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.
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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.
