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.
Filmed here
Productions the city recorded shooting at or beside San Francisco Cable Cars.
- Powell between California and Market3m awayThe Matrix Resurrections 2021
- Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth20m awayWhat’s Up Doc? 1972
- Powell St. at Market St.47m awayWhen We Rise 2017
- Flood Building52m awayFoul Play 1978
From the San Francisco Film Commission permit record.
Explore Nearby
Buddha Lounge
A Chinatown dive with red lanterns, a jukebox, and stiff, cheap pours.
Tosca Cafe
A 1919 North Beach institution known for its coffee-free house cappuccino.
Golden Boy Pizza
Square focaccia slices at a North Beach counter since 1978. Slices run...
Bob’s Donuts
A 24 hour Polk Street donut counter, family run since 1977, known...
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.
