San Francisco is one of the most fascinating places in the USA. The city’s steep hills, including the world’s most winding street, Lombard Street, are complemented by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the notorious Alcatraz prison, and the historic cable car system, which has been operating in San Francisco since 1873.
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Historic Cable Cars in San Francisco
Anyone who has visited San Francisco knows the extreme steepness of the city’s hills. For standard buses or trams, the elevation would be an insurmountable problem. Therefore, in some parts of the city, cable cars provide public transportation services. The tram is anchored on the steep hills by a 3.2 cm thick steel cable concealed in the road.
The first cable car in San Francisco was deployed on August 2, 1873, as part of a test run. Regular service on the California Street Line began later on September 1. In 1888, the Powell to Mason line was added, and the Powell to Hyde line was introduced in 1952.
Initially, the cable cars were used to transport passengers, but today they primarily serve as a tourist attraction. Particularly appealing is the opportunity to ride on the open-air steps on the sides of the cable car. In 2019, an average of 14,900 people utilized the San Francisco cable car every day.
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Cable Car Lines in San Francisco
All three cable car lines are still in operation:
- Powell/Hyde Line: This line connects the intersections of Powell/Market and Hyde/Beach Streets, running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Powell/Mason Line: This line runs between Powell/Market and Taylor/Bay daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- California Line: This line runs from the California/Drumm intersection to California/Van Ness, operating daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The line name and direction of travel can be found written directly on the cable car. The stops are painted in yellow directly on the road. You can download a simple map of the cable car routes to your phone.
For a ride, I recommend choosing the Powell/Hyde line and starting at the Hyde/Beach stop. At this location, there is a unique cable car turntable. The cars are manually turned on it. You may spend a few dozen minutes in line for a ride, but you are guaranteed to get a ride. Boarding at other stops depends on how full the passing cable car is. I personally have not managed to board elsewhere.
If you wish to stand on the side or end of the cable car during the ride (room for two, great view), ask the attendant promptly. It’s a first come, first served system, which provides a better experience. Riding San Francisco’s legendary cable car like a regular passenger is not an experience.
You can end your ride at any stop, but I recommend traveling all the way to the Powell/Market terminus downtown. During your ride on this line, you will pass Lombard Street, the world’s most winding street. The city view from this spot is worthwhile.
Cable car enthusiasts can visit the free Cable Car San Francisco Museum, which is open every day except Mondays. Here, you’ll find vintage cars, photographs, and a gift shop.
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San Francisco Cable Car Tickets
The price of a single cable car ticket is $8.00 (updated in April 2024). There is no student discount. Children up to 4 years old can travel for free; older children are charged the regular fare.
Tickets for the historic cable car can be purchased in advance via the MuniMobile or Clipper Card app. They can also be purchased from the driver, but exact change is required as they do not give refunds. When boarding at Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor, or Hyde & Beach Streets between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., tickets must always be purchased in advance.
MuniMobile is the official app of the San Francisco Transportation Authority, while the Clipper Card serves a similar purpose throughout the Bay Area.
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Photos of Historic Cable Cars in San Francisco
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