Franschhoek Wine Tram Day Trip from Cape Town with Return Coach

Summary

Franschhoek valley wine tram day trip with coach return and flexible tastings

You’ll start your day whisked from Cape Town to Franschhoek by coach before hopping between vineyards on the classic wine tram route. Taste local wines (tastings paid on-site), wander leafy estates, and soak up valley views—at your own pace. There’s time for lunch or just lingering longer where it feels right. By sunset you’ll be heading back, full of stories and maybe still tasting that last glass.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the drive out of Cape Town to feel like such a reset. Something about leaving the city behind, watching Table Mountain fade in the bus window (the wifi worked, but I mostly just stared outside), made it all feel like we were sneaking away for a day. Our driver was easygoing—he joked about “wine o’clock” as we curved into the Franschhoek valley, which honestly set the tone. The air smelled different here. Like wet grass and something sweet I couldn’t name.

Getting our tickets at the Groot Drakenstein terminal was a bit of a scramble—people trying to decide which estate to hit first, some already plotting lunch. The wine tram itself is kind of charming in an old-school way; wooden benches, windows open to vineyard breezes. We hopped off at Boschendal first (I still think about their bread—warm, chewy, perfect with that first pour). Our guide for the Navy line gave us tips on timing so we wouldn’t miss too much; she even taught me how to say “cheers” in Afrikaans. I probably butchered it but she just laughed and poured another taste.

After that it all blurs together a little: sunlight flickering through vines at Bartinney, someone’s dog asleep under a table at Le Pommier, the sound of glasses clinking and people speaking French and English and who-knows-what-else. You can hop on or off every hour, but honestly sometimes you want to linger longer than you planned. Tastings aren’t included so you pay as you go—sometimes we skipped one just to sit outside for a while. The weather held up; cool enough for jeans but warm enough that you don’t really notice time passing until suddenly it’s late afternoon.

The ride back was quieter. Everyone sunk into their seats (maybe a little sleepy from all the wine), watching those last bits of vineyard light slip by through the coach windows. It felt like we’d been somewhere further than just an hour from Cape Town—you know? I kept thinking about that bread at Boschendal and how the whole day felt both planned and totally loose at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour from Cape Town

• Meet at collection point
• Travel to Franschhoek Valley
• Receive tram ticket
• Explore wine estates by tram
• Visit 4-5 wine estates
• Return to Cape Town collection point

Top questions

How long is the Franschhoek Wine Tram day trip from Cape Town?

The tour runs roughly from 8:15 am departure until return between 5:30 pm and 5:45 pm.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

No, tasting fees are not included; you pay for them directly at each estate if you choose to taste.

How many wineries can you visit on this hop-on hop-off route?

You can expect to visit 4–5 estates during the day using the tram and buses.

Is lunch included in this Franschhoek wine tour?

No lunch is included; you can buy food at various estates along your chosen route.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel in Cape Town?

The tour includes pickup from set collection points in Cape Town; check exact locations when booking.

Can children join this Franschhoek Wine Tram tour?

Yes, children are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap if infants; only guests 18+ may participate in tastings.

What should I wear for this wine tram day trip?

The dress code is casual or semi-casual—comfortable clothes work best for walking around vineyards.

Is there WiFi on the coach transfer from Cape Town?

Yes, complimentary WiFi is available on board during your transfer between Cape Town and Franschhoek valley.

What’s included

Your full-day adventure includes return transport by spacious air-conditioned coach from Cape Town to Franschhoek with free onboard WiFi, plus your ticket for unlimited rides on the hop-on hop-off wine tram (Navy line) connecting eight estates—though tastings are extra and paid as you go. All logistics are handled so you can focus on sipping, wandering, or just soaking up vineyard life before heading back late afternoon.