[All planning guides](https://madeira.day/guides/en/index.md)

# Getting around Madeira: plan the return first

Choose an outing that works in both directions. A destination on a map does not establish a usable bus journey for your date.

## Work backwards from the return

Before choosing the outward trip, use SIGA to check a return for your exact date and island. Identify the boarding stop and direction for each leg, including any connection. Check whether the service applies to your travel day; do not assume the outward stop is also the return stop.

## Check the part beyond the stop

Ask how you will get from the arrival stop to the actual entrance and back. Confirm walking access, steps and any mobility needs with the destination. A bus stop near a trail does not establish access to that trail or transport from its other end.

## Choose a fallback you can use

Check fares and payment arrangements with the official service. Allow room for a delayed visit or missed connection and decide what to do if the return no longer works. If you cannot confirm a workable journey, choose another outing. Check service notices, access and warnings again before departure.


Planning advice, not a live conditions report. These pages do not automatically refresh facts. Check current information before leaving. Your chosen language continues in the interactive guide.

[Open the daily guide](https://madeira.day/?lang=en#suggestions)

## Official sources

SIGA is the official service to consult for the public bus network on Madeira and Porto Santo. Use it to verify routes, dates, stops, timetables, fares and service changes before leaving; IPMA owns official weather warnings. No bus, connection or return is promised here.

- [SIGA (Portuguese)](https://siga.madeira.gov.pt/public/faq)
- [IPMA (English)](https://www.ipma.pt/en/otempo/prev-sam/?p=MCS)

Editorial review: 29 October 2026 — copy review only, not verification of current conditions.

## Also useful

- [Madeira weather: choose a region for your day](https://madeira.day/guides/en/weather/index.md)
- [Madeira trail access: check before you walk](https://madeira.day/guides/en/trails/index.md)
- [What to do in Madeira when plans change](https://madeira.day/guides/en/backup-plan/index.md)
- [Madeira towns and culture: build a day around one stop](https://madeira.day/guides/en/towns-culture/index.md)
- [Madeira beaches and swimming: separate a coast visit from a swim](https://madeira.day/guides/en/beaches-swimming/index.md)
- [Food and events in Madeira: plan around a meal or an occasion](https://madeira.day/guides/en/food-events/index.md)