San Francisco Cable Cars
The Verdict
"Skip the hour-long Powell turnaround line: walk two or three blocks up Powell and board mid-route, or take the California Street line instead."
What you need to know
San Francisco’s cable cars are a working 1873 transit system, invented by Andrew Hallidie, that grips a continuously moving underground cable to climb hills too steep for ordinary streetcars. Three lines still run, and the system was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 as the first moving system to receive that status.
The Three Lines
Powell-Hyde climbs over Nob Hill and Russian Hill and descends Hyde toward the bay near Ghirardelli Square. Powell-Mason shares the Powell & Market turnaround, then turns through North Beach toward Fisherman’s Wharf. The California Street line runs east-west across the Financial District and over Nob Hill to Van Ness, reversing at each end with no turnaround.
Riding
The Powell & Market turnaround has the longest queues, over an hour on summer weekends. Walk up Powell two or three blocks and board mid-route, or take the California line for shorter waits; early morning and weekdays are lighter. Single ride is $12, or an $18 Cable Car Plus day pass; pay with Clipper or MuniMobile.
Explore Nearby
Starlite
A 21st-floor Union Square lounge with cocktails by Trick Dog's Scott Baird.
Good Mong Kok Bakery
Chinatown bakery on Stockton Street, open since 1977. Steamed char siu bao...
Vesuvio Cafe
The North Beach bar where the Beats drank, across from City Lights...
Sam’s Burgers
Anthony Bourdain ate here on The Layover and called it "top three...
Pro tips
Walk up a few stops from Powell to skip the line. Take California Street line to avoid crowds entirely. Stand on the running boards for the best experience.
