends!