The Best Way to Get to Franschhoek from Cape Town

The city of Cape Town has seemingly endless exploration opportunities. But outside the city borders lies a completely different world. The Western Cape mountains create a rich landscape with mesmerizing beauty.

And the Franschhoek Valley should definitely be on your exploration to-do list! There are a few different ways to travel from Cape Town to Franschhoek. It’s a quaint little town, surrounded by world-class wine estates.

How to Travel to Franschhoek from Cape Town

We’ve sourced a few different travel options for you to consider, with route suggestions as well. Public transport between Cape Town and the surrounding areas are limited, but there are a few possible ways for you to experience the beauty beyond the city borders.

Shuttle Companies

You can hire a private shuttle to transport you between Cape Town and Franschhoek. A shuttle can cost up to R 950 per person (return trip). We recommend that you use Winelands Experience as they can also help you to explore the town with their tours. Alternatively, you can use ShuttleUp  to travel between Cape Town and Franschhoek, as well as other locations nearby. A trip between the city and Franschhoek will cost R590 per person, one way. They also offer tours of the Cape Town region.

You can use an Uber to Franschhoek. But it will only be a viable option if you are travelling as a group. UberX will cost you about R700 from the Cape Town city centre to Franschhoek, one way. That works out to R175 per person (group of four)

Train to Franschhoek

If you are feeling very adventurous, you can take the Metro train to Stellenbosch, and Uber to Franschhoek from there. The train ticket will cost you R19.50, one way. And the UberX from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek in the region of R285. View the train schedule.

Bus to Franschhoek

The Greyhound Bus only runs between Cape Town and Stellenbosch. It will cost you from R270 to R290. You will then have to Uber from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, costing about R285.

Plan Your Trip from Cape Town to Franschhoek

Another travel option that you can consider, is to hire a car for your trip to Franschhoek. Depending on the type of car you prefer, this will cost between R200 to R500 per day, excluding the petrol costs. Read our article Best Car Hire for a few car hire company options.

There are a few different ways you can travel to Franschhoek from Cape Town.

Via the N1 and R45

Travel time: 1 h 12 min | 88.8 km

This is a fairly direct and fast route to Franschhoek from Cape Town. Travel on the N1 past Century City, on your way to Paarl. Take exit 59 from the N1 and turn right onto the R301, which later becomes the R45. You’re guaranteed spectacular mountain views whichever route you choose to Franschhoek!

Via N2 and R310

Travel time: 1 h 25 min | 88.6 km

Alternatively, you can take the N2, travelling past the Cape Town International Airport on your way to Somerset West. Take exit 33 (Baden Powell Drive) towards the R310, turn left onto Baden Powell Drive. Next, turn right onto Polkadraai Road (still the R310). Follow the road through Stellenbosch, turning left onto Adam Tas Road (R310/R44) Turn right onto the Helshoogte Road (R310). Next, turn right onto the R45, and left onto Lambrechts road to stay on the R45.

Click here for directions.

Use the City Sightseeing Bus to Travel to Franschhoek from Cape Town

If you want to combine your travelling and touring expenses, why not consider the Franschhoek & Stellenbosch wine region Explorer Tour. This way you will effortlessly travel to Franschhoek from Cape Town, and explore the area.

The tour includes stops at two Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine estates. Here you can indulge in wine tastings and learn more about the cellars with a tour. You can also stop for lunch in Franschhoek. Tickets cost R580 for adults, and R300 for children.

Or try the Franschhoek Wine Tram Explorer Tour. While you are travelling to Franschhoek from Cape Town, you will be learning more about the areas you drive through with their handy commentary on the bus. There are two tram routes to choose from, travelling in a circular route, and stopping at 8 Wine Estates. The tram stops at each wine estate on the hour, giving you ample time to explore. Tickets cost R540 for adults and R275 for children.

Share the Travel Fun with Secret Cape Town

Remember to share your epic Instagram pics with us! Tag @secretcapetown or use #secretcapetown to be featured with our #guesswhere.