Are you craving the full-body flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon, or simply want to admire the sweeping views of a town lost in time? Whatever the case may be, there’s no better way to celebrate South Africa’s viticulture than on a Stellenbosch Wine Tram.
Known as our very own little ‘French corner’, Franschhoek is the destination to go for deep reds, refreshing dry whites, and everything in between. The drive from Cape Town to Franschhoek can take up to 45 minutes. Therefore, jumping into the driver’s seat after a full day of drinking is definitely not recommended.
This explains why the wine tram in Franschhoek has become a popular alternative for tourists and fellow vino-lovers. And what better way to indulge in Cape Town’s fantastic vineyards and stay safe than on a guided wine tram tour in Stellenbosch?
From the Franschhoek wine tram map to our favorite trips, this comparison guide will cover every detail you need to know to have a fantastic trip.
Highlights:
- See the picturesque wine valley
- Taste many different wines
- Take beautiful photos
Know before you book:
- The area can get very hot in summer
- Crowded during peak season
- Being a tourist destination, it can get quite pricey
Stellenbosch Wine Tram Tickets and Prices for 2026
Depending on your ticket type and what is included, Franschhoek wine tram ticket prices range from R760 to R4400 ($44 to $254) per person.
Essential Info About the Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Wine Tram
The hop-on-hop-off wine tram is the best way to experience the culture and soul of the Franschhoek Valley. This gem of South Africa is home to some of the most popular wine farms in the Cape Winelands, offering the best value for money.
A railway tram or tram-bus will take you to various farms where you can hop off and explore the winery. Each vineyard has its own unique offering, from wine-tasting sets and charcuterie boards to inviting restaurants and scenic views.
With the schedule for pick-up and drop-off clearly expressed at each stop, you’ll be able to plan your visit to each vineyard to a tee.
Stellenbosch Wine Tram Map & Routes
The tour now offers direct transfer services from Cape Town and the surrounding areas to Franschhoek. Transfers are done privately for each booking, or you can book a ticket with the red bus tour, which offers pick-up and drop-off from one of the following locations in Cape Town:
- City Sightseeing Office at the V&A Waterfront (outside the Two Oceans Aquarium)
- Camps Bay (bus stop on Victoria Road opposite the Bay Hotel)
- Sea Point (corner of Alexander and Queens Road or the corner of St John’s and Beach Road)
- Green Point (bus stop at the Green Point Lighthouse)
- Downtown Cape Town (City Sightseeing Downtown Tour Office at 81 Long St)
After the 45-minute journey to Stellenbosch, each tour will start at the ticket office situated on Huguenot Road in Franschhoek. The tours are narrated and inform passengers of the history of wine cultivation in Franschhoek.
The lines include a combination of a tram, bus, and tram-train, depending on the route. Passengers will be informed which route to take based on their ticket. To choose which Franschhoek Wine Route is best for you, below is a list of the different tram lines and the wine farms included on each line.
Top Tip: We have provided all the potential vineyards for each line type in order. You don’t need to follow this order, and can visit them however you want. Rather, aim to visit 4 wineries and spend a decent amount of time at each, rather than try to visit all on your route. Cramming every vineyard into one day will be too rushed, so research with vineyards on your line calls to you the most.
Franschhoek Blue Line Route
Departing from the ticket office at 10 a.m. daily, this route showcases boutique wine estates and stunning mountain backdrops. There are a number of activities you can enjoy amongst these wine farms, including picnics, olive tasting, and cellar tours.
Franschhoek Wine Tram Blue Line Map
Franschhoek Blue Line Map
Starting at the Tram terminal, you can visit any vineyard you like, with the Franschhoek Cellar being the first stop.
