The Franschhoek Wine Tram tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of this picturesque valley. Its rolling vineyards, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines, and 300-year history are all on show with one of these magical tours.
From visiting some of Cape Town’s best wineries to simply admiring the region’s beautiful rolling valleys, there’s no going wrong with one of these exceptional Franschhoek wine tram tours.
Highlights:
- Spot iconic natural landmarks in Franschhoek
- Sip on award-winning wines
- Enjoy your day without needing to worry about transportation or the itinerary
Know before you book:
- Tours last the entire day
- There are different tram lines, so pick the one that suits what you want to see
- Not all tours include lunch and wine-tasting fees
As you glide through the countryside by tram and open-air bus, you’ll uncover centuries-old wine estates, sweeping mountain views, award-winning restaurants, and some of South Africa’s most celebrated vintages. With its hop-on hop-off routes, tasting stops, and warm local hospitality, the experience blends culture, flavor, and scenery into one unforgettable journey.
This comparison guide covers everything you need to know about the tour, from Franschhoek Wine Tram ticket prices to the best time to go and top tips.
The tram bus in Franschhoek has become a popular activity for wine lovers from all over the world. Quaint and full of charm, Franschhoek is the perfect place to get away from the bustling city and enjoy several hours around one of the most serene wine valleys in South Africa.
With various lines to choose from, immerse yourself in an entire day of world-class wine tasting at a selection of 30 award-winning vineyards and wine estates. Some tours include an experienced guide who will elaborate on the history of Franschhoek, as well as the wine farms you will be visiting.
Sounds good to you? Read our Franschhoek wine tram reviews and compare available prices.
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Franschhoek Wine Tram Ticket Price 2026
If you’re looking for the most affordable Franschhoek wine tram tickets price, the cheapest available costs R350 (US$21) for adults and R90 (US$5.25) for children aged 3 to 17 years old.
That said, wine-tasting prices vastly differ depending on what you get; some offer food and beverages, others can even combine Franschhoek with other Cape Winelands regions. Prices also depend on the tour’s duration and whether it covers wine-tasting fees. Most Franschhoek wine tram tickets that include these fees range from R754 (US$44) to R2,500 (US$146).
Wine tasting fees, if not included in the Franschhoek wine tram ticket price, cost between R60 (US$3.50) and R260 (US$15) per person. These are subject to change, so check beforehand.
Compare wine tram Franschhoek prices across different ticket providers below:
Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour Lines and Times
Franschhoek wine tours operate on five different tram lines. The lines take you to either 5, 7, or 8 wine farms. These include the Blue Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Navy Line, and Red Line.
Departure times are between 9:30 am and 1 pm; you’ll have to check the Franschhoek Wine Tram timetable to check the terminal of departure for the specific line you chose. It’s also worth noting that Leopards Leap is closed on Mondays, which you would see along the Pink Line.
First Tram Departure Time: 9:30 am
Last Tram Collection Time: 6 pm (varies depending on the tram line)
Note: Guided tours leave slightly earlier to reach the tram lines before the first departure.
Franschhoek Tram Lines & Wine Estates Map
Here’s a look at the different Franschhoek wine tram lines and the estates each passes through.
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Blue Line |
Navy Line |
Orange Line |
Pink Line |
Red Line |
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La Bri |
Plaisir |
Boschendal |
Rickety Bridge |
Mont Rochelle |
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Holden Manz |
Vrede en Lust |
Plaisir |
Grande Provence |
Haute Cabrière |
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Maison |
Boschendal |
Babylonstoren |
Franschhoek Cellar |
Lynx |
|
Paserene |
Allée Bleue |
Baccō |
Atlas Swift |
Eikehof |
|
Klein Goederust |
Camberley |
Vrede en Lust |
Leopard’s Leap |
Rickety Bridge |
|
Grande Provence |
Bartinney |
Dieu Donné |
Grande Provence |
|
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Franschhoek Cellar |
Le Pommier |
Chamonix |
Franschhoek Cellar |
|
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Rickety Bridge |
Zorgvliet |
Pigcasso |
Best Time to Go on a Wine Tram in Franschhoek
It’s safe to say summer offers the best weather for a Franschhoek wine tram experience. The long sunny days and little to no rain make the months of December to February an unforgettable time to enjoy the tour. But it’s also the busiest time of year, so you must book well in advance.
