The Complete Guide to the Bus 139 Funchal to Porto Moniz Schedule

IMPORTANT:
At the time of writing of this post (May 2026), the SIGA bus company is currently under a process of renaming the routes.
The route 139 will be renamed to the routes: 340, 341, 350, 351, 352 and 353, depending on the direction and route.
Updated information can be found on SIGA website here.

If you are planning to visit the wild, dramatic North Coast of Madeira but don’t want to rent a car, you are likely trying to decode the island’s public transportation system. Navigating Madeira’s bus network can feel intimidating at first, but getting to Porto Moniz is actually incredibly straightforward once you know which route to take.

For travelers heading from the capital to the volcanic pools, the Bus 139 (Funchal to Porto Moniz) is the absolute best public transit option.

Here is your complete guide to the Bus 139 schedule, the route, and what to expect on your journey north.

What is the Bus 139? (And why not the 80?)

Madeira’s western and northern bus routes are operated by SIGA network. When looking at the map, you will see two main buses that go to Porto Moniz: the 80 and the 139.

• Bus 80: This is the scenic, painfully slow route. It hugs the entire south-western coastline before wrapping around to the north. It takes nearly 3 hours.

• Bus 139: This is your express ticket. The 139 cuts straight up through the center of the island via the impressive tunnels of São Vicente before following the spectacular northern coastline into Porto Moniz. It is significantly faster and offers breathtaking views of the northern cliffs.

The Bus 139 Schedule: What You Need to Know

Because the 139 serves the local communities of the North Coast, the schedule is highly functional but not as frequent as city buses.

(Note: Always verify exact departure times on the official SIGA/Rodoeste website or app on the day of your travel, as schedules shift slightly between winter/summer and weekdays/weekends).

Heading North (Funchal to Porto Moniz)

• Morning Departures: If you want a full day in Porto Moniz, you must catch the early morning bus. There is typically a departure around 7:35 AM (often requiring a quick, seamless transfer onto the 139 at São Vicente).

• Afternoon Departures: There are afternoon buses that leave Funchal (usually around 1:30 PM and later afternoon slots), which are perfect if you are checking into your accommodation and aren’t in a rush.

• The Stop: In Funchal, you can catch the bus right along the main Avenida do Mar 

Heading South (Porto Moniz to Funchal)

• Morning Departures: Early buses leave Porto Moniz starting around 6:00 AM, designed for locals heading to Funchal for work. There is usually a mid-day option around 12:10 PM.

• The “Last Bus” Warning: If you are only doing a day trip, be extremely careful. The last bus back to Funchal often leaves Porto Moniz around 4:00 PM or 5:40 PM depending on the day of the week. Do not miss it, or you will be paying for a very expensive 1-hour taxi ride back south!

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Check the entire schedule here >

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Why the Bus Ride is Part of the Magic

Don’t view the bus as just a utility. The 139 route is effectively a cheap, guided sightseeing tour. Try to grab a seat on the right side of the bus when heading to Porto Moniz. Once you pass São Vicente, you will be treated to sweeping, unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the green coastal cliffs.

The Secret to Skipping the “Last Bus” Panic

The biggest mistake travelers make is taking the morning bus to Porto Moniz, only to spend their entire afternoon looking at their watch, terrified of missing the 4:00 PM bus back to Funchal. You end up rushing your time at the volcanic pools and completely missing the legendary North Coast sunsets.

The solution? Don’t go back.

Base your stay at The Jolie. Our beautifully equipped, self-catering apartments are located right in the center of Porto Moniz. Take the afternoon bus up, check into your luxury ocean-view suite, and watch the day-trippers rush for the bus while you pour a glass of wine and float in the empty natural pools.

View The Jolie’s Porto Moniz Apartments and Book Your Stay →