Getting to the University of Madeira
The University of Madeira can be reached through a range of transport options, offering participants flexibility in choosing the most convenient solution according to their needs and schedule. For the purposes of orientation and practical guidance, this booklet uses Funchal city centre, in particular the Municipal Garden area, as the standard reference point for all estimated travel times, distances, and costs mentioned throughout the text. Regardless of the means of transport chosen, the use of Google Maps is recommended for route planning, as it generally provides a reasonably accurate indication of directions and journey times.
Please note that the University of Madeira operates in two separate buildings located in different parts of Funchal. Participants are therefore advised to pay close attention to the address of the event venue and to use the following details when planning their journey or entering the destination in a navigation app: Universidade da Madeira – Campus Universitário da Penteada, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal.
The 34th EECERA Annual Conference will be hosted across two main venues, the University of Madeira Campus Penteada and Tecnopolo, Madeira’s International Congress and Exhibition Centre. The two buildings are conveniently located next to each other and in close proximity to the centre of Funchal. The main conference registration and the Welcome Drinks reception will be held at Quinta Magnolia Gardens (25th August).
Please check the map here to see here all the venues on the map:
- the Quinta Magnolia gardens (main conference registration and welcome drinks reception venue),
- Caminho de Penteada University Campus (SIG meetings and symposia sessions)
- Tecnopolo (plenary and poster session venue; exhibtion, lunch and refreshments)
Private car
Participants travelling by private car are advised to check in advance the most suitable access route and the parking options available near the venue. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis only, and there are no reserved spaces for event participants. Parking areas are located around the building, as well as in an open field situated to the north of the venue. These parking spaces are free of charge, provided that vehicles are parked within the marked boundaries. As the event takes place in August, a period during which many local residents are on holiday, parking is not expected to be excessively difficult. Nevertheless, availability cannot be guaranteed and remains outside the responsibility of the organisers.
Taxi services
Taxis are a convenient and widely available way to reach the university. They can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or taken from designated taxi ranks throughout the city. This option may be particularly useful for participants travelling with luggage, arriving from the airport, or preferring a more direct journey. From Funchal city centre, the journey to the University of Madeira’s Campus da Penteada is generally short and will usually take around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. As a practical benchmark, a standard daytime journey on this route would normally be expected to cost in the region of approximately EUR 6 to EUR 10. Night-time, Sunday and public-holiday fares are slightly higher, and luggage or pets may incur an additional supplement. As taxi fares are metered, delays caused by traffic may also increase the final amount slightly. Many taxis in Funchal are now equipped to accept debit and credit card payments; however, some may still accept cash only, so participants for whom this may be an inconvenience are advised to check the available payment method before starting the journey. Participants who wish to do so may also ask for a receipt at the end of the trip.
Ride-hailing services
Ride-hailing apps may also be used to travel to and from the university and can offer a practical and flexible alternative to traditional taxis, particularly for individual travellers or small groups. At the time of writing, the main services available in Madeira include Uber, Bolt, and taxiin. For journeys between Funchal city centre, and the university, the journey time will generally be similar to that of a taxi, usually around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. As a general indication, fares for a standard vehicle on this route often fall within the region of approximately EUR 3 to EUR 10, depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and current demand. Since prices on these platforms may vary dynamically, participants are advised to check the fare shown in the app before confirming the journey. Bolt’s own route information for short trips in Funchal shows that prices can vary according to route and service category.
Public buses
Several regular public bus routes serve the area of the University of Madeira, connecting it with Funchal city centre and surrounding areas. These are not routes dedicated exclusively to the university; rather, they are standard public transport services that pass through or near the campus area and may therefore be used to reach the venue. Participants are advised to consult timetables and route maps in advance in order to plan their journey accordingly.
The Horários do Funchal journey planner is the easiest way to check the most suitable bus route and departure times from your hotel or accommodation. You can search by location, route or bus stop.
Destination: University of Madeira – Penteada Campus / Madeira Tecnopolo
Plan your journey: Horários do Funchal journey planner
Please check timetables shortly before travelling, as routes and schedules may change. The website also provides current service alerts and information about route changes
Airport Connection – Aerobus
A regional airport bus service, the Aerobus, also provides a connection between Madeira Airport and the city of Funchal. The current fare is EUR 6.50 per journey. As this service makes several stops across the city, participants are advised to consult the official Aerobus page and timetable below in order to assess whether it is a convenient option for their journey.
Accessibility and travel planning
Participants are encouraged to allow additional travel time, particularly during peak hours, and to verify the most up-to-date information on transport schedules, routes, and local traffic conditions before travelling. For public transport planning, participants are advised to consult the Horários do Funchal journey planner for regular bus services and the official Aerobus page for airport connections. Participants with specific accessibility or mobility requirements are likewise encouraged to review the available transport options in advance and, where appropriate, confirm the most suitable arrangements directly with the relevant service provider.
Walking access
For participants departing from Funchal city centre, walking to the university may also be an appealing option for those who wish to experience the city on foot. Depending on pace and the exact point of departure, the uphill walk to the campus generally takes around [30-40 minutes]. As the route involves a steep climb, participants are advised to consult Google Maps in advance when planning their journey. Although the app generally provides reasonably reliable directions and time estimates, uphill walking times in Funchal may occasionally be slightly more optimistic than the actual experience, and allowing some additional time is therefore recommended. By contrast, downhill journeys towards the city centre tend to correspond more closely to the estimated duration shown by the app. Comfortable footwear and due consideration of weather conditions are also advisable.