FerryConnect

Portugal (Madeira)

Funchal (Madeira) → Porto Santo

The Lobo Marinho is the only ferry between Madeira and Porto Santo, the neighbouring island known for its 9 km golden beach. The 08:00 departure from Funchal and evening return make a day trip possible, and the ship also carries cars.

Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo ferry at a glance

The ferry from Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo takes About 2h 15m (currently up to 3h 15m) across the Atlantic Ocean, operated by Porto Santo Line. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: usually one round trip a day (08:00 out, evening return), with a second rotation on some days.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: portosantoline.pt · reservasc.portosantoline.pt · reservasc.portosantoline.pt · portosantoline.pt · How we verify

Return crossing: Porto Santo to Funchal (Madeira)

Porto Santo Line also sails Porto Santo to Funchal (Madeira), taking About 2h 15m (currently up to 3h 15m). The ship is based in Funchal, so the usual pattern is morning out to Porto Santo and evening back to Madeira.

Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo ferry timetable & sailing pattern

The timetable below ended on 31 October 2026; check the official timetable (Porto Santo Line) for current times before you travel. The times below are from Porto Santo Line’s August and October 2026 timetables; check its November timetable.

Daily 08:00 from Funchal with the return from Porto Santo at 18:00–20:00; on some days (often Fridays and Sundays) a second rotation, e.g. Funchal 08:00 and 16:30/17:00

No sailings 14–22 October 2026 (annual break shown on the operator timetable).

Departure times from the timetable that ended

  • Funchal 08:00
  • Porto Santo 20:00 (August 2026)
  • Porto Santo 19:00 (early October 2026)

Return: The ship is based in Funchal, so the usual pattern is morning out to Porto Santo and evening back to Madeira.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Porto Santo Line timetable →Check prices & book on Ferryscanner →

Source: Porto Santo Line monthly timetables (August and October 2026). Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Funchal (Madeira) and Porto Santo

📐 39 Nautical Miles
Funchal (Madeira)⇄Porto Santo
⏱ About 2h 15m (currently up to 3h 15m) · 📐 39 nm
⚡ All operators, one booking

Ready to cross from Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo?

Book your crossing with Ferryscanner: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Porto Santo LineAbout 2h 15mLobo Marinho

Route Features

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Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

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Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

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Distance

39 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Porto Santo Line has a ticket kiosk on the Funchal pier and an office in the Funchal passenger terminal that opens 1 hour before departure
  • Passengers must be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure; drivers must be at the car deck 1 hour before

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo?
Porto Santo Line says the crossing takes approximately 2h 15m. In September 2026 it warned that, for technical reasons, trips are expected to take 3h 15m.
Can I take my pet to Porto Santo?
Yes, but not in the passenger lounges: pets travel in the ship’s kennel/cattery on the car deck in cages, or inside your own car if you are taking a vehicle.
How often does the Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo ferry sail?
The timetable below ended on 31 October 2026; check the official timetable (Porto Santo Line) for current times before you travel. Daily 08:00 from Funchal with the return from Porto Santo at 18:00–20:00; on some days (often Fridays and Sundays) a second rotation, e.g. Funchal 08:00 and 16:30/17:00. No sailings 14–22 October 2026 (annual break shown on the operator timetable). This is the pattern published in the Porto Santo Line monthly timetables (August and October 2026) (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo?
Porto Santo Line operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Funchal (Madeira) to Porto Santo ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
How far is Funchal (Madeira) from Porto Santo by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 39 nautical miles (roughly 72 km).