My credit card was not accepted for the €1300 security deposit, despite the fact it's a REAL credit card. I had to pay an extra €283 for insurance to take the reserved car ! I then was asked to ma... See more
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Review summary
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What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
Collecting the car was a bit hap hazard, it seemed we weren’t important customers. It took a hour to go through the process as the car wasn’t ready at the arranged time and there were issues for anot... See more
Company replied
Communication was oké, car was oké. Transfers oké. We noticed that others were asked to pay extra for cleaning, insurance, better automatic car, We did not get those questions because we booked at... See more
Company replied
Getting the car and returning were fast and easy. I got a brand new car which was great. Location is a little bit far to the center, you should take a bus or a taxi to get there. And better to rent t... See more
Company replied
Company details
Written by the company
A Funchal Drive é uma empresa de aluguer de viaturas dedicada a oferecer um serviço simples, transparente e de confiança. Com uma frota moderna e diversificada, preparada para responder a diferentes necessidades e orçamentos, destaca-se pelo atendimento personalizado, pela qualidade do serviço e pela proximidade com cada cliente. Se procura conforto, segurança e uma experiência de aluguer sem complicações, a Funchal Drive é uma opção prática, eficiente e confiável. ✅🌍
Contact info
Rua Quinta do Leme 102, 9020-223, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
- +351 965 322 722
- info@funchaldrive.com
- funchaldrive.com
3.1
Average
638 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 88% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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The car was full of scratches on…
The car was full of scratches on bumpers rear and front. I did not add any during my rental but I was charged 390€ for two scratches which were supposedly noticed when I returned it. I did not make pictures when I took the car but neither did the rental company. There is just a drawing with plenty of scratches. When there are so many it is just impossible to prove you are right. I know what I did and where I parked the car. These charges are false and totally abusive.
1 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Sebastien,
We are sorry that our services did not meet your expectations.
We would like to clarify that all existing damages on our vehicles are recorded in our system. At the time of vehicle pick-up, our team takes photographs of the vehicle from several angles, and these images are sent to the customer together with the rental agreement documentation.
We always recommend that our customers also take their own photos or videos at the moment of pick-up, in order to have a personal record of the vehicle’s condition and help avoid any misunderstandings or unpleasant situations.
Upon return, all vehicles are carefully inspected, and the condition of the vehicle is compared with the damages already registered in our system. If a new damage is identified, the procedure is carried out according to the rental agreement and the applicable conditions.
We understand your concerns; however, the assessment of any additional damage is based on the comparison between the vehicle’s condition at pick-up and at return, supported by the available records.
If you require any further clarification, please contact us by email at info@funchaldrive.com.
Kind regards,
FunchalDrive Team
Extremely long check in and out
The car was almost new so it was ok BUT: 1) offices are 10-min ride from the airport, 2) you have to wait for a van with room for 10 people and is it's full, you must wait for 20 min for the next one plus 10 min drive, 3) the offices are small, old and at least 45 min the process to pickup the car, 4) another 45-50 min to turn the car back. Extremely long, uncomfortable with a high risk of losing your flight if you don't add at least 1-1.5 hour to the turning back home travel. 5) there's a hidden fee of 12.5 euros fro xleaning the car (25€ if you don't want to pay it during the renting period and they consider the car is dirty when you turn it back. Conclusion: never ever!
1 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Alejandra,
We are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
We would like to clarify that our office is located only approximately 3 minutes from the airport by shuttle. Our shuttle service operates regularly to provide transportation between the airport and our facilities. During busier periods, waiting times may vary depending on the number of customers arriving at the same time. We always recommend that customers follow the pick-up instructions provided.
Regarding the vehicle return process, we recommend that customers plan their return with enough time before their flight. As a general suggestion, we advise returning the vehicle approximately 2 hours before the scheduled flight departure to allow for the inspection, completion of the documents, and shuttle transfer to the airport without unnecessary stress.
