{"id":666,"slug":"porto-santo-ferry-from-funchal-price","title":"Porto Santo Ferry from Funchal Prices: Day Trip Tickets and Schedules","excerpt":"Porto Santo ferry from Funchal price: fares, day-trip tickets, and schedules.","content":"Just off Madeira lies Porto Santo, a sister island famous for nine kilometres of golden sand the main island lacks. The only way across by sea is the Lobo Marinho ferry, and the good news is that the Porto Santo ferry from Funchal price is very reasonable for a full beach day. Here are the fares, timetables, and everything you need to plan the trip.\n\n## How much is the ferry to Porto Santo?\n>A standard return costs roughly 48 to 60 euros depending on season, run by Porto Santo Line on the Lobo Marinho. First class is around 74 to 84 euros, and a small fuel surcharge applies. The crossing takes about two and a half hours each way, and booking direct on the operator's website is cheapest.\n\n## How Much Does the Ferry Cost\nThe Porto Santo ferry from Funchal price depends mainly on season. A standard return is about 48 euros in low season, October to March, rising to around 60 euros in high season, April to September. First-class tickets, with a private lounge and better views, cost roughly 74 to 84 euros return, plus a small fuel surcharge. A car starts from about 97 euros each way, while bicycles usually travel free, so most day-trippers go on foot.\n\n## Schedule and Crossing Time\nPorto Santo Line runs the Lobo Marinho year-round, typically leaving Funchal around 8am and returning in the evening, between roughly 6pm and 10:30pm depending on day and season. The crossing takes about two and a half hours each way. Sailings run daily most of the year, though usually not on Tuesdays in winter, so confirm the current timetable before you plan, ideally against our [best time to visit Madeira](https://madeiracitypass.tripnly.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-madeira/) guide.\n\n## Can You Do It as a Day Trip\nYes, and many do. The morning departure and evening return give you six to eight hours on the island, enough for the beach, lunch, and a wander around Vila Baleira before heading back to your base among the [things to do in Funchal](https://madeiracitypass.tripnly.com/blog/best-things-to-do-in-funchal/). It makes a long day, so start early. Prefer to slow down? An overnight lets you catch the beach at sunset, and fits our [Madeira itinerary](https://madeiracitypass.tripnly.com/blog/ultimate-madeira-itinerary-3-to-7-days-guide/) guide.\n\n## Getting Around on Arrival\nThe ferry docks near Vila Baleira, the island's small, pretty capital. From the harbour a taxi into town costs a few euros, a local bus about 1.60, or it is a twenty-minute walk. The famous beach runs along the south coast, easily reached on foot. Bring cash for cafés, and note the supermarket near the pier is the cheapest place for water and snacks.\n\n## Booking Tips\nBook directly through the Porto Santo Line website for the lowest fares and a guaranteed place, especially in summer and at weekends when the boat fills. Prices are dynamic, so booking ahead saves money. The sea can be choppy, so take something beforehand if you are prone to seasickness. Compared with most things here it is genuinely cheap, as our [is Madeira expensive](https://madeiracitypass.tripnly.com/blog/is-madeira-expensive-to-visit/) guide explains.\n\n## People Also Ask About the Porto Santo Ferry\n### Is the Porto Santo ferry worth it?\nYes, if you want a proper sandy beach day, since Porto Santo's golden sand is unlike anything on Madeira. The crossing is scenic, and the island is calm outside peak summer.\n\n### How long is the ferry crossing?\nAbout two and a half hours each way on the Lobo Marinho, the only ferry on the route. Times vary slightly with weather and season, so allow some flexibility.\n\n### Can you take a car on the ferry?\nYes, from around 97 euros each way, but for a day trip it is rarely worth it. The island is small, and taxis, buses, and rental buggies cover it more cheaply.\n\n### Does the ferry run every day?\nIt runs year-round, usually daily, though often not on Tuesdays in winter. Schedules shift seasonally, so check the current Porto Santo Line timetable before booking.\n\n### Where do I catch the ferry in Funchal?\nFrom the port of Funchal, signposted off the VR1 motorway. Arrive at least thirty minutes early to board, and allow extra time for parking near the terminal in high season.\n\n## Planning Your Porto Santo Day\nFor a beach day unlike the rest of the island, this crossing is hard to beat: a scenic sail, hours on golden sand, and change from a modest budget. Book direct, start early, and pack for the beach, and you have one of Madeira's most rewarding days out.","author":"Yağmur Dudu","authorInfo":{"name":"Yağmur Dudu","bio":"Tripnly Global Ambassador · Travel Writer","avatarUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/Yagmur_Dudu_rounded_b0517b520f.png","role":"","socials":{"twitter":"","x":"","instagram":"https://www.instagram.com/yagmurdudu/","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/ya%C4%9Fmurdudu/"}},"date":"2026-08-06T08:59:52.514Z","category":"Local Guides","imageUrl":"https://ethical-car-b690d7e735.media.strapiapp.com/Strapi_Article_Cover_Photo_69_44383388e3.png","imageCaption":"","readTime":6,"views":0,"isPopular":false}