San Francisco Cable Cars: Tickets, Routes, History, Tips & More

San Francisco cable cars climbing a hill along Van Ness Ave and Market Streets

San Francisco’s iconic cable cars are much more than just a way to get around—they’re a living piece of history. These 150-year-old treasures are as integral to the identity of San Francisco as the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz. Today, cable cars still capture the hearts of locals and tourists as they breeze up and down the city’s steep hills, providing spectacular views along the way.

In this “everything” post, we’ll delve into what makes San Francisco cable cars so special, explore their rich history, share tips for riding them, and explain how to get tickets. We’ll also provide a glimpse into the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the mechanics and story behind this much-loved transportation system.

Table of Contents

What Makes San Francisco Cable Cars Special?

Riding a cable car is a quintessential San Francisco experience and a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage. San Francisco cable cars are a symbol of the city’s resilience, culture, and ingenuity. While an icon today, cable cars were designed to conquer notoriously steep hills, which were too treacherous for traditional horse-drawn carriages.

Here are a few reasons why San Francisco cable cars are unique:

1. Living History on Wheels

Way back in 1869, a young Scottish-born engineer named Andrew Hallidie witnessing horses being cruelly whipped while struggling up a slippery Nob Hill street was inspired to find a better way. Amazingly, his solution of continuous motion cables installed under San Francisco’s streets that could be grabbed onto by the cable car hasn’t changed much in 150 years.

Today, cable cars are the only moving National Historic Landmarks in the United States. Every time you hop on, you’re riding a piece of history that provides a tangible connection to San Francisco’s past. Despite the challenge of maintaining this network, the city has worked hard to preserve the cars, ensuring they continue operating in their original form.

2. Engineering Marvels

What makes these cars work? Beneath city streets lies an intricate system of cables running at a speed of 9.5 mph (15.3 km/h). When the cable car driver wants to climb, they just activate a lever to “grip” the cable and the car is pulled along. Controlling the speed of the cable car as it descends a frighteningly steep street is done by applying one or more of the car’s three brakes. 

The beating heart of the cable car system are giant spinning wheels located at Washington and Mason Streets that continuously move huge loops of cable under Hyde, Mason, California, and Powell streets. This simple yet effective engineering remains as awe-inspiring as ever.

3. Unbeatable Views

The best way to experience the city’s most beautiful vistas is from the seat of a cable car. The routes wind through some of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, from Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown to Nob Hill and Union Square. No other form of transport offers such breathtaking panoramas while connecting you to the city.

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History of Cable Cars in San Francisco

San Francisco’s Powell and Hyde cable car positioned on a turntable

The Invention of Cable Cars

The story of San Francisco cable cars begins in the 19th century when horse-drawn streetcars struggled to handle the city’s famously steep hills. Andrew Hallidie’s engineering background helped him develop cable-driven cars that could reliably scale San Francisco’s toughest inclines. On August 2, 1873, the first cable car line debuted to great success.

The Golden Age

Following the success of Hallidie’s innovation, the cable car system expanded rapidly. By the 1890s, the system encompassed over 20 lines crisscrossing the city. During this golden era, cable cars weren’t just used by tourists—they were an integral part of daily life for San Francisco residents.

The 1906 Earthquake

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fires devastated much of the cable car network. Although many lines were eventually rebuilt, some were replaced by electric streetcars, which were cheaper to operate and maintain. By the 1940s, only three cable car lines remained operational.

The Fight to Save the Cable Cars

In the 1940s and 1950s, the cable car system faced extinction. Many city officials considered the system obsolete but a determined group of citizens, led by Friedel Klussmann, rallied to preserve the beloved cars. Their successful “Save the Cable Cars” campaign eventually ensured the survival of the surviving lines. The system achieved icon status when designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

San Francisco Cable Car Routes

San Francisco map showing landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Coit Tower, and Union Square, with Powell & Hyde Line and user’s location marked.

While many residents opt for more modern forms of transportation, cable cars remain a popular attraction, offering a nostalgic and scenic way to explore the city. There are three main San Francisco cable car routes, each offering a unique experience:

Powell-Hyde Line (Line 60)

The Powell-Hyde line is the most scenic and probably the most famous ride for tourists. It starts near Market Street near Union Square, passes through Chinatown, and ends at the beautiful Aquatic Park, near Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. The line gives stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Powell-Mason Line (Line 59)

Similar to the Powell-Hyde line, this route starts at Powell and Market but diverges near Nob Hill. It continues on through North Beach before ending near Fisherman’s Wharf. This line is also great for tourists, especially those looking to explore Chinatown and Pier 39.

California Street Line (Line 61)

The California Street line is the oldest surviving cable car route and offers a more tranquil ride. Running east to west from the Financial District to Van Ness Avenue, this line takes you through the upscale neighborhoods of Nob Hill, passing luxury hotels, the Grace Cathedral, and historic mansions.

No cable cars go to the Golden Gate Bridge or descend the famously crooked Lombard Street. Here is a link to the San Francisco cable car map offered by the official Cable Car Museum of San Francisco.

