There’s no experience quite like riding an Sf Cable Car when you visit San Francisco. These charming vehicles are more than just transportation; they are a symbol of the city, as iconic as the Golden Gate Bridge itself. San Francisco holds the distinction of being the city that first introduced cable cars, a unique system where cars are pulled along by moving cables beneath the streets.
Invented right here in San Francisco 150 years ago, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964, the cable cars you see today are meticulously maintained. San Francisco invites everyone to experience the thrill of riding these historic vehicles, operated by a team of professional and experienced operators, mechanics, and carpenters dedicated to preserving this cherished tradition.
Riding Cable Cars
Finding and hopping on an SF cable car is straightforward. You have three distinct lines to choose from, each offering a unique route and perspective of the city. Two of these lines originate at the bustling intersection of Powell and Market Streets, taking you on scenic journeys towards the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf area. The third line begins at California and Market Streets, offering a ride towards Van Ness Avenue.
To board, head to the cable car turntables, which mark the starting and ending points of each route, or simply look out for the distinctive brown-and-white cable car signposts along the streets. For detailed route information and timings, maps and schedules are readily available online. You can also enhance your planning by downloading the MuniMobile® app, which provides real-time information and trip planning tools.
Buying Tickets
To make your SF cable car experience smoother and avoid potential queues, especially at popular boarding locations, it’s highly recommended to prepay for your tickets. The MuniMobile® app and Clipper® Card offer convenient options for advance ticket purchases.
For boarding cable cars at Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor, and Hyde & Beach Streets, remember that advance fare purchase is mandatory between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. You can find detailed pricing for single-trip cable car tickets online. If you plan to explore San Francisco extensively using public transport throughout the day, consider purchasing a Visitor Passport for unlimited rides.
Various payment methods are available:
MuniMobile®: As the official ticketing app of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), MuniMobile allows you to instantly purchase tickets using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Clipper® Card: Clipper is your all-in-one transit card for the entire Bay Area. It’s accepted on all major transit systems, including Muni, making it a versatile option for getting around.
Cash: If you prefer using cash, exact change is required when purchasing your ticket.
For complete details on cable car ticket options and fares, please visit the official Fares page.
Cable Car Tips
Riding an SF cable car is an exhilarating experience, navigating through San Francisco’s lively streets and up steep hills. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride:
- Hold on tight! The city’s hilly terrain and busy streets can make for an exciting journey. If you are standing and holding onto the poles on the outside of the car, please refrain from leaning outward for your safety.
- When getting off, always wait for the cable car to come to a complete stop. Carefully check the surrounding street as you step out. Before crossing any cable car intersections, remember to stop, look, and listen attentively. Be aware that the green “X” traffic signal is for cable cars, indicating their right-of-way, not for pedestrians.
- Please note that full-size bicycles and folding bikes are not allowed on cable cars. If you’re traveling with a bike, explore other Muni routes that accommodate bicycles.
- Service animals are welcome on cable cars. For their safety and the convenience of other passengers, they should ideally ride in the interior section, either on their owner’s lap or positioned out of the aisle. If riding on the exterior sections, service animals must be on their owner’s lap.
- It’s important to be aware that cable cars are not currently equipped with accessible boarding facilities.
If you have any questions during your ride, the cable car grip operators and conductors are there to assist you. You can also reach out to SFMTA via Twitter @sfmta_muni or contact the San Francisco Customer Service Center by dialing 311 (or 415.701.2311 from outside San Francisco).
History of the Cable Car
When you climb aboard these moving landmarks, you’re not just taking a ride; you’re stepping back in time, experiencing how San Franciscans traveled up and down these hills as far back as the 1870s. To delve deeper into their fascinating origins and early days in San Francisco, explore the detailed History of the Cable Car page or visit the dedicated Cable Car Museum.
Embark on an SF cable car adventure and create unforgettable memories in San Francisco!
