Riding a cable car in San Francisco is one of the best ways to see the city!
Not only is it iconic, but it’s also convenient and inexpensive. A cable car ride is a great way to see SF’s most beautiful viewpoints and angles.
The cable car lines take you through the most quintessential neighborhoods in San Francisco, past bucket list spots like The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
One of my favorite times to ride the cable car is during sunset when the sky folds into oranges and pinks over the bay, and the city lights start to sparkle.
Everyone should experience a cable car sunset at least once!
Here’s everything you could ever want to know about riding a cable car in San Francisco:
Riding a Cable Car in San Francisco Step by Step
Riding cable cars is a must-do activity when visiting San Francisco. Why?
The cable car was invented in SF in 1873, which is why you’ll see them on so many SF souvenirs!
Riding them can be intimidating, so I’ve broken it into 6 easy steps:
- Choose your route. You can just hop on any route you’d like with your handy dandy Clipper App. However, knowing when and where to get off can save you some waiting time.
- Find a cable car stop. You can find a map of the cable car routes and stops at any cable car stop or see updated arrival times with your Clipper App.
- Pay the fare $. Use your Clipper App to pay the fare.
- Board the cable car. When the cable car arrives at the stop, wait for the operator to signal that it’s safe to board. You can sit in any open seat or stand and hold onto a pole. The coveted outside spots go fast.
- Enjoy the ride. Sit or stand wherever you like once you’re on the car. The views on your ride will be breathtaking, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.
- Getting off the car. The cable car operator will instruct you on how and when to step off. You will most likely be in a line of traffic when you do get off, however, and navigating that is on you.
San Francisco’s 3 Cable Car Routes and What To See
San Francisco has 3 cable car lines- the Powell-Mason, the Powell-Hyde, and the California. Here’s a breakdown of each line and what to stop at along the way:
Note: If you want to avoid navigating the cable cars alone, take a small group city tour, and a guide will show you how to use them.
The Powell-Mason
The Powell-Mason line starts at Powell/Market, ends at Bay Street at Fisherman’s Wharf, and is nearest Pier 39. Things to see on this line:
- The Cable Car Museum. This Free museum dedicated to San Francisco’s beloved cable cars is just so… SF. The cable car stops directly in front!
- Northstar Cafe. Northstar Cafe is the oldest bar in North Beach, serving good times since 1882. This is the place if you love dive bars as much as I do. Nearest stop: Mason and Green
- North Beach. Fall in love with the Italian colors, sights, and tastes of North Beach. This neighborhood is considered the birthplace of the Beat Poets and is home to City Lights, king of all San Francisco bookstores. Nearest stop: Mason and Union
- Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. Tony Gemignani won the award for Best Pizza Margherita in Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza. So yeah, you’re going to want a slice. Nearest stop: Mason and Union
- Washington Square Park. This is a cute little park, perfect for photos with the beautiful Saint Peter and Paul Church in the background or a quick picnic. Nearest stop: Mason and Union
- Saint Peter and Paul Church. The Church’s poetic spires are an iconic part of North Beach. This is where Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio posed for pics after getting married at San Francisco City Hall. DiMaggio was legally married to his first wife (whom he married in the Church), so Marilyn had to settle for City Hall. Ironically, the address of this Church is 666. Nearest stop: Mason and Filbert
- Liguria Bakery. This is one of the best bakeries in San Francisco, and they know it. Liguria only makes focaccia, and they always sell out. Nearest stop: Mason and Filbert
- Coit Tower. This monument overlooks the city with a 360° viewing platform at the top of the tower. Nearest stop: Mason and Filbert
- Pictures at Mason and Greenwich Streets. One of the best parts of riding a cable car in San Francisco is the views! Expect to see unique perspectives of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, Lombard Street, and Coit Tower. Nearest stop: Mason and Greenwich
- Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the classic, iconic SF gathering spot by the bay, you know the one. Nearest stop: Taylor and Bay
- Pier 39. The part of Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll most likely see Sea Lions.
The Powell-Hyde
The Powell-Hyde line also starts at Powell/Market, but it ends near Ghirardelli Square, close to the other side of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Note: The cable car does not go all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge, but you can take the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason lines to Fisherman’s Wharf and catch a bus.
- Views and cocktails at Cityscape Lounge. At the Hilton Union Square, you’ll find the city’s tallest skybar, with 360° views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearest stop: Powell and O’Farrell
- Chinatown. Food, views, unique pics, this is one of my favorite neighborhoods in SF. Please don’t miss it. Nearest stop: Powell and Bush
- Photo opp at Hyde and Lombard Streets. You can’t miss Lombard Street without breaking your own travel heart. Lombard is known for being the “crookedest street in the world,’ and the Powell-Hyde line will take you straight to the top. Nearest stop: Hyde and Lombard
- Ghiradelli Square. The historic Ghirardelli Square has shops, restaurants, and views, but the original Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is the star of the plaza. Nearest stop: Hyde and Beach
- The steepest street in San Francisco with a cable car line. If you’re looking for a heart stop, the Powell-Hyde line goes straight down a hill at a 21% grade. If you’re fearful of heights like me, it’s quite an exhilarating experience!