How to Get Tickets for San Francisco Cable Cars

Red Powell & Mason cable car on a San Francisco street with trees and residential buildings in the background

Car car tickets are not round trips and you must exit the car at the end of line. One way continuous tickets cost $8 for adults and children over 5 years old. Kids under 5 can ride for free as long as they don’t occupy a seat. It is not a good idea to hop on and off cable cars since you’ll need to pay for each ride! 

When it comes to buying San Francisco cable car tickets, there are several options:

Onboard from the Conductor

You may buy tickets directly from the conductor after boarding the cable car. You can use U.S. currency or a Clipper card that can be used on all Bay Area transit systems. You cannot buy a ticket with a credit card.

MuniMobile App

If you plan to explore other public transport options in San Francisco, consider buying a One Day Pass on the SFMTA’s official ticketing app Muni Mobile. This offers unlimited rides on cable cars, buses, and Muni Metro for just $13.00 per day! 3-day passes and 7-day passes are also available.

Ticket Booths

You can also buy tickets at various booths near cable car turnarounds, such as the Powell Street, Mason Street and Market Street terminals.

Know before you go: To board cable cars at Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor, or Hyde & Beach, you must purchase your fare in advance. Full-size bicycles and folding bikes are not permitted aboard cable cars. Service animals are encouraged to ride in the interior section on their owner’s lap. Cable cars are not equipped with accessible boarding.

Cable Car Riding Hacks

Front view of a Powell and Market cable car labeled 'Hyde and Beach' on a steep hill with bay and hills in the background.

Riding a San Francisco cable car is a bucket-list experience for nearly all visitors to San Francisco. Here are some hacks to make your cable car adventure smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Ride Early or Late

Cable cars tend to get crowded, especially in the middle of the day. The best times to ride are early in the morning or later in the evening when there are fewer tourists.

2. Hop on at a Mid-Route Stop

Instead of waiting at the busy end-of-the-line terminals, hop on at less crowded stops along the route. Nob Hill and Chinatown stops tend to have fewer people waiting in line. Just head to a designated stop marked with a brown and white sign like this one. For your safety, always stay behind the yellow line. 

San Francisco Muni Cable Car sign near Jackson Street, with buildings and a clear blue sky in the background.

3. Hang On the Outside

Choose the way you want to enjoy your ride. You can find a place to stand or sit inside the car or for a more thrilling experience with unbeatable views, stand on the running boards outside the cable car on the right side when heading towards the bay. Just be sure to hold on tight!

4. Take the California Line for Shorter Waits

Lines can get long at the popular Powell-Hyde route. If you’re in a hurry, the California Street line usually has fewer passengers. While the views aren’t as dramatic, it still offers a great ride through the heart of the city.

5. Bring Exact Change

If you plan on paying for your ticket with cash, make sure to bring exact change. The conductors don’t always have enough change to break large bills, and paying with exact change can speed up the boarding process.

6. Be Extra Careful. 

When exiting, wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Then check the street nearby as you step out. Stop, look, and listen carefully before crossing cable car intersections. The green “X” traffic signal is the “go ahead” signal for cable cars, not pedestrians. 

Best Cable Car Line for Tourists

For most tourists, the Powell-Hyde line is the best choice. It offers some of the most iconic views, from the rolling hills of Nob Hill to the sparkling waters of the San Francisco Bay. The route also passes near to major tourist attractions such as Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you’re pressed for time, the Powell-Mason line is another excellent option, especially for those planning to visit Pier 39 and explore North Beach’s Italian restaurants. For those who prefer a quieter, less crowded ride, the California Street line is perfect, though it lacks some of the grand vistas found on the other routes.

Learn More at the San Francisco Cable Car Museum

Warm sunlight illuminates the wooden seats of a San Francisco cable car, with greenery in the foreground and trees and buildings in the background.

If you’re intrigued by the mechanics and history of San Francisco cable cars, then a visit to the San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a must. Located in the Nob Hill neighborhood, this museum provides a deep dive into the history, engineering, and operations of the city’s cable car system.

What to Expect at the Museum

The museum houses various artifacts, including vintage photographs, old cable cars, and mechanical displays that explain how the system works. You’ll also get an up-close view of the massive engines and winding wheels that pull the cable cars along their routes.

Admission and Hours

Best of all, the San Francisco Cable Car Museum is free to visit! It’s open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM during the summer, and from 10 AM to 5 PM in the winter. It’s the perfect spot to gain a richer understanding of the city’s cable car system before or after your ride.

Conclusion

Woman smiling while boarding a San Francisco cable car on Market Street

San Francisco’s cable cars are a timeless attraction, offering a glimpse into the past while continuing to be a beloved feature of the city today. Whether you’re learning the history of their invention, riding one of the iconic lines, or visiting the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, these cars are sure to add a special element to your trip.

So next time you find yourself in the City by the Bay, grab a San Francisco cable car map, plan your route, and enjoy one of the most unique transportation experiences in the world!

Published on: October 4th 2024
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