Concerning the cleaning fee, we would like to clarify that this is not a hidden charge. Our vehicles are delivered clean and should be returned in the same condition. We offer an optional cleaning service for customers who prefer not to worry about cleaning the vehicle before return. If the vehicle is returned in a condition that requires additional cleaning, a charge may apply according to the rental conditions.
We appreciate your positive comment regarding the condition of the vehicle. Your feedback about the service process has been noted and will be reviewed by our team, as we are continuously working to improve our customers’ experience.
If you require any additional information, please contact us by email at info@funchaldrive.com.
Kind regards,
FunchalDrive Team
Good Car but unexpected small fee
The car was good and the pickup and transport back to the airport with the shuttle was okay. (Took about 10 minutes each way)
You have to pay an extra 12.50€ for cleaning before getting the car or 25€ after you delivered it when it isn’t clean. So if it is just a bit cheaper than the closest competitor you might want to choose the other one.
31 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Kai,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We are pleased to hear that you were satisfied with the condition of the car and that our shuttle service provided a convenient transfer to and from the airport.
Regarding the cleaning service, our vehicles are delivered clean and are expected to be returned in the same condition. We offer an optional cleaning service for customers who prefer not to worry about cleaning the vehicle before return, especially considering the conditions of island locations where sand and other elements can easily affect the vehicle’s cleanliness.
We truly appreciate your comments, as they help us continue improving our service. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future and provide you with an even better experience.
Kind regards,
FunchalDrive Team
Wash your car or pay extra
one can tell that they are relatively new in this market:
The staff is very friendly and the cars are all new
BUT:
-when I rented I was confirmed that there is a shuttle running every 20min - after 40 min in the sun I called just to find out, that there is no regular shuttle but they pick up according to the time of your reservation. I was very a car would be available so I was there about 1h early, just to wait in the sun
also the pickup was different from what I was communicated - they are the only one who do not pick up where all others do
-then rental conditions said tank full / full .. it wasnt.. I hate this because you always pay "too much". Plus there was an issue with the electronics, even it was "almost full" it didnt show!
-then they charge you 12.50 EUR if you dont clean the car yourself and you have to tell them beforehand. I never had to "wash my rental car" and clean it inside before returning (I understand if it is very dirty inside you pay extra)
So the rental didnt start nicely (I have about 3-4 rentals per months so I can compare)
but as I said at the beginning, the staff is very friendly so this is a nice aspect
31 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Rudi,
We are sorry to hear that your experience did not fully meet your expectations, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Regarding our shuttle service, we would like to clarify that our shuttle operates around the airport every 20 minutes. We kindly suggest that customers remain at the designated meeting point and, in case of an earlier or later arrival than the scheduled reservation time, inform our team so we can provide the necessary assistance.
Concerning the fuel level, as indicated in our rental conditions, the fuel level is checked and recorded in the rental agreement at the time of pick-up. Upon return, the vehicle should be delivered with the same fuel level as received.
Regarding the cleaning service, all our vehicles are delivered clean and should be returned in the same condition. We understand that each customer’s needs are different, which is why we offer an optional cleaning service for those who prefer not to worry about cleaning the vehicle before return. This can be especially convenient in island locations, where sand from beaches can easily accumulate inside the car.
We appreciate your positive comments regarding our team, and we will continue working to provide a better experience for all our customers.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@funchaldrive.com.
Kind regards,
FunchalDrive Team
Trap for foreigners
Ask to pay twice the price because I have a "Virtul Bank". Like Fortuneo for exemple.
Ok, it's in the contract but
1) I have never seen that before
2) the guy do not wan to take the credit card of my wife because it's not the same first name of the driver...? What the problem...?
It's look like the big bonus for them.
Ok, it is on the contrat but seriously it's a trap.
Beside that, no pb with the car
26 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Customer,
We are sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations.
