Find the cheapest flights from London to Madeira in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Madeira (FNC)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 5 h 30 m – 8 h (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €340 | low |
| February | €320 | low |
| March | €380 | medium |
| April | €420 | medium |
| May | €450 | medium |
| June | €520 | high |
| July | €620 | high |
| August | €680 | high |
| September | €480 | high |
| October | €390 | medium |
| November | €300 | low |
| December | €520 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- British Airways (direct): from €450 — BA offers the shortest direct flights from LHR; book 6-8 weeks ahead for best fares, especially for August departures which sell out quickly
- easyJet (direct): from €380 — Check both LGW and LTN airports for easyJet services; their peak season (June-Aug) prices surge significantly – book 10+ weeks ahead
- TAP Air Portugal (connecting): from €320 — Connecting via Lisbon is the most reliable option; overnight connections can save €50-100 but add 4+ hours to journey
- Ryanair (connecting): from €280 — Ryanair flies to Porto from Stansted, then connection to FNC; total journey 7-10 hours but often cheapest at €280-350
Booking Strategy
The optimal booking window for London-Madeira is 6-8 weeks before departure for direct flights, or 8-10 weeks for connecting options which require more availability planning. November through February offers the lowest fares (€300-380) as Madeira enters its quiet season – this is when you’ll find the best deals, though rainfall is higher on the island. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. For direct British Airways flights from Heathrow, use their website rather than OTAs to access the full fare class availability. If flying TAP via Lisbon, morning departures from London (LHR-LIS-FNC) tend to have shorter connection times than evening flights which may require an overnight stop. Avoid August entirely unless booking 12+ weeks ahead – this is Madeira’s busiest month and prices regularly exceed €600 even for connecting flights.
Route Tips
- Heathrow Terminal 5 has the most convenient BA check-in for direct flights; allow 2.5 hours minimum for security during school holidays
- Madeira Airport arrivals can experience delays due to crosswind conditions – have a backup plan if connecting to onward inter-island flights
- British Airways offers free seat selection 24 hours before departure – check in online then pick your seat for free rather than paying at booking
- Porto Santo Island (PXO) has a separate airport 80km from Funchal – don’t confuse it with FNC when booking multi-destination trips
- If arriving late evening, pre-book airport transfer as taxi queues can be long; the Aerobus runs until midnight but only every 90 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Madeira?
Direct flights from London (Heathrow) to Madeira take approximately 3 hours 45 minutes. British Airways operates the most reliable direct service. If flying with a connection via Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal), expect a total journey time of 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes, including a 1-2 hour layover in Lisbon. Connections via Porto or other European hubs can extend travel time to 7-9 hours. Seasonal direct services from Gatwick (easyJet) also operate during summer months with similar flight times to Heathrow departures.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Madeira?
Return flights range from €280 to €680 depending on season and airline. The cheapest deals (€280-350 return) are available with connecting carriers like TAP or Ryanair, or through error fares. Direct flights with British Airways or easyJet typically cost €380-600 for economy return. August is the most expensive month with average prices around €680, while November offers the best value at approximately €300-350 return. Peak season (June-September) sees prices 40-60% higher than low season rates.
Are there direct flights from London to Madeira?
Yes, direct flights operate year-round from London Heathrow with British Airways (daily service), and seasonally from London Gatwick and Luton with easyJet (typically March-October). The direct flight time is 3 hours 45 minutes. During winter months, British Airways may reduce frequency to 4-5 flights per week. No London airport offers year-round direct service from all carriers, so connecting options via Lisbon remain essential for maximum scheduling flexibility.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Madeira?
November is the cheapest month to fly from London to Madeira, with average return fares of €300-350. February and January also offer excellent value at €320-380 return. These months fall during Madeira’s low season when tourist numbers drop significantly. However, be aware that winter months can experience occasional flight disruptions due to Atlantic weather systems affecting Madeira Airport’s famous wind conditions. The shoulder months of March, April, and October offer a good balance of decent weather and moderate pricing (€380-420).
Which airlines fly from London to Madeira?
British Airways operates year-round direct flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage included. easyJet serves Gatwick and Luton seasonally with Basic fares excluding checked bags. TAP Air Portugal offers reliable connecting flights via Lisbon from all London airports. Ryanair flies from Stansted to Porto with a connection to FNC – cheapest option but longest journey. Budget carriers typically charge €15-35 for checked bags each way, while legacy carriers include one 23kg hold bag in the ticket price.
What airport do I fly into in Madeira?
You will fly into Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) located in Santa Cruz, 18km northeast of Funchal city centre. The airport sits on Madeira’s east coast, requiring a 25-30 minute transfer to Funchal. Public bus (Aerobus) costs €6.50 and takes 40 minutes. Taxis cost approximately €25-30 to Funchal. Pre-booked airport transfers start at €20. Note: Madeira Airport is famous for its challenging approach due to wind patterns – flights may occasionally divert to Porto Santo island or be delayed.
How far in advance should I book London to Madeira flights?
For direct British Airways flights, book 6-8 weeks ahead for optimal pricing (€400-500). Connecting flights with TAP should be booked 8-10 weeks ahead to secure €300-380 fares. During August and Christmas/New Year periods, book 10-12 weeks minimum as these dates sell out quickly. Last-minute bookings (within 2 weeks) rarely yield deals on this route – expect to pay €500+ for any availability. January and November bookings can sometimes find last-minute deals at €350-400 as airlines seek to fill remaining seats.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Madeira on weekdays?
Yes, flying midweek significantly reduces costs on this route. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights. This pattern holds across all airlines, though the savings are most pronounced with low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair. For example, a Saturday return in August might cost €600 while the same flight on a Tuesday could be €520. Weekend return flights (particularly Sunday) are consistently the most expensive. For best value, depart London Wednesday to Friday and return Monday or Tuesday.
Data updated: 2026-03