STOP 1 – Franschhoek Cellar (via wine tram)
STOP 2 – Grande Provence (via wine tram)
STOP 3 – Rickety Bridge (via wine tram)
STOP 4 – Klein Goederust (via wine bus)
STOP 5 – Maison (via wine bus)
STOP 6 – Paserene (via wine bus)
STOP 7 – La Bri (via wine bus)
STOP 8 – Holden Manz (via wine bus)
Franschhoek Red Line Route
The Red Line explores the internationally well-known wine estates that Franschhoek has to offer, boasting vast and lush green vineyards.
Ideal for parents who need to take a little breather, most of these wine farms have a dedicated play area for children. Other activities include chocolate and biltong pairing as well as a variety of cheeses to tickle your taste buds.
Franschhoek Wine Tram Red Line Map
Franschhoek Red Line Map
You will start the tour at the Tram Terminal, with the first stop being the Franschhoek Cellar. Feel free to visit the vineyards in any order you like.
STOP 1 – Franschhoek Cellar (via wine tram)
STOP 2 – Grande Provence (via wine tram)
STOP 3 – Rickety Bridge (via wine tram)
STOP 4 – Elkehof (via wine bus)
STOP 5 – Lynx (via wine bus)
STOP 6 – Mont Rochelle (via wine bus)
STOP 7 – Haute Cabrière (via wine bus)
Franschhoek Pink Line Route
This line explores the famous vineyards along the tram route, as well as the picturesque wineries situated alongside the Haweqwe Nature Reserve. Think quirky art galleries, full-body flavors, and plenty of charcuterie boards.
Franschhoek Wine Tram Pink Line Map
Franschhoek Pink Line Map
Starting at the Franschhoek Terminal, this line includes 8 unique visits.
STOP 1 – Franschhoek Cellar (via wine tram)
STOP 2 – Grande Provence (via wine tram)
STOP 3 – Rickety Bridge (via wine tram)
STOP 4 – Dieu Donné (via wine bus)
STOP 5 – Chamonix (via wine bus)
STOP 6 – Pigcasso (via wine bus)
STOP 7 – Atlas Swift (via wine bus)
STOP 8 – Leopard’s Leap (via wine bus)
Franschhoek Orange Line Route
The early bird catches the worm! Starting at 09:30 a.m., this line takes you to the world-famous Drakenstein Terminal (15-minute bus ride from Franschhoek’s main lines). Although it entails a bit more travel, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the region’s most iconic wines.
Franschhoek Wine Tram Orange Line Map
Franschhoek Orange Line Map
You’ll depart from the Franschhoek Terminal at 9:15 a.m. and head straight to the Drakenstein Terminal, where your tour will begin.
STOP 1 – Boschendal (via wine tram)
STOP 2 – Plaisir (via wine tram)
STOP 3 – Vrede en Lust (via wine tram)
STOP 4 – Noble Hill (via wine bus)
STOP 5 – Babylonstoren (via wine bus)
STOP 6 – Baccò (via wine bus)
Franschhoek Navy Line Route
Much like the Orange Line, this route is for the early risers who want to explore the vineyards along the Drakenstein tramline. Departing at 9 a.m., your first stop at the Boschendal begins at 9:15 a.m.
Franschhoek Wine Tram Navy Line Map
Franschhoek Navy Line Map
Departing from the Franschhoek Terminal at 9 a.m., you’ll need to make sure you arrive a bit early.
STOP 1 – Boschendal (via wine tram)
STOP 2 – Plaisir (via wine tram)
STOP 3 – Vrede en Lust (via wine tram)
STOP 4 – Allée Bleue (via wine bus)
STOP 5 – Zorgvliet (via wine bus)
STOP 6 – Camberley (via wine bus)
STOP 7 – Bartinney (via wine bus)
STOP 8 – Le Pommier (via wine bus)
Our Favorite Wine Tram Stellenbosch
Let’s have a look at our best Stellenbosch trams to explore the best wineries in the region.
Hop-on Hop-off Wine Tram From Cape Town
On this 8-hour Stellenbosch tram tour, you’ll discover the best that the beautiful Franschhoek Valley has to offer. Expect to see rolling valleys, acres of vineyard, and picturesque mountainside. You’ll get the opportunity to hop on and hop off the bus and tram at any of the exquisite wine farms on your tram line.