When choosing a Basic Rate, a valid credit card in the name of the main driver is required for the pre-authorisation of the security deposit. Alternatively, we accept a debit card for payment when purchasing our optional coverage packages.
All information regarding the rental conditions is available for review at the time of booking and before confirmation.
For a future vehicle rental, we recommend choosing a rate without excess, which may better suit your needs and allows payment with a debit card.
If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@funchaldrive.com.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Excellent service
Excellent service, very good car; we didn't experience any problems.
25 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Brayan,
Thank you very much for your excellent review!
We are delighted to hear that you were satisfied with our service and that the car met your expectations. It’s great to know that everything went smoothly and that you had a worry-free experience with us.
Your feedback is very much appreciated, and we hope to have the pleasure of assisting you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Good service
1 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Chris,
Thank you very much for your kind feedback!
We are happy to hear that you were satisfied with our service. Your support and trust mean a lot to us.
We hope to have the pleasure of assisting you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
Funchal Drive Team
The service was really good
The service was really good and they helped us out when our flight was cancelled. We got a really nice car too!
2 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Mevrouw,
Thank you very much for your kind review!
We are delighted to hear that you were satisfied with our service and that our team was able to assist you when your flight was cancelled. We understand that unexpected situations can happen during your travels, and we are always happy to help whenever possible.
We’re also pleased to know that you enjoyed the car and that it contributed to a great experience.
Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future.
Kind Regards
Funchal Drive Team
Everything has been perfect😊
30 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Barbara,
Thank you very much for your kind review!
We are delighted to hear that everything was perfect during your experience with us. Your satisfaction is our greatest reward, and we truly appreciate your trust and support.
We hope to have the pleasure of assisting you again in the future.
Kind Regards
Funchal Drive Team
Pleasantly surprised
Pleasantly surprised.
The car was exactly the model we ordered online. The mileage was pretty low (approximately 20.000 km) and the car was clean and in good working condition.
There were no surcharges, as some people say in the other reviews. You just have to have a credit card with enough credit on it - look at your booking how much the deposit will be and make sure it is available on your credit card when picking up the car.
The staff was friendly and working rapidly when picking up the car. We didn't have to wait long despite having a line of a few people in front of us.
We had to return our car in the middle of the night. It meant that the car had to be returned on parking 7 of Funchal Airport. Since I had forgotten about the exact procedure, I sent the FunchalDrive a few messages on Whatsapp and they responded within a few hours with very detailed information.
A few hours after we returned the car, I received an email that the car had been returned and inspected, and the deposit was immediately released in full.
The whole process was actually very fluid, the rates were good and I would go back without hesitation.
28 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Cyril,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed review!
We’re delighted to hear that the car met your expectations and that you found it clean, in excellent condition, and exactly as booked. It’s also great to know that both the pick-up and return processes were smooth, and that our team was able to assist you promptly with the late-night return instructions.
We especially appreciate you highlighting the transparency of our security deposit procedure and the quick release of the pre-authorisation after the vehicle inspection.
Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to us. We truly appreciate your trust and hope to have the pleasure of serving you again on another occasion.
Kind Regards
Funchal Drive Team
Car was in good condition
Car was in good condition, people were nice and helpful, the price was great. 100% recommend.
9 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Piotr,
Thank you very much for your kind review!
We're delighted to hear that you were happy with the condition of the car, our team's service, and the value we offer. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back on another oportunity.
Kind Regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Everything went very smoothly
Everything went very smoothly, from picking up the car to returning it. We were collected from the airport at the designated meeting point. The paperwork and vehicle handover were handled quickly, allowing us to start our trip without delay. We received a nearly new Renault Clio that was in perfect condition and performed well. Since the drop-off took place outside their standard business hours, we had to pay a small additional fee to leave the car in a paid airport parking lot right near the entrance (P7). We have rented many cars in the past and frequently encountered "mafia-style" tactics—such as the tank not being full, pressure to buy extra insurance, claims of non-existent damage, cleaning fees, and so on—but none of that happens with this company; they serve you with a smile. We highly recommend this company!
