The Franschhoek Wine Tram is one of the most fun ways to taste the Cape Winelands. Here is how the hop-on hop-off lines work, how to choose a route, what tickets cost and how to plan the day from Cape Town.
Franschhoek is the prettiest valley in the Cape Winelands, and the Wine Tram is the easiest way to enjoy it. You hop on, hop off at estates along a set route, taste, eat, and nobody has to drive.
It is about an hour from Cape Town, which makes it a perfect day trip or an easy add-on to a Stellenbosch stay.
How the Franschhoek Wine Tram works
The tram runs several colour-coded hop-on hop-off lines, each visiting a set of wine estates by a mix of open-air tram and tram-bus. You choose one line for the day, ride between stops and spend about an hour at each estate you pick.
Tickets cover transport only. Tastings, lunch and any wine you buy are paid at each estate.
Insider tips
- Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and in summer.
- Choose three or four estates, not every stop. Quality beats quantity.
"The best wine days are the ones where nobody checks the time."
Choosing your line
Each line has a different personality: some focus on bubbles and Cap Classique, some on grand historic estates, some on quieter boutique farms. Read the estate list and pick the line that matches your taste and pace, then book lunch at the estate where you want to linger longest.
Getting there from Cape Town
The tram departs from Franschhoek village, roughly 75 to 90 minutes from Cape Town. Since everyone will be tasting, a private driver or transfer is the smart choice for the round trip. We can also combine it with a night in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch.
Insider tips
- Arrive 20 minutes before your departure time to check in.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat.
Make it part of a bigger trip
A Wine Tram day pairs beautifully with a Stellenbosch estate stay, a romantic Cape Town getaway or a celebration with friends. Tell us your dates and group size and we will arrange tickets, lunch bookings and transport.
Key takeaways
- 01Pick one tram line and three or four estates.
- 02Tickets cover transport; tastings and lunch are extra.
- 03Book ahead for weekends and summer.
- 04Use a private driver for the trip from Cape Town.
- 05Pair it with a Stellenbosch or Franschhoek overnight stay.
Plan your trip: keep reading
Written by
Ayanda Nkosi
On-the-ground contributor for the SA Travelcations journal, writing from Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route.