Essentially, you’ll be creating your own tour, with the luxury of a gorgeous tram to lift you around.
What we liked: Great if you want freedom and flexibility to craft your own journey.
- Round-trip transfer from Cape Town
- 1-day hop-on hop-off tram ticket
- Flexible stop options to explore at your own pace
- Beautiful views of the Franschhoek Valley and mountains
- Live guided commentary on the tram/open-air tram buses
- Wine tasting fees, food, and cellar tours
- Tips
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl Valley Full-Day Wine Trip
Whether you’re taking this trip for the incredible wines or the stunning scenery, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed! On this tour, you’ll be taken on a day trip through Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl to explore some of the very best wine regions in the Cape.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the touristy route of Franschhoek and into the quiet oasis that is Paarl. With a visit to three vineyards, exquisite cellar tours, and 15 wine tastings on offer, there’s not much that can go wrong with this tour.
Note: You may not experience the tram line on this tour, as it depends on the route picked when booking.
What we liked: Great if you want a fully guided experience exploring beyond Stellenbosch.
- Pickup from specified stops in Cape Town
- Transportation
- Visits to 3 estates
- Tasting of 15 wines
- Cellar tours
- Cheese and wine snacks
- Walking tour in Stellenbosch
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Full-Day Private Stellenbosch Wine Tour
Looking for a private experience of the Cape Winelands? If it’s a resounding yes, then this full-day guided tour to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl should be on your Cape Town itinerary.
You’ll be able to experience the scenic tram rides, fascinating cellar tour, and savor the delicious pairings of exquisite wines and cheese. This private journey isn’t just about the wine, though, as you’ll also enjoy a visit to Cape Point and admire the breathtaking drive through Chapman’s Peak.
What we liked: Great if you want a private experience that pairs wine with other fantastic experiences.
- Cellar tour
- Three wine tastings
- One cheese tasting
- Wine Tram ride
- Lunch
- Optional visits
FAQs About Stellenbosch Wine Train
Here are a few answers to common questions about the wine tram in Stellenbosch before you go.
Which Is Better, the Wine Tram in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch?
Both destinations offer a unique and memorable perspective of the vineyards in the Cape Winelands. The one you choose depends on your personal preferences. The Franschhoek tram allows you to visit multiple wine estates, while Stellenbosch provides more fine dining options as well.
How Long Does the Stellenbosch Wine Tour Take?
The Stellenbosch wine tram tour is an 8-hour experience that takes you through the Franschhoek Valley. Most tours use the red bus line, which departs from Cape Town at 8 am each morning. If opting for a private tour, the departure times will vary.
When Is the Best Time to Do a Stellenbosch Wine Tram Tour?
Go during spring and summer (September to February for the best experience. Also, try to hop on the tram as early as possible. This allows you to claim the best seats, with the finest views, and to visit more wine estates in your day.
What to Wear on a Wine Tram Tour Through Stellenbosch?
Since this activity is mainly done through the warmer months, it’s best to wear light, breathable layers. Bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler days in spring. Always wear sun protection, including SPF and a hat. Lastly, make sure to wear comfy shoes.
What Wine Is Stellenbosch Known for?
The area offers sensational wines, probably the best in South Africa. That said, this charming region is renowned for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux Blends.
Last updated on November 26th, 2025 at 01:45 am
We NEED to talk about this tram: You sit on the tram, it takes you to wine. You get back on the tram, it takes you to more wine. FOREVER. An absolute perfect start to our South African adventure – Super was the name of our guide: a very well-informed, articulate and affable man who made excellent company. I can not recommend this venture into the wine countries enough – gorgeous views, gorgeous wine, gorgeous weather!
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.
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.
Good experience. Nicely organized and managed. Too long in my opinion, after 3 wine tasting it's not effective anymore. Should be half day tour.