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 rolling valleys, there’s no going wrong with one of these exceptional wine tram tours.
Highlights:
- Spot some iconic natural landmarks in Franschhoek
- Sip on some stellar 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 to pick from, so choose according to what you want to see.
- Not all tours include lunch and wine-tasting fees
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.
This guide covers everything you need to know about this tour, from ticket prices to the best time to go and essential tips. Read on for all the details and more.
From visiting some of Cape Town’s best wineries to simply admiring the region’s rolling valleys, there’s no going wrong with one of these exceptional wine tram tours.
The tram bus in Franschhoek has become one of the most popular activities for wine lovers from all over the world. The quaint, small village of Franschhoek is the perfect place to move away from the bustling city and enjoy several hours touring 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 over 22 award-winning vineyards. Be led by an experienced guide who will elaborate on the history of Franschhoek, as well as the farms you will be visiting.
If this is the ideal plan for you, read our review of the top tour lines, wine estates, and prices available.
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Franschhoek Wine Tram Prices 2025
If you’re looking for the most affordable Franschhoek wine tram price, you can get a ticket for around R710 ($40 USD). That said, some Franschhoek wine-tasting prices can get to as much as R2,400 ($133 USD).
The prices depend on the duration of the tour, what it includes, and if it covers wine-tasting fees. Guests on the tram tour receive various discounts, which are discussed with you upon arrival.
Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Franschhoek Wine Tram Lines and Times
The wine tour hosts five tram lines, taking guests to eight wine farms per line. These include the Blue Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Navy Line, and Red Line.
Depending on how many stops you wish to make and which line you choose, guests are offered up to eight departure times. It’s also worth noting that Leopards Leap is closed on Mondays, which you would see along the Pink Line.
First Departure Time: 9:30 am
Latest Collection Time: 6 pm (varies depending on the tram line)
Note: Some of the guided tours leave slightly earlier as they aim to reach the trams before the first departure time.
Best Time to Go on a Franschhoek Tram Tour
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 November to January an unforgettable time to enjoy the tour.
If you do want to avoid the crowds, though, another good opportunity is the shoulder season of autumn/fall (February to April). It’s much quieter during this time, but the weather is still lovely.
Also Read: Franschhoek wine-tasting tours for more wine-filled activities.
Wine Tasting Franschhoek | Essentials to Know
Each line has individual departure times, and guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their departure. Also, you’ll receive a 100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. You won’t get a refund for cancellations less than 24 hours before your scheduled time slot or on the day.
The Franschhoek wine tours are known to be spot-on with their time management; trams make stops at each wine farm every hour, so guests can choose to move on or extend their visit and wait for the following tram.
It’s also worth noting that most of the vineyards visited on the wine tram in Franschhoek are kids-friendly, providing children’s meals and fruit juice tastings. So, if you’re a family looking for a fun day out, this is still a fantastic option.
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 prior to the tour, as restaurants are likely to be busy.
Best Franschhoek Wine Tram Tickets to Choose From
The Franschhoek wine tram presents the perfect opportunity to explore the Cape Winelands as well as 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 old wine tram that piqued your interest or a full day’s worth of alcohol consumption, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. To make your decision a bit easier, here are our top choices for your ultimate Franschhoek adventure.
Full-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tasting Franschhoek Tram Tour
If you want to visit some truly distinguished wine estates at a very affordable price, this hop-on, hop-off wine tram tour is for you. Take your pick of the tram line that best suits you, and get ready for a truly enjoyable adventure.
You’ll get to spend an hour at each of the eight vineyards, all led by your experienced guide. The wine farms you visit will depend on the tram line you pick, as you can choose between the Navy and Burgundy Line or the Pink and Gray Line.
What we liked: A very convenient and fun way to explore Franschhoek at an affordable price.
- Transfer from Cape Town to Franschhoek Valley
- Live tour guide
- Entrance to the Franschhoek Tram
- Wine tasting fees
- Lunch
With optional pick-ups and drop-offs occurring at all the major points in Cape Town, you’ll be able to travel to and from Franschhoek easily. Some of the top wineries along the two lines on offer include Vrede en Lust, the Franschhoek Cellar, and Rickety Bridge.
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From Cape Town: Winelands Full-Day Tour and Wine Tasting
If you don’t want to carry money around and have to worry about the wine-tasting fees at each vineyard, this full-day sorts all that out for you and more. Starting in Cape Town, it’s an eclectic journey through the stunning vineyards and small towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl.
The air-conditioned bus means you’ll travel in comfort from one destination to the next. Once you reach the quaint town, you’ll join the Franschhoek Tram bus, which meanders through the Groot Drekenstein and Simonsberg Mountains.
What we liked: Great if you want an expertly guided wine-tasting tour.
- Three wine-tastings and a cheese-tasting
- Hotel drop-off and pick-up
- Franschhoek tram ticket
- Live tour guide
- Lunch
While lunches aren’t included in the tour, you can always add the optional picnic on the wine tram for an otherworldly meal. There’s no better way to enjoy delicious South African cuisine than on the leisurely open-side tram, with picturesque views seen at every bend.
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FAQs About the Wine Tram in Franschhoek
You now know all the best Franschhoek tram prices and tours, but you may still have some questions in mind. If you do, here are all the short answers you need.
What Are Wine Tasting Cape Town Prices Like?
On average, you can expect to pay between R90 ($5 USD) and R1,300 ($72 USD), depending on what package you go with. The pricier options include a meal with your wine-tasting experience, whilst the cheaper alternatives are purely focused on the wines themselves.
Top Tip: Many of the tasting rooms waive the tasting fee if you purchase wines exceeding a certain price.
Which Line Is Best in Franschhoek Wine Tram?
While each line has its perks, we would have to go with the Orange Line. From its idyllic backdrops and the vast range of tour times to the breathtaking array of vineyards, it’s easy to see why the Orange Line is so popular.
This is also the Franschhoek wine route to the Boschendal Wine Estate, possibly the best vineyard in the area.
Is Franschhoek Safe to Walk Around?
If you plan on spending a couple of days in Franschhoek, you’ll be glad to know the town is relatively 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 an entire Franschhoek tram line, you can expect the tour to take eight and a half hours. You could depart at one of the later times, though, with the latest leaving at 1 pm (this would mean you would only make three winery stops).
Is Franschhoek or Stellenbosch Better?
Both offer top-tier experiences in the Cape Winelands, filled with pleasant scenery and high-quality wine tastings.
However, if you prefer a wider selection of wines and a vibey small-town atmosphere, Stellenbosch would be your best bet. On the other hand, Franschhoek appeals more to those seeking an intimate gastronomic experience with a touch of French flair.
Next Read: If you’re looking for a slightly shorter trip, have a look at our review of the best Stellenbosch wine tram tours.
Specification: Best Franschhoek Wine Tram | Prices, Tickets, & Tour Reviews
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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.
Roy T –
It was a fantastic day out – we got picked up at the hotel and had a marvellous driver who told us about the region as we were driven to the wine reagion. We made an additional stop at the jail where Nelson Mandella was held en route – an added extra. We then had a fantastci day tasting the wines goin on the trams and bus sampling various vintages as we went along.
Tee –
The service staff, punctuality, recommendations everything was wonderful! Having an hour to enjoy each estate was good time to experience the uniqueness of each one. Loved it and would do it again.
Rich_S –
Boschendal was amazing, the staff at the station were welcoming and very friendly. Just to mention Nazli and Tino. An amazing experience worth repeating indeed