Sleeping in Airports

Funchal Airport Guide

sleeping in funchal airport
(photo courtesy of a guest traveller / August 2024)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Funchal Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

everywhere there were some wood banks where we could sleep on. Unfortunately they are ‘non-sleeper’ design – Moddi

FNC Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Funchal’s Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.

What to Expect

funchal airport guideFunchal Airport (code: FNC) consists of a medium-sized, recently updated terminal. This airport, known for its unique design, has been built partially into the volcanic island and features a runway over the ocean. Amenities include several shops and eateries, though none are open 24 hours. Free WiFi helps pass the time. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter a few airport lounges. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for location and access information.

Sleeping in Funchal Airport

Overnight sleepers can expect things to quiet down around 10:00 PM. Seating is plentiful but equipped with armrests, so consider a sleeping bag or travel mat for spreading out on the floor. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info, or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Funchal Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Funchal Airport:

  • Hotel Albatroz Madeira Beach & Yacht Club – No airport shuttle.   » Check Rates
  • Residencial Prisma – No airport shuttle.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Funchal Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Europa Lounge – Location: Landside arrivals area, level 0. Hours: Unknown  Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€75.00).
  • Atlantico Lounge – Location: Airside departures area, level 3. Hours: Unknown  Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€75.00).
  • TAP Portugal Lounge – Location: Airside, 3rd Floor. Hours: 4:00 A – 10:00 PM. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass (£ 25.00).

Related Pages: Funchal Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

A reader tells us there is a drinking water fountain on the airside, in front of Gate 10. (September 2024)

Food & Drink

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules, with many opening at 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM and closing around 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Food options include: Buondi Caffe • Burger King • Clocks • Cockpit • Gelati di Chef • Go To Cafe • Pizza Hut • Saudade Madeira Cafe • Specially • Starbucks.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are two storage options available: Baggage deposit is €4.00 per piece of luggage per 24-hour period, or a 4-hour period if less than 24 hours. Baggage of all sizes can be stored in the baggage deposit, and there is no maximum storage period. Luggage lockers are also available at a rate of €2.50 – €3.50 per day, depending on the locker size. Storage options are available 24 hours a day. Inquire at the Information Desk for assistance.

Mobile Charging

Available. Location unknown.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Unlimited free WiFi is available at Funchal Airport. Connect to the “VINCI Airports WiFi” network.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside.

Baby Care Facilities – Baby change facilities are available in several washrooms throughout the airport.

Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available in the baggage claim area (Arrivals) and 1st floor (Departures). Specific carts for shopping are also available.

Currency Exchange – Unicâmbio offers currency exchange, Western Union, VAT tax refunds, and more. Location: landside. Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Disabled Services – The airport partners with MyWay to provide personalized support for passengers with reduced mobility. Services include lifts, escalators, moving walkways, signage and professional support for those who book at least 48 hours in advance.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping (3 locations) is available airside from 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM. In addition, various retail shops and boutiques are available throughout the airport, including three Relay News Shops.

Information Desk – Located on Level 1 and open between 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily.

Luggage Wrapping – Safe Bag luggage wrapping is available landside in the Check-In area. Fee: unknown. Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical care is available in the First Aid station. Location: landside. Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM.

Post Office – The airport has everything you need to send off any last-minute post, including a stamp vending machine and mailbox. Location: Landside.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Funchal and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, several travel agencies with offices at the airport can probably be of assistance. Abreu, MTS Madeira Travel Service, Tourist Information Desk and TUI are all located Landside.

Airlines
Funchal Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Nostrum • Austrian • Azores Airlines • Binter • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Condor • EasyJet • Edelweiss • Enter Air • Eurowings • Finnair • Jetair • FlyJet2.com • Lufthansa • Luxair • Norwegian Air • SAS • TAP Portugal • Transavia • Travel Service • TUI Fly • Vueling.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

City buses are available to connect you to downtown Funchal from FNC airport. At the time of this update, the adult fare is €3,35 one way.

An airport shuttle bus is also available. The Aerobus departs from the Arrivals area and connects travellers with Formosa beach, with stops at/near several hotels along the way. And if your flight is delayed, the Aerobus will wait up to one hour for you. At the time of this update, the adult fare is 5,00€ one way or 8,00€ return. For route maps, schedules and fares for either of these buses, visit the SAM website.

Car Rentals

Onsite car rental agencies include Avis/Budget • Europcar • Goldcar • Guerin/Enterprise • Hertz • MadeiraRent • Rodavante • Sixt.

Hotel Shuttles

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are available at a taxi stand on Level 0, just outside Arrivals. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. The starting fare on the meter is € 4, with a surcharge of € 1.50 per piece of luggage. Fares are 20% higher on weeknights, between 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM, and on weekends and public holidays.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.