Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Botanical Gardens cable car safe?
Yes, the Botanical Gardens cable car and the entire project obeys the highest quality and security parameters, according to European and international rules.

How long does the trip last?
You can opt for one of two versions:
- One way Trip: In this case, the trip will be undertaken from one station to the other, i.e. from the Botanical Garden station to the Monte station or vice versa, and it takes approximately 9 minutes.
- Return Trip: In this case the trip will begin and end at the same station and is about 18 minutes. You will be able to leave the cable car at the other station to visit the station and surroundings before continuing on your return trip to the station in which you started the trip.

How can I reach the cable car stations? How do I get back to Funchal?
The main station, the Botanical Garden station, is approximately 7 minutes from Funchal by car, while the Monte station is about 15 minutes. You can reach either of the stations by car, taxi, or by Horários do Funchal bus service, route nr. 29, 30, 31 (Botanical Garden) and 22 (Babosas). For more information please check the location and transportation icons.

Which services are available at the stations?
At the main station, the Botanical Garden station, you have use of a panoramic restaurant, a terrace and snack bar with a magnificent view as well as four thematic stores where you can get local souvenirs. At Monte station, more precisely at Babosas Square, you can enjoy the magnificent view over the valley, while comfortably seated at the terrace bar.

What other activities can we do from the Botanical Garden station? And from the Monte station?
From the Botanical Garden station you can visit Madeira Island 's most visited venue, the Botanical Garden itself, as well as the Loiro Park . This space, created in 1960 is a scientific, cultural and conservation area by excellence. From Monte station you can visit this noble Madeiran vila and its famous church, where the Austrian Emperor Charles I lies buried. You can also try the toboggan rides, a way of acquiring a taste for remote times, when these were used as a means of transport. From this station you can also begin a walk along the paths or levadas near the João Gomes Stream valley, sites of exotic and rare natural beauty.

Does the price include entry to the Botanical Garden?
Currently the cable car ticket only covers the cable car trip. The ticket for the Botanical Garden will have to be purchased at the Garden's main entrance or at the station’s entrance to the Botanical Garden.

How can I buy my cable car ticket?
You can buy your ticket at any of the stations, through a travel agency or at your hotel's reception. The sale of tickets through the Internet is being contemplated and soon more information on this way of ticket acquisition will be provided.

What is the Cable car schedule?
The Botanical Garden Cable Car functions every day of the year (except on December 25th), from 9.30 am until 6.00 pm (The last boarding is at 5.30 pm)

Can children travel in the Cable car?
Yes, as long as they are always travel with an adult. Children between 7 and 14 years have a 50% discount on their ticket price. Children under 7 years of age travel free on the cable car.

How frequently do the cabins depart from the stations?
Cabins depart from the stations continuously; hence waiting time is considerably reduced.

Are there environmental restrictions applicable to trips on the Cable car?
Yes, for the protection of the environment, smoking is prohibited, as well as eating or drinking inside the cabins.