The crossing can be done on a small budget by camping, or more comfortably by combining camping zones, hotels on the passes and taxis. Here are the costs to plan for, with official prices where they exist.
Trail fees and camping
- Trail fees (non-residents): €10.50 for the full PR1, then €4.50 per PR trail or €9 per day for two or more PR trails (excluding the PR1). For six days, allow about €35 to €45 per person (our estimate).
- Camping permit: €5 per tent per night, i.e. €25 for five nights.
Accommodation
A few stages let you sleep under a roof: Achada do Teixeira (Mountain Spot Lodge, around €90 for a dormitory bed with breakfast according to its website), Encumeada and Porto Moniz, as well as the villages near the route (Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana, São Vicente, Seixal). The IFCN also rents out a few forest houses on SIMplifica. Prices vary a lot with the season: see our accommodation list, which gives published prices where known.
Transport
- Buses: about €2 to €5 per journey on regular routes, €3 for the Pico do Areeiro service.
- Taxis: essential for some mountain access points (Achada do Teixeira, Paul da Serra, Fanal). Ask for the fare before setting off.
Our estimate for 6 days
| Item | Camping |
|---|---|
| Trail fees | €35–45 |
| Camping permit (5 nights) | €25 |
| Bus there and back | €10–15 |
| Food (cafés and groceries) | €90–150 |
| Total, excluding flights | €160–235 |
Add one or two taxis if you are getting round closed trails, and possibly a hotel night before the start and after the finish.
Other guides
- Madeira trail fees and bookings: SIMplifica guide (2026–2027)
- Madeira trail closures: is the Madeira Crossing open?
- Is the Madeira Crossing an official “GR1”?
- Camping in Madeira: camping zones, permits and rules
- Buses and taxis for the Madeira Crossing
- When to walk the Madeira Crossing? Climate and seasons
- Safety, water and rescue on the Madeira Crossing
- Packing list for the Madeira Crossing