English| EUR
Suggested for you
More currencies
Choose a language
The toboggan ride from Monte to Funchal is one of Madeira's most distinctive experiences, but the cost can catch first-time visitors off guard. This guide covers the current fare structure, what's included in the price, and how the ride connects to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden visit.
Quick answer
The Funchal toboggan costs 30 EUR per person for a single ride, or 45 EUR for two passengers sharing one sled. The fare covers the two-kilometer wicker sledge descent from the top of Monte to Livramento, guided by two carreiros in traditional straw hats. Payment is cash-only at the departure station, and rides run continuously from morning until early evening when weather permits.
The carreiros do Monte have steered wicker toboggans down the steep cobbled lanes since 1850, when the sleds served as the fastest way to transport goods and passengers from the hillside settlement to the lower town. Today the ride is purely recreational, but the construction and technique remain unchanged: each sled is handwoven from willow, greased with tallow for speed, and controlled by two runners who brake with their rubber-soled boots. Understanding how much is the toboggan in Funchal requires context about the ride itself. The journey covers roughly two kilometers and drops 250 meters in elevation, taking between eight and ten minutes depending on traffic and the carreiros' pace. The sled holds up to two adults; solo riders pay the single fare, while pairs share one toboggan at the dual rate. Children under twelve typically ride free when accompanied by a paying adult, though the carreiros reserve the right to limit weight for safety on the steepest sections. The fare includes only the descent—no return transport is provided, and most riders either walk the remaining distance into central Funchal or catch a taxi from the Livramento endpoint. The toboggan station sits roughly 400 meters downhill from Monte Palace Tropical Garden, making it a natural pairing for visitors who've already climbed to the garden's elevation. Many combine both experiences in a single morning: the garden admission fee grants access to the terraced grounds and museum, while the Madeira toboggan ride offers a faster, more exhilarating route back down. The carreiros accept only cash, and no advance reservation system exists—you join the queue at the departure point and wait your turn, which can stretch to thirty minutes during cruise ship days. The wicker sled tradition emerged from necessity but persists because it works: the low center of gravity, flexible frame, and skilled handling make the descent both safe and quick. Riders sit directly on the woven floor with no harness or restraint, and the carreiros run alongside and behind, steering with ropes and their own body weight. The route follows public roads still used by cars, so the sleds pause at intersections and yield to uphill traffic. It is a working piece of Funchal's transport history, not a theme park attraction, and the price reflects both the craft involved and the physical effort the two-man teams sustain across dozens of runs each day.
“The wicker sled tradition emerged from necessity but persists because it works: the low center of gravity, flexible frame, and skilled handling make the descent both safe and quick.”
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden maintains consistent operating hours throughout the entire week, welcoming visitors daily.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located at Caminho do Monte 174, high above the city center of Funchal. The most common and direct way to reach the entrance is via the Funchal Cable Car, which offers a direct connection from the Old Town to the Monte area.
Line 20, 21, or 22 from Funchal city center to Monte
Teleférico do Funchal from Old Town to Monte
Direct route via Estrada do Monte to Caminho do Monte 174
Walking from the Monte cable car station to the entrance
Arrive between 09:30–11:00 to avoid large cruise ship tour groups and heat. Once you arrive at the Monte cable car station, the garden entrance is a short, signposted walk uphill.
The best arrival window is 09:30–11:00 to avoid large cruise ship tour groups and heat. Visiting during this time ensures a smoother walk through the garden grounds.
—
Arrive early to beat tour groups and cooler morning air.
Warm and sunny, 22°C–26°C
Expect higher visitor volume during July and August.
Mild and pleasant, 18°C–22°C
These shoulder seasons offer a balance of manageable visitor numbers and stable weather.
Verdict: The best time to visit is during the shoulder months of April, May, or October, arriving at 09:30 on a weekday.
Everything you need to know about how much is the toboggan in funchal
The price for the traditional wicker toboggan ride is separate from your garden entry, as these sleds are operated by independent local carreiros. You will need to check current rates directly with the drivers at the top of the Monte hill, as this is a distinct service from how much is the toboggan in funchal inquiries often confuse.
The entrance fee of 18 EUR provides access to the garden and museum but does not cover the wicker sled descent. Travelers often wonder how much is the toboggan in funchal because the two experiences are frequently linked in local itineraries.
To avoid large cruise ship tour groups and heat, arrive between 09:30–11:00. Planning your visit early ensures you can enjoy the grounds before the midday rush when you look into how much is the toboggan in funchal.
The attraction is located at Caminho do Monte 174, which is accessible via the cable car or local bus routes. Once you have explored the tropical flora and exotic plants, the sled departure point is situated just a short walk away.
Children may ride the sleds when accompanied by an adult, provided they meet the safety requirements set by the drivers. It is recommended to observe the departure area to gauge if the experience is suitable for your family before deciding how much is the toboggan in funchal to budget for.
Admission to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is 18 EUR for adults, which includes the garden and museum access. This fee is separate from the transport costs associated with the famous downhill sled descent.