For fewer crowds and mild weather, spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) offer a calmer experience, and the harvest season may offer a chance to taste new wine. Winter, which runs from June to August, is an option for quiet and cozy indoor tastings.
Things to Know About the Franschhoek Wine Tram Experience
Each Franschhoek wine tram line has its own departure time, so it’s highly recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes early. You’ll only receive a 100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time; same-day cancellations will not be allowed.
Franschhoek wine tours are known to be spot-on with their time management, so if you’re late, you’ll likely miss the departure. The trams stop at each wine estate every hour, so you can choose to move on to the next vineyard or extend your visit and wait for the next tram.
It’s also worth noting that most of the wine estates on the wine tram in Franschhoek are kid-friendly, providing children’s meals and fruit juice tastings. So, if you’re a family looking for a fun day trip to the Cape Winelands, this is still a fantastic option, because you can all have fun.
Top Tip: It is strongly suggested that you reserve a table for lunch at one of the farms along the route you have selected a few days before the tour, as restaurants are likely to be busy.
Our Top Franschhoek Wine Tram Experiences
The wine tram offers the perfect opportunity to explore the Cape Winelands and indulge in some of South Africa’s most sought-after wines. The average Franschhoek wine tram cost is also reasonable, making it a great activity for those looking for an all-day adventure on a budget.
Whether it’s the classy wine tram that piques your interest or a full day’s worth of alcohol consumption, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. But which Franschhoek tram line is the best for you? To help you out, here are our top choices for your ultimate wine tasting adventure.
From Cape Town: Franschhoek Wine Tram Hop-on Hop-off
If you want to visit some truly distinguished wine estates on a guided tour and at an affordable price, this hop-on, hop-off wine tram tour is for you. Take your pick of the tram line that suits you best, and get ready for an exceptional adventure in the “French Corner” of South Africa.
You’ll ride through rolling vineyards, with majestic mountains as the background. Spend an hour (or more) at each wine estate, hopping on and off when you want to. The wine farms on this tour depend on the tram line you pick, so if there’s a particular line you’d like to explore, make sure you choose the right tram line when booking your tickets. They all have something to offer.
What we liked: A very convenient and fun way to explore Franschhoek at an affordable price.
- Transfer from Cape Town to the Franschhoek Valley
- Live tour guide
- Ticket to the Franschhoek Tram
- Wine tasting fees and/or cellar tours
- Food
With optional pick-ups and drop-offs available at all the major points in Cape Town, you’ll be able to travel to and from Franschhoek easily. There are gourmet restaurants and picnic spots along the tour, so you can take a break from wine tasting to eat lunch and take in the scenery.
Cape Town Winelands – Franschhoek Wine Tram & Stellenbosch Tour
If you want to carry as little money as possible to the Cape Winelands and not worry about the wine-tasting fees at each estate, this full-day tour sorts all that out for you and more. Picking you up in Cape Town, it takes you through stunning Franschhoek vineyards and Stellenbosch.
You’ll travel in comfort from one destination to the next thanks to the air-conditioned bus. This tour kicks off in Cape Town, driving through the nearly 350-year-old town of Stellenbosch, where historic Cape Dutch architecture reigns supreme. Then you’ll head to Franschhoek Wine Tram, but not before stopping at world-class vineyards such as the Lanzerac and Tokara wine estates.
What we liked: Great if you want wine-tasting fees included in the ticket price.
- Wine-tasting fee (if option is selected)
- Pickup & drop-off from Cape Town
- Franschhoek Wine Tram ticket
- Live tour guide
- Breakfast and lunch
- Gratuities (optional)
While breakfast and lunch aren’t included in the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to have a great meal at one of the inviting restaurants in Franschhoek; La Petite Colombe and Smitten Cafe are both fantastic options. You can also order a meal at one of the wine estates along the tram line.