16 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Simon,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience!
We are delighted to hear that everything went smoothly, from the airport pick-up to the return of the vehicle, and that you were pleased with both the condition of the car and the service provided by our team.
Your comments about our transparency, professionalism, and friendly service mean a great deal to us. We work hard to ensure that every customer enjoys a straightforward and stress-free rental experience, so it is especially rewarding to know that this was reflected in your experience.
It was a pleasure to serve you, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit to Madeira.
Kind regards,
FunchalDrive Team
Worst car rental company I've ever…
Worst car rental company I've ever dealt with** – and I rent cars frequently.
We waited over 30 minutes for the shuttle van to pick us up, even though the rental office is less than five minutes away. Delays can happen, but this was an unnecessarily long wait.
Once we arrived at the office, we provided all the required documents. After several attempts to sell us additional insurance that we did not need, we were informed that none of our four different credit cards were accepted because they were issued by digital (non-traditional) banks.
In over 15 years of travelling and renting cars across Europe, this is the first time I have ever encountered such a policy.
When I questioned this requirement, I pointed out that such an important condition should be clearly displayed alongside the list of accepted payment methods. Instead, it was hidden in the very last sentence of the terms and conditions. Even the employee serving us knew the information existed but couldn't find it herself until we searched through the policy together.
When we asked for a reasonable explanation, we were given an answer that made even less sense than the policy itself. They claimed they could not accept our cards for the security deposit, despite the fact they were perfectly happy to charge those same cards for their expensive insurance products. If they can charge the cards, they should also be able to pre-authorise the deposit.
As a result, we refused to be pressured into paying for unnecessary insurance and decided not to rent the car. We lost €61 on our reservation, but we preferred that to dealing with a company that uses such unfair and misleading practices.
To make matters worse, when I asked for the official Portuguese complaints book ("Livro de Reclamações"), I was told that their physical complaints book was full and they did not have another one available. Instead, they suggested that I submit my complaint online. Apparently, online complaints are acceptable in the 21st century, but digital bank credit cards are not.
I would not recommend this company to anyone. Their policies are poorly communicated, their customer service is disappointing, and the entire experience felt misleading from start to finish.
PS: Portuguese client that lives and travels abroad!
8 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Liudmila,
We are sorry to hear that our services did not meet your expectations.
Our shuttle service operates continuously around the airport, with an approximate frequency of every 20 minutes. For this reason, we kindly recommend that customers proceed to the designated meeting point and remain there until the shuttle arrives, in order to ensure a smooth and efficient pick-up.
When choosing a Basic Rate, a valid credit card in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit pre-authorisation. Alternatively, we accept a debit card for payment when purchasing our optional coverage packages.
All information regarding the rental conditions is available for review at the time of booking.
For a future car rental, we recommend choosing a rate without excess, which may be more suitable according to your needs.
Regarding your comments about the Complaints Book, we would like to clarify that it has always been available to all customers, in full compliance with the applicable legal requirements.
We fully respect every customer's right to submit a complaint and value all feedback as an opportunity to improve our services. However, we also believe it is important that public reviews are based on accurate and factual information.
We also note that some of the issues mentioned relate to the rental terms and conditions, which are clearly presented and made available for review before the reservation is confirmed. We therefore encourage customers to read these terms carefully to avoid any misunderstandings.
Our company is committed to treating every customer with professionalism, respect, and courtesy, and we expect the same level of respect in return. Honest and factual communication benefits both customers and service providers alike.
Should you require any further clarification, we remain available to assist you.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Good, fast and quality service
The car was clean, ready + service was quick & efficient
23 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Pauline,
Thank you very much for your positive feedback.
We are delighted to know that you found the vehicle clean and ready upon arrival, and that our service was quick and efficient.
We appreciate your trust and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
CLEARLY SCAM !
