San Francisco still runs cable cars on three lines, pulled along by steel cables moving under the street. The system was invented here in 1873, when Andrew Hallidie ran the first car on Clay Street, and it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Muni runs the cars as part of the regular transit system.
In this guide
This guide is part of our getting around San Francisco hub. You will also find cable cars in our San Francisco attractions guide.
Cable cars at a glance
- Lines Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason and California
- Single ride $9, rising to $12 in January 2027
- Pay with MuniMobile, Clipper, Visitor Passport or exact cash
- Pay ahead Required at Powell and Market, Bay and Taylor, and Hyde and Beach, 8am to 8pm
- Bikes Not allowed on board
The three lines
The Powell-Hyde line starts at Powell and Market Streets, climbs Nob Hill and Russian Hill, stops at the top of Lombard Street and ends at Hyde and Beach near Ghirardelli Square. It has the biggest views of the bay. The Powell-Mason line also starts at Powell and Market and ends at Bay and Taylor, a few blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf. The California line runs between California and Market Streets in the Financial District and Van Ness Avenue, over Nob Hill and past the edge of Chinatown.
Fares and passes
A single ride costs $9, and the fare goes up to $12 in January 2027. A Muni Visitor Passport covers cable cars along with buses, streetcars and Muni Metro, and pays for itself if you take a couple of cable car rides in a day. You can buy passes and single rides in the MuniMobile app or load them onto a Clipper card. Cash on board needs exact change.
Skipping the long lines
The turntable at Powell and Market often has the longest line in the city. You must pay before you board there, at Bay and Taylor, and at Hyde and Beach between 8am and 8pm. A few ways to wait less:
- Board at a stop a few blocks up the line, at any brown and white cable car sign, when there is room.
- Ride the California line, which usually has much shorter lines.
- Go early in the morning or in the evening.
Riding tips
Hold on tightly, especially if you stand on the outside running boards, and do not lean out. Wait until the car stops completely before getting off and check for traffic as you step down. For the best views on the Powell lines, stand or sit on the side facing the bay as you head north.
Visit the Cable Car Museum
The free Cable Car Museum at Washington and Mason Streets on Nob Hill is inside the working powerhouse. From a viewing gallery you can watch the giant wheels that pull the cables under the streets. It is closed on Mondays.
Official resources: SFMTA cable cars, Muni fares, Cable Car Museum.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a cable car ride in San Francisco?
A single ride is $9, rising to $12 in January 2027. Passes such as the Visitor Passport include unlimited cable car rides.
Which cable car line is best?
The Powell-Hyde line has the best views of the bay and Alcatraz. The California line is the least crowded.
Can you hop on and off a cable car?
A single fare covers one ride. To get on and off throughout the day, buy a Visitor Passport.
Photo credits
Featured image: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.