English| EUR
Suggested for you
More currencies
Choose a language
The Monte toboggan ride is one of Funchal's most distinctive experiences, yet its cost structure often surprises first-time visitors. Between the sledge fare, cable car access, and return transport, the total outlay varies widely depending on how you combine tickets. This guide breaks down each component so you can plan your budget with precision.
Quick answer
The funchal toboggan cost for a standard two-person wicker sledge ride from Monte to Livramento is €30 per person, or €35 for a single rider. The 2-kilometer descent takes approximately 10 minutes and is operated by carreiros who steer and brake the traditional cane sled. Most visitors combine the ride with the Funchal–Monte cable car (€15 one-way, €21 return), though you can also reach the starting point by taxi, bus, or private transfer.
The wicker toboggan has descended the steep streets of Monte since 1850, when British residents first adopted local cane sleds as a practical means of reaching Funchal's lower quarters. Today the ride operates as a heritage attraction, with each sledge steered by two carreiros in traditional straw hats and rubber-soled boots that grip the cobbles during braking maneuvers. The funchal toboggan cost reflects both the ride itself and the various transport combinations that get you to the starting point at Largo da Fonte. The cable car from Funchal's old town is the most popular access route, offering a 15-minute ascent with views over terracotta rooftops and the harbor. Visitors who book a combined ticket often pay less than purchasing each leg separately, though no official package exists—pricing depends on whether you buy transport and sledge tickets independently or through a tour operator. The ride fare covers two passengers per sledge, with carreiros expecting a tip of €5–10 at the finish line in recognition of the physical effort required to control the descent. Beyond the sledge fare and cable car, budget for return transport from Livramento back to central Funchal. Public bus 48 runs frequently and costs under €2, while taxis charge approximately €10–15. Some visitors walk the remaining 1.5 kilometers downhill, extending the experience into a neighborhood walk past quinta gardens and azulejo-tiled facades. The toboggan ride itself operates year-round in dry conditions, with carreiros halting service during rain due to reduced braking traction on wet cobblestones. Monte Palace Tropical Garden sits adjacent to the toboggan starting point, and many visitors allocate time for both attractions in a single morning. The garden's terraced layout and museum collection warrant at least 90 minutes, making it a natural pairing with the sledge descent. Arrive early to secure a place on the first sleds of the day—queues build quickly after 10:00, particularly when cruise ships dock in Funchal harbor.
“The wicker toboggan has descended the steep streets of Monte since 1850, when British residents first adopted local cane sleds as a practical means of reaching Funchal's lower quarters.”
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located in the Monte district, typically accessed from Funchal city center via the Funchal Cable Car. This transit method provides a direct route to the upper station, situated within walking distance of the garden entrance.
Teleférico do Funchal from Funchal Old Town to Monte
Horários do Funchal line 20, 21, 22, or 48 from central Funchal
Direct from Funchal center to Caminho das Babosas n4-A
Arrive between 09:00–11:00 to avoid peak tour group crowds and enjoy the garden in cooler temperatures.
The best arrival window to visit is 09:00–11:00. Arriving during these hours allows visitors to avoid peak tour group crowds and experience the gardens in cooler morning temperatures.
—
Quiet conditions make for efficient navigation through the garden grounds.
Warm with high sun exposure
Expect higher foot traffic on paths and longer wait times for facilities.
Mild temperatures averaging 18°C–22°C
These shoulder months provide comfortable walking conditions outside of the summer humidity.
Verdict: For the optimal experience, arrive Tuesday to Thursday at 09:00 during the months of April or October.
Planning a visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden involves combining the admission fee with transport costs for the toboggan experience. Costs vary based on your preferred transit method between Funchal and Monte.
How to spend less
Verdict: A single visitor should budget between 60 EUR and 80 EUR to cover admission, transport, and the toboggan descent.
Everything you need to know about funchal toboggan cost
The funchal toboggan cost is separate from the garden admission, as the sled operators function as independent businesses. You should budget for both the garden entry and the individual sled descent fee when planning your day.
No, your 18 EUR entrance fee to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden covers access to the garden and museum only. The wicker basket operators charge their own fees at the base of their departure point just outside the garden.
There are no official tiered pricing structures for the Funchal sled tour itself, though rates can vary based on the number of passengers per basket. Always confirm the current funchal toboggan cost directly with the drivers before beginning your descent.
The best arrival window is 09:00–11:00 to avoid peak tour group crowds and enjoy the garden in cooler temperatures. Arriving early helps ensure you have a smooth start before the afternoon bus arrivals.
When calculating the total funchal toboggan cost, remember to account for your transportation to Monte, such as the cable car or local buses. The 18 EUR entry fee is a fixed price, while the sled ride is a variable expense you pay locally.
While you can purchase your garden entry in advance, the toboggan descent is a first-come, first-served activity. There is no skip-the-line option for the wicker baskets themselves, so you may encounter a queue during busy hours.
The traditional wicker sleds are generally suitable for children, though they must be accompanied by an adult. Safety regulations are managed by the operators, so verify age or size requirements at the departure station.