Franschhoek Wine Tram & Boschendal Wine Farm Experience
Eager to get a sneak peek at what every day looks like in a working farm? Then this tour has your name written all over it. Starting in Cape Town, this day trip not only takes you to the sought-after vineyards of Franschhoek but also to the acclaimed Boschendal Wine Estate.
You’ll enjoy all Franschhoek has to offer, from its rolling vineyards and mountainous backdrops to the mouthwatering wines made right in the valley. But that’s only the beginning, you’ll also get to visit a working farm at Boschendal, where you can walk the grounds and savor some wine.
What we liked: Great if you want to see the workings of an authentic wine farm.
- Two wine-tastings
- Hotel drop-off and pick-up from Cape Town center
- Franschhoek Wine Tram ticket
- Local guide
- Food and drinks (unless specified)
The Franschhoek Valley lies at the heart of the Cape Winelands, and while the tram may take all the fame, there’s plenty to see and do while you’re here. Don’t just hop on and off to tick as many estates off your list as you can; take the opportunity to sit back and admire the scenery.
FAQs About the Franschhoek Wine Tram
You now know all the best Franschhoek tram prices and tours that are available, but you may still have some questions in mind. If you do, here are some short answers to give some clarity.
What Are Wine Tasting Cape Town Prices Like?
On average, you can expect to pay between R754 (US$44) and R2,500 (US$146), depending on the tour package you go with. The pricier options may include a meal and the wine-tasting experience, while the cheaper alternatives focus solely on the wine tram and the estates.
Which Wine Tram Line Is Best in Franschhoek?
Each line has its perks. However, most people choose the Orange Line for its idyllic backdrops and popular stops like Babylonstoren. It also includes Boschendal, which is considered the best vineyard in the Franschhoek Valley. Another surprising reason may be the limitation of stops; it allows more time at each estate, making it more authentic. The Navy Line is also a top choice.
Is Franschhoek Safe to Walk Around?
Absolutely! If you’re staying in Franschhoek, you’ll be glad to know the town is very safe to walk around. That said, it’s generally best to avoid strolling through the remote parts of town at night.
How Long Does the Franschhoek Wine Tasting Tram Take?
If you take the entire Franschhoek tram line, you can expect the tour to take 8.5 hours. You could depart on a line at a later time, but it’s highly recommended to get an early start to experience as much of the wine estates as possible, eat lunch, and simply admire the scenery.
Is Franschhoek or Stellenbosch Better?
Both Cape Winelands towns offer top-tier experiences, with breathtaking scenery and high-quality wine tastings. But if you prefer a small-town atmosphere with tons of Dutch architecture, Stellenbosch wine tram tours could be for you. On the other hand, Franschhoek appeals more to those seeking an intimate gastronomic experience with a touch of French flair.
- Franschhoek tram tickets are included
- Fun and easy way to explore the Franschhoek Valley
- There are many affordable wine tasting options
- Not all tours include wine-tasting fees
- Some tours are not kid-friendly
- Lunches aren’t always included
Specification: Compare Franschhoek Wine Tram Prices & Book Tickets for 2026
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Lizeka_N –
The ride on the tram was amazing with breathtaking views. The tour guides were very helpful throughout the trip
Camila –
About the wine tasting, it lack a lot of information about how to taste it, and about the production process. The first place gave much more info, second and third place lack of information. The lady that guided the last wine tasted had a rude manner witch we all in the group comment it was not a nice experience.
Deal Hunter –
Fantastic day out. Enjoyed local wine all day, saw multiple wine farms, was brilliant!
Geraldine C –
Excellent way to combine the usual wine tasting with something different and fun. I’d recommend the purple route if you want to spend more time on the tram. We had an excellent guide and so were able to personalize our trip to focus on things that interested us such as the galleries and buildings.