Starting with a delayed and very unfriendly shuttle experience, we were driven to the station to get our car. When trying to pay we were told both our creditcards were not accepted since "they were no real credit cards". (I payed and rented cars all over the world with my card so far). So we had to pay 284€ extra. No chance to solve it otherwise. 16€ car tax is added when getting the car as well, which is fine but never was listed anywhere before.
When bringing back the car there was other stuff, younger guys, which were nicer than the older guys.
But still it is obviously a scheme to rip off tourists, because probably 90% will not have "the correct type of credit card". I wish i checked google reviews before. Same comments there.
23 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Customer,
We are sorry to hear that our services did not meet your expectations.
When choosing a Basic Rate, a valid credit card in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit pre-authorisation. Alternatively, we accept a debit card for payment when purchasing our optional coverage packages.
All information regarding the rental conditions is available for review at the time of booking.
For a future car rental, we recommend choosing a rate without excess, which may be more suitable according to your needs.
Should you require any further clarification, we remain available to assist you.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Friendly staff and good car, but outdated payment rules
The local staff was very friendly, and our VW T-Roc—while having many exterior damages—was fully functional and perfectly suited for navigating Madeira.
Unfortunately, the payment experience was a nightmare. They flat-out refused my valid credit card because it was on my Google Wallet, strictly demanding a physical plastic card. To avoid losing our rental entirely, we were forced to buy their in-house "Service Gold Complete" insurance for an exorbitant ~700€, despite already having full coverage with an excess refund through our broker. Warning: Do not rely on modern digital wallets here. If you don't have a physical credit card, they will use this technicality to force a massive, completely unnecessary upsell at the counter!
5 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Niklas,
Thank you very much for your review and for sharing your experience.
We are delighted to hear that you found our local team friendly and that the VW T-Roc was fully functional and well suited for exploring Madeira.
When choosing a Basic Rate, a valid credit card in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit pre-authorisation. Alternatively, a debit card is accepted for payment when purchasing one of our optional protection packages.
All information is available for review at the time of booking.
For a future car rental, we recommend choosing a rate without excess, which may be more suitable depending on your preferences and needs.
Should you require any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@funchaldrive.com.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Extremely good service
Extremely good service, and stuck by the insurance policy when the car I was in was vandalised. They said straight away I would not need to pay anything. Also, exceptional communication.
13 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Jamie,
Thank you very much for your kind review and for sharing your experience.
We are delighted to know that you were satisfied with our service, our communication and the support provided by our team during this situation. We always aim to assist our customers in a professional and efficient manner, ensuring that the applicable insurance conditions are respected.
We appreciate your trust in Funchal Drive and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Good comunication
Good comunication, amazing prize and it may seem obvious but the pick-up van in the airport is as well helpful
20 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Pau,
Thank you very much for your kind feedback.
We are delighted to hear that you were satisfied with our communication, our prices, and the convenience of our airport pick-up service.
We always aim to provide a simple, smooth, and comfortable experience from the moment you arrive until the end of your rental.
We truly appreciate your trust and hope to welcome you again on your next visit.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Really terrific
Really terrific, car, and the reps were all friendly, helpful and professional - on time pickup and dropoff at the airport, no stress, no hassles, and fantastic price. Thank you all!
23 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Tim,
Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback.
We are delighted to hear that you were satisfied with the vehicle and that our team provided a friendly, helpful, and professional service. We are also pleased to know that the airport pick-up and drop-off were punctual and that your experience was smooth and stress-free.
Your kind words mean a lot to us and motivate our team to continue providing the best service possible.
We truly appreciate your trust and hope to welcome you again on your next visit.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
Punctual and efficient
Punctual and efficient. Great service highly recommended.
17 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Funchal Drive
Dear Ale,
Thank you very much for your kind feedback.
We are delighted to hear that you found our service punctual and efficient. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your trust and support.
We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Kind regards,
Funchal Drive Team
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