San Francisco’s cable cars aren’t just an entertaining way to sightsee around this up-and-down city; they really function as public transit too. Hanging onto the outside (yes, the outside) of one of these clanging cars, chugging through Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other city neighborhoods—well, it doesn’t get much more San Francisco than that. And it's not just a tourist activity; just count how many package- and computer-toting locals climb on and hop off as you ride.
Cable cars have long been icons of the city in film and television, appearing in everything from The Rock to Full House. They’ve graced postcards, commercials, and even action scenes, cementing their place as not just transit, but as cinematic shorthand for the city itself.
Cable Cars: What to Expect
In summer, lines can get long at the turnaround at Powell and Market Streets, especially for the popular Powell-Mason Cable Car line. While the wait can offer a fun chance to watch the cars arrive and get rotated by hand on the massive turntable, savvy riders often opt for less crowded alternatives. For a shorter wait, consider hopping aboard the Powell-Hyde Cable Car line, which offers equally scenic views—especially along the northern stretch near Lombard Street and Russian Hill. You can also board at any stop along the route; just look for the brown and white cable car signs and be ready to wave the car down.
The Cable Car Museum
For a fascinating look at how the historic cars have crisscrossed the city since 1873, visit the free Cable Car Museum, located in the Nob Hill neighborhood. Inside, you’ll find three beautifully preserved antique cars from the 1870s, along with historic photographs, mechanical displays, and informative exhibits detailing the system’s origins. One of the most unique aspects of the museum is its view of the actual powerhouse, where massive wheels keep the underground cables moving—giving visitors a firsthand look at the engineering behind San Francisco’s first mass transit system.
Cable Car Fares
Fares are available as a single-ride ticket ($7), or via 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes. Single-ride (one-way) fares must be paid in advance of boarding at the terminus. Fares may be paid on-board to the conductor at all other stops. You can also purchase fares via the free MuniMobile app; the cable car lines start operating at 7:30 a.m. and close at 10:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday. A downloadable map of the cable car routes is available on the Market Street Railway site.
Insider tips: Transfers from buses or metro lines are not accepted on the cable cars, so you'll need a separate ticket or valid pass. To save money, consider buying a 1-day Muni Visitor Passport or using a Clipper Card, which offers unlimited rides on cable cars and other Muni services for a flat fee. If you're aiming for a seat with the best views, sit on the right side when heading toward Fisherman’s Wharf. For the most thrilling ride, try standing on the outside running board—just be sure to hold on tight. Also good to know: the terms "streetcar" and "trolley" are not interchangeable with "cable car." Those draw power from an overhead wire, unlike cable cars, which are pulled along by an underground cable.