Car Hire in Franschhoek

Franschhoek is about 70 km from Cape Town International, roughly an hour's drive. There are two good routes:

• Via Stellenbosch and the Helshoogte Pass: the N2 east, the R310 through Stellenbosch, over the pass to Pniel, then the R45 into the valley. The more scenic choice.
• Via the N1 and Paarl: the N1 to the Paarl exit, then the R45 south past the estates of Simondium. Slightly longer, but fewer bends and less town traffic.

Taxi and transfer prices change with demand and fuel costs, so treat these as a guide and get a fixed quote. If you'll want a car for more than a day or two, hiring usually works out better than a return transfer plus local taxis.

Franschhoek is part of our Cape Winelands delivery zone. We deliver and collect daily from morning to evening for a flat zone fee per handover, including VAT. Your host completes the handover at reception or your door in about ten minutes.

• In the village: hotels and guesthouses along and just off Huguenot Road, the main street.
• Wine estates and country lodges along the R45 and up the valley, with the gate details shared in advance.
• Collection elsewhere: start in Franschhoek and finish at the airport, or at your hotel in the city. See delivery and collection for every zone and fee.

The Franschhoek Pass (R45) climbs steeply out of the top of the village towards Villiersdorp, with tight bends and wide views back down the valley. The lookout points near the summit are the best spots for photos. Beyond the pass, the road drops to the Theewaterskloof Dam.

• Allow about an hour for a return trip to the summit with stops.
• Watch for cyclists, and for baboons near the lookout points. Keep windows closed and food out of sight when you stop.
• Mist and strong wind are common in winter, so drive slowly and use dipped headlights.
• Combine it with the Helshoogte Pass to Stellenbosch for a half-day loop through the Winelands.

It's a road made for a car with a little character: the Porsche 911 and Range Rover Sport on our luxury car hire page are popular choices for it.

Many visitors do all three: the Wine Tram one day, a self-drive day over the passes, and a chauffeur for a long Stellenbosch and Franschhoek tasting day. South Africa's legal limit is 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, which a couple of tastings can exceed.