The California
If riding a cable car in San Francisco in is on your bucket list, but you’re not a big fan of being crammed in with strangers, you want The California line, which is usually the least crowded cable car.
Don’t worry- this line still has kickass views and unmissable stops.
Things to catch along the California route:
- The Ferry Building. SF’s famous Ferry Building opened over 100 years ago in 1898. Today, it’s a food hall and ferry terminal known for epic eats like Acme Bread and Dandelion Chocolate. On Saturday mornings, the building is one giant farmer’s market. Nearest stop: California and Drumm
- Taddich Grill. In the heart of the Financial District, Tadich Grill is California’s oldest, continuously run restaurant. Nearest stop: California and Battery
- Cable Car photo Spot. Get your trigger finger ready for the intersection of California and Powell! Nearest stop: California and Powell
- The Top of the Mark. At the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel, you’ll find iconic 360 views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearest stop: California and Mason
- Tony Bennett Statue. In front of the Fairmont Hotel is the statue of Jazz icon Tony Bennett, who sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at that very hotel. Nearest stop: California and Mason
- Nob Hill. Adorable ‘hood filled with Victorian architecture, high-class hotels, and luxury mansions. This entire area is one big photo opp.
- Polk Street. Before The Castro, there was Polk Street. In 1972, the first San Francisco Gay Pride Parade went down on Polk Street. Nearest stop: California and Polk
- The Antique Vibrator Museum. In the back of a cleverly named adult store, Good Vibrations is The Antique Vibrator Museum, where you can look at vibrators dating back to the ’30s. Don’t miss the chance to say you’ve been to the Antique Vibrator Museum! Nearest stop: California and Polk
Truth Time: What is the Best Cable Car Route to Take in San Francisco?
I was so excited to ride a cable car in San Francisco for the first time!
But honestly, I was a bit overwhelmed. With so many choices, it can be confusing trying to pick which one to ride… luckily for you, I’ve done the research (like, 50 times now).
My #1 choice of cable car lines for views is the Powell-Hyde, which takes you from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, with dazzling views of the bay and Alcatraz Island along the way.
If you’re looking for a classic San Francisco cable car experience, the Powell-Hyde line is a must-ride.
Practical Tips
Trust me: download the Clipper App
I hate downloading apps as much as you do, but this one is SO helpful for riding the cable cars in San Francisco (or getting around the city in general).
The Clipper Card (app) is easy to use and can reload money as needed, keep track of your rides, and see the live location of the different lines.
Before you ever step foot outside of your carefully researched SF hotel, take a few minutes to prepare by downloading the app and inputting your info.
Cost and how to pay
How much does it cost to ride a cable car in San Francisco?
Riding a cable car in SF costs $8 per person, per ride. You can pay at the ticket booth at each cable car stop OR download the Clipper App, which I highly recommend.
How to avoid long lines for the cable car
You’ve heard enough about how long the lines can get. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Take the Powell-Mason Line back. When you’re ready to leave Fisherman’s Wharf and return to Union Square/downtown, walk over to the Bay & Taylor starting point for the Powell-Mason line.
- Ride the California Line. This is usually the less busy of the 3 cable car lines.
- Avoid the turnarounds. Most people get on at the turnaround points at the ends of the lines, so there’s almost always a wait, especially at the Powell & Market and the Hyde & Beach turnarounds.
- Make the most of your time in line. You’re standing in one of the US’s greatest cities, likely surrounded by lots of interesting tourists from around the world. There are worse lines to wait in!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a cable car and a trolley in San Francisco?
As someone who loves exploring walkable cities, I was thrilled to visit San Francisco and ride the iconic cable cars and trolleys. But, like most people, I had no idea what the difference was between the two.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cable cars are powered by underground cables that run beneath the tracks. Cable cars are open-air and offer views of the city. They are also slower and more expensive to operate than trolleys.
Trolleys are electric streetcars that run on tracks and are powered by overhead wires. They are faster and quieter than cable cars. Trolleys are more modern and enclosed.
Both cable cars and trolleys are maintained by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
What is the best time to ride the cable cars in San Francisco?
The best time for riding a cable car in San Francisco is early in the morning or late at night (AKA sunrise or sunset). This is for practical reasons like crowds and getting the best views. You can also try riding on a weekday instead of a weekend.
What is the most famous cable car ride in San Francisco?
The most famous cable car ride in San Francisco is the Powell-Hyde line. This line takes you from Powell Street near Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. This ride is one long, stunning view of the SF.
What is the least crowded cable car in San Francisco?
If you want to avoid the crowds, try riding the California Street line. The California Street line takes you from the Financial District to the Presidio, with lovely views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Is it possible to hop on and off cable cars in San Francisco?
Yes, it is possible to hop on and off cable cars in San Francisco. However, keep in mind that the cable cars can get crowded, and you may have to wait for several cars to pass before you can board.
I’d recommend taking the Big Bus Hop on Hop Off Tour for more flexible times and stops.
What are the operating hours of San Francisco cable cars?
The operating hours of San Francisco cable cars vary depending on the line and the season. Usually, the cable cars start running around 6:00 am and stop running around midnight. If you plan on riding a cable car in San Francisco, always check the schedule beforehand.
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