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The wicker toboggan ride down from Monte is one of Funchal's most recognized traditions, but the advertised fare is only part of the equation. Between the sled itself, the return trip, and garden admission if you're combining the two, the total climbs quickly—and knowing the breakdown helps you budget the day accurately.
Quick answer
The madeira toboggan cost is €30 per person for a single ride (€60 for two passengers sharing one sled), covering the 2-kilometer descent from Monte to Livramento. That fare includes the two carreiros who steer and brake. The ride itself does not include return transport—expect an additional €10–15 for a taxi back up to Monte or into central Funchal. If you're visiting Monte Palace Tropical Garden beforehand, add the 18 EUR entrance fee to your total.
The wicker sleds were once the primary means of transport between Monte and the lower parishes, built by skilled basket weavers and piloted by carreiros whose families have worked the route for generations. Today the ride exists as a heritage attraction, but the economics remain rooted in craft labor—each sled is hand-maintained, and every descent requires two drivers working in tandem to control speed on the steep cobbled streets. The madeira toboggan cost reflects that hands-on operation. You pay per sled, not per passenger, so solo travelers pay the same €30 as a single rider in a two-person booking, while couples split the €60 fare. The route begins at the top of Caminho das Babosas, a few minutes' walk downhill from Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and ends near the Livramento neighborhood roughly ten minutes later. The carreiros use their rubber-soled boots as brakes, leaning back against the momentum on the sharper turns, and the ride covers just over two kilometers with a drop of around 200 meters in elevation. What catches visitors off guard is the return leg. The sleds travel one direction only, and no public bus runs the reverse route back to Monte. Most riders take a taxi from the Livramento endpoint, which costs between €10 and €15 depending on your destination—back to Monte if you parked there, or onward to Funchal's hotel zone if you're done for the day. A few opt to walk the route in reverse, but the gradient makes it a steep 40-minute climb under full sun. If you're pairing the toboggan with a visit to the garden, factor the 18 EUR admission into your budget. The garden and the sled station sit at opposite ends of Monte, close enough to combine in a single morning but far enough that the walk between them adds another ten minutes. Arriving early helps you navigate both before the cruise-ship groups reach Monte, and the carreiros do not take advance reservations—you queue and ride in turn, so mid-morning and early afternoon queues can stretch to 30 minutes or more during peak months.
“The wicker sleds were once the primary means of transport between Monte and the lower parishes, piloted by carreiros whose families have worked the route for generations.”
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is open daily to accommodate visitors planning their trip to the Funchal toboggans.
The best arrival window is 09:00–11:00. Arriving during this period allows you to navigate the Monte Palace Tropical Garden before mid-day cruise ship crowds and higher temperatures arrive.
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Visit mid-week to experience fewer visitors in the garden paths.
Mild with temperatures near 18-20°C
Spring weather offers comfortable conditions for walking the grounds.
Stable with temperatures near 20-22°C
Autumn provides clear skies and manageable temperatures for exploring.
Warm with peaks above 25°C
Cruise ship arrivals typically increase congestion between 12:00 and 15:00.
Verdict: Tuesday to Thursday, arriving at 09:00, during April or October offers the optimal balance for your visit.
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is located at Caminho das Babosas, 4, in the Monte district of Funchal. The most common approach involves traveling from Funchal city center to the Monte terminal via the Funchal Cable Car.
Funchal-Monte line from Old Town
Horários do Funchal lines 20, 21, 22 to Monte
Direct from Funchal city center
The Funchal Cable Car provides the most direct connection to the upper Monte area. From the top station, follow the local signage for a short walk to the main entrance.
Prepare these items before your visit to ensure smooth entry and a complete experience.
Everything you need to know about madeira toboggan cost
The madeira toboggan cost varies depending on the number of passengers per wicker sled. You should verify the current local rates at the departure point in Monte, as these are independent of garden admission. Official Monte Palace Tropical Garden entrance fees are 18 EUR and cover your museum and botanical exploration. This specific fee is separate from the basket car operator charges. Many visitors budget for both the garden entry and the downhill transport separately when planning their Funchal landmark visits. Children generally follow a similar pricing structure as adults for the sled descent, though operators may offer minor adjustments. Always check with the drivers directly at the top of the hill for the most accurate and current pricing. While the site does not sell toboggan tickets, you can purchase garden admission online to streamline your arrival. Managing your total spend is easiest by visiting early in the day to avoid peak cruise ship crowds. Planning your itinerary to include the garden first allows you to maximize the value of your entrance fee before heading to the transport departure area.