The Monte toboggan ride is Madeira’s most distinctive downhill experience: a two-kilometre descent in a hand-made wicker sledge, steered and braked by two traditionally dressed carreiros. It starts in Monte above Funchal and ends in Livramento rather than the city centre, so a little planning makes the experience far smoother. In this updated guide: current Monte toboggan ride Madeira prices 2026, how to reach the starting point, realistic queue strategy, what happens during the ride and the easiest ways to continue afterwards.
What is the Monte toboggan ride?
The famous carros de cesto, often called Monte sledges or wicker toboggans, began as a practical way for Monte residents to travel downhill towards Funchal in the 19th century. Today, they are one of the island’s best-known traditions: large wicker baskets mounted on wooden runners, guided downhill by two carreiros wearing white uniforms, straw hats and rubber-soled boots.
The journey is not an amusement-park ride. You sit low in the wicker sledge while the carreiros push away from the rank and guide it along steep public roads, using their boots to brake and steer. It is lively, photogenic and surprisingly fast in places, but the experienced drivers remain in control throughout.
The official route is about two kilometres and normally takes around 10 minutes. It begins close to Monte Church and the Monte Palace area, with broad views over Funchal and the Atlantic, then finishes downhill in Livramento. That endpoint is important: you will still be above central Funchal, so do not expect to step out directly into the Old Town or marina.
How to get to Monte and start the ride
For most first-time visitors, the simplest route is the Funchal Cable Car from the lower station near Campo Almirante Reis, at the eastern end of the Old Town. The cable car arrives at Largo das Babosas in Monte, within walking distance of the church, gardens and toboggan departure area. It is a particularly good choice if you want to pair the ride with a morning in Monte before coming down by sledge.
The official Funchal Cable Car runs daily from 08:45 to 17:45, except on Christmas Day. A one-way adult ticket is €16 and a return is €22, but choose a one-way ticket if you are certain that the toboggan will be your descent. Children aged 0 to 6 travel free, while ages 7 to 14 receive a 50% reduction.
You can also reach Monte by taxi, Bolt or local bus. A taxi or app ride can be the better option for families, visitors staying outside central Funchal, or anyone who does not want to queue for the cable car. If you are driving, remember that Monte’s roads are steep and parking close to the principal sights is limited; read our practical guide to driving Madeira’s mountain roads before taking a hire car uphill.
Once in Monte, follow signs for the Carreiros do Monte departure point. The ticket is bought at the rank on the day of travel. There are no online reservations for the toboggan, so do not rely on an advance booking confirmation from a third-party seller.
Monte toboggan ride Madeira prices 2026 and practical facts
The Carreiros do Monte introduced its current fares on 1 May 2026. Prices are per wicker sledge rather than per person, which makes sharing good value for a couple. A three-person sledge is available in dry conditions, but the operator does not run three-person rides when it is raining or the road surface is wet.
| Practical detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Departure point | Monte, near Monte Church and Largo das Babosas, Funchal |
| Arrival point | Livramento, on the hillside above central Funchal |
| Route length | About 2 km |
| Typical ride time | About 10 minutes |
| 2026 price: 1 person | €30 per sledge |
| 2026 price: 2 people | €40 per sledge |
| 2026 price: 3 people | €60 per sledge; not operated in rain or on wet roads |
| Usual operating hours | Monday to Saturday, 09:00–18:00 |
| Closed | Sundays and specified public holidays; weather can also stop operations |
| Tickets | Sold on site for same-day rides only; no online reservations |
Pay at the official departure point and check the accepted payment method before joining a long queue, especially if you are travelling with only cards or only cash. The association’s published information confirms on-site, same-day ticket sales, but payment arrangements can change, so it is sensible to carry a backup payment option.
Queues, weather and the best time to ride
Queue time is the least predictable part of the experience. It depends on cruise-ship days, school holidays, cable-car arrivals, weather and the number of sledges operating. There is no fixed maximum wait, and the ticket office may close before 18:00 if enough ticket holders are already waiting.
For the best chance of a short queue, arrive near the 09:00 opening time, particularly on weekdays. Another useful approach is to visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden or Monte Church first, then check the rank before committing to lunch. Midday can be busy because many organised excursions reach Monte at roughly the same time.
Rain changes the experience. The ride may be suspended when roads are wet, and three-person sledges do not operate in rainy conditions. If riding is a priority, plan it for a dry morning early in your Funchal stay rather than leaving it for your final afternoon. That way, you have another opportunity if weather prevents departures.
- Go early: Be at the rank close to opening time for the best queue strategy and cooler conditions.
- Buy the cable car one way: It avoids paying for a return journey you are unlikely to use after the downhill ride.
- Wear secure footwear: Flat shoes or trainers are more comfortable on Monte’s slopes and when walking from the arrival point.
- Keep valuables zipped away: Hold phones, sunglasses and loose hats securely while the sledge is moving.
- Share a sledge where possible: Two riders pay €40 in total, making it notably better value than two solo rides.
- Have a return plan: Order a taxi or Bolt after arriving in Livramento, or be prepared for a downhill walk into Funchal.
What happens during the ride?
After payment, you wait until a sledge and two carreiros are ready. They will help you settle into the basket, usually arranging passengers side by side or with a small child positioned carefully. The launch is gentle, but the roads quickly become steep enough to give a real sensation of speed.
The carreiros run beside and behind the sledge, leaning into bends and using their rubber-soled boots against the road to slow and direct it. It is noisy, physical and far more traditional than a modern attraction. Your view alternates between whitewashed hillside homes, road bends and open panoramas towards the bay of Funchal.
Near the finish in Livramento, you may find photographers offering souvenir pictures. This is optional: look at the image first, ask the price before agreeing, and feel free to decline politely. The toboggan fare covers the ride itself, not a photograph, transfer or onward transport.
From Livramento back to central Funchal
The sledges do not finish at the cable-car station, the marina or the Old Town. Livramento is downhill from Monte but still some distance from Funchal’s waterfront, so most visitors take a taxi or Bolt onward. It is a sensible choice after a morning in the gardens, especially for travellers with young children, limited mobility or hot weather.
Walking down is possible if you enjoy steep urban streets and have comfortable shoes, but it is not the best option for everyone. The descent takes you through residential areas before reaching the city; treat it as a walk rather than a quick five-minute stroll. If you want to continue sightseeing, ask your driver to drop you in the Old Town, then use our Funchal Old Town guide for an easy afternoon of painted doors, restaurants and waterfront walking.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Monte toboggan ride in 2026?
The official 2026 fare is €30 for one person, €40 for two people and €60 for three people, charged per sledge. The three-person option is not available in rain or when roads are wet.
Can I book the Monte toboggan ride in advance?
No. The official operator sells tickets only at the departure point and for the same day. Arrive early if the ride is high on your Madeira wish list.
How long does the Monte toboggan ride take?
The downhill route is approximately two kilometres and normally lasts around 10 minutes. Allow substantially longer overall if there is a queue.
Where does the Monte toboggan end?
It ends in Livramento, above central Funchal. Most visitors take a taxi or Bolt from there to the Old Town, hotel zone or cruise port.
Facts and prices verified in September 2026. For more ideas around the capital, see our guides to Funchal Old Town, taxis, Bolt and private drivers in Madeira, and Madeira with kids. Check conditions again on the day, as rain and heavy demand can affect toboggan departures.
