The bus answer
Route 702 offers journeys via the airport towards Machico. Choose a journey marked “a — Via Aeroporto”; the route number alone does not mean the bus calls at FNC. You do not need to travel via Funchal; check any “T” transfer note on your chosen journey.
Which bus serves the airport?
SIGA’s route 702 sheet, still headed with its old number 113, lists Machico and defines “a” as via Aeroporto. “b” means via Bemposta; do not substitute a journey marked only “b” for an airport call. The Aerobus 500 goes to Funchal, not Machico.
Route 701 (old 23) also publishes some airport calls in the Machico-to-Funchal direction. Its sheet does not establish the same airport calls in the other direction. Use 702 as the sourced outward option here.
Where to board and leave
At the airport bus stop, ask for the 702 journey via Aeroporto towards Machico/Caniçal. Confirm both the direction and the airport call with CAM or the driver. The checked sheet does not publish a numbered airport bay or an airport departure column.
Ask to leave at Machico. The sheet uses Machico as a timing point, without specifying a bay. This sheet is not a full list of roadside stops; confirm the stop for your accommodation.
Timetables and the return to FNC
Open route 702 below for the SIGA sheet and its day tables. Its Funchal departure column is not an airport departure time. Do not calculate an airport pickup time from it. “T” denotes a change of bus on marked journeys: ask CAM how that affects your chosen journey.
Back to the airport, choose a Machico departure towards Funchal explicitly marked “a”. Check the return column and day type, including any “T” note. Route 701’s published airport calls are another return option, subject to its own day table. Confirm the airport drop-off before boarding and allow a margin before your flight.
Bags and assistance
The checked route sheets and SIGA FAQ do not publish a luggage allowance, size limit or pushchair rule for this trip. Ask CAM about your bags or assistance needs. There is no published guarantee here of a low-floor bus on your departure.
Routes and published timetables
Before you rely on a timetable
Madeira’s bus times and stop information can be difficult to interpret and may change. Keeping this guide current is ongoing work, and errors are possible. Always check the latest SIGA timetable and confirm the departure and boarding place with local staff or the driver before relying on a journey — especially for the last bus or a tight connection.
Sources and scope
SIGA sources reviewed on 15 October 2026. Route numbers are matched to SIGA’s 2026 conversion table. Older PDF headings retain their old numbers; a snapshot is not a live service update.
