The Botanical Garden Cable Car connects the hillside village of Monte with Madeira’s Botanical Garden, on the opposite side of a steep valley above Funchal. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. This cable car is a separate service from the well-known Funchal Cable Car that connects the Old Town to Monte; some visitors confuse the two, so check which route you need before buying tickets.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Daily except 25 December, 9:00–17:00 (last boarding 16:50) |
| Ticket prices | Cable car only: €11 one way / €16 return (adult); €6 / €9 (child 7–14). With Botanical Garden entry: €19 / €24 (adult); €9 / €12 (child). Under-7s free |
| Address | Monte station and Jardim Botânico station, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
| Nearest transport | Monte station connects to the separate Funchal Cable Car and local buses |
| Typical visit length | 10–20 minutes for the ride; 1.5–2 hours if visiting the Botanical Garden too |
Botanical Garden Cable Car opening hours
The cable car operates daily except 25 December, from 9:00 to 17:00, with last boarding at 16:50.
Tickets are valid for 12 months from purchase, so they don’t need to be used on the day they’re bought.
Botanical Garden Cable Car ticket prices
A cable car-only ticket costs €11 one way or €16 return for adults, and €6 one way or €9 return for children aged 7 to 14. Children under 7 travel free.
A combined ticket including entry to the Botanical Garden costs €19 one way or €24 return for adults, and €9 one way or €12 return for children.
Booking online gives a 10% discount on ticket prices.
This cable car is not included in any city pass, and is a separate service from the Funchal Cable Car that connects the Old Town to Monte.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
Top Madeira experiences to book in advance
- 🚙 Northern Madeira jeep tour combining ocean pools, cliffs and mountain views on this guided off-road adventure
- 🍷 Funchal food and wine tour for a relaxed way to feast in the capital on this small-group tasting experience
- 🐬 Dolphin and whale watching cruise on a luxury catamaran tour
- 🌲 West Madeira highlights tour visiting waterfalls and the Fanal Forest on this full-day scenic island trip
- 🚶 Old Funchal walking tour covering the historic heart of Madeira’s capital with a local expert guide
How to get to the Botanical Garden Cable Car
The Monte station stands close to the separate Funchal Cable Car’s Monte terminus, so many visitors combine both rides in one trip.
The Jardim Botânico station is a short walk from local bus stops serving the Botanical Garden.
There is no direct connection between this cable car and central Funchal; visitors typically reach Monte first, by cable car, bus, or car.
Why book the Madeira West Coast waterfalls and peaks tour?
- Scenic west coast landscapes: Travel along Madeira’s dramatic western coastline with views of cliffs, sea and lush mountainous terrain.
- Waterfall viewpoints: Stop at stunning waterfalls and natural cascades, perfect for photos and soaking up the island’s verdant scenery.
- Highland peaks and panoramas: Enjoy sweeping vistas from elevated lookouts, offering a striking contrast between mountain and ocean.
- Guided commentary: Learn about Madeira’s geology, flora and local culture from an experienced guide throughout the tour.
- Comfortable day trip from Funchal: Includes transport for a hassle-free way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful natural highlights in one day.
Parking near the Botanical Garden Cable Car
Limited parking is available near both stations; the Botanical Garden itself also has its own car park for visitors arriving by road.
How long to spend at the Botanical Garden Cable Car
The one-way journey takes about 9 minutes; a round trip, with time to explore a station along the way, takes about 18 minutes.
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours in total if combining the ride with a visit to the Botanical Garden itself.
Accessibility at the Botanical Garden Cable Car
No specific accessibility information is published for boarding or the cabins themselves; visitors with mobility needs should contact the operator in advance.
Inside the Botanical Garden Cable Car: what to see
The cable car crosses a steep, forested valley between Monte and Madeira’s Botanical Garden, offering views over terrain rarely seen from the road.
A round-trip ticket allows visitors to stop off partway, explore the station and surrounding area, and continue the journey later.
The connecting Botanical Garden displays a wide range of Madeiran and exotic plant species across terraced hillside grounds.
The service is operated by MTA – Transportes Alternativos da Madeira, the same company managing several of the island’s cable car routes.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Buy your ticket online for a 10% discount before travelling. |
| Combine this ride with the separate Funchal Cable Car for a fuller day exploring Monte from both directions. |
| Choose the combined ticket if you plan to visit the Botanical Garden, since it works out cheaper than paying separately. |
| Check which cable car you need before booking, since this route does not connect to central Funchal directly. |
| Keep your ticket, since it remains valid for 12 months if you don’t use it on the planned day. |
Frequently asked questions about the Botanical Garden Cable Car
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Botanical Garden Cable Car suitable for children? | Yes, and children under 7 ride free. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | Not required, though booking online gives a 10% discount. |
| Does this cable car go to central Funchal? | No, it only connects Monte with the Botanical Garden; a separate cable car serves the Old Town. |
| Are tickets valid on any date? | Yes, tickets remain valid for 12 months from purchase. |
| Is the Botanical Garden Cable Car wheelchair accessible? | Not confirmed; contact the operator in advance if step-free access is needed. |
Things to do near the Botanical Garden Cable Car
The Madeira Botanical Garden, at the cable car’s southern terminus, displays a wide range of plant species. Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, near the Monte terminus, offers a comparable but distinct botanical and art collection.
Monte Church, with its towers and views, is a short walk from the Monte station. The Funchal Cable Car, also departing from Monte, connects back down to the Old Town.
Alternative attractions
The Funchal Cable Car, connecting the Old Town to Monte, is Funchal’s better-known cable car route. The Achadas da Cruz Cable Car, on Madeira’s north coast, descends to a small agricultural settlement by the sea.
The Rocha do Navio Cable Car, near Santana, connects a village to a nature reserve on the coast below. The Monte Toboggan Ride offers a completely different way to descend from Monte, using traditional wicker sledges.
More Madeira travel
Other Madeira travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Guides to Madeira’s north coast highlights, including the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, Seixal Beach and the Fanal Forest.
- Guides to Madeira’s best south coast attractions, including Cabo Girao and Ribeira Brava Beach.
- Survey the mountains from Madeira’s Boca da Encumeada Viewpoint.
- Funchal travel guides: The Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal Cathedral, Monte Church, Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and the Madeira Cable Car.
