Bucket List #4: Ride a cable car in San Francisco
If you are traveling to San Francisco, then there is no doubt that you have already heard of the city’s iconic red and gold cable cars. Perhaps you recall Tony Bennet musing about the “little cable cars climbing halfway to the stars”. Or maybe, you remember one lucky cable car operator being ordained into “The Order of the Rose” by Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries. Regardless, there is no doubt that the tiny cable cars are embedded into any definition of San Francisco.
San Francisco’s cable cars are the first, and only, manually operated cable cars still running. And while they are quite a bit slower than other modes of transportation, there’s something to that slowness that allows you to properly soak in the city views without haste or destination in mind.
Below is my ultimate guide to riding a cable car in San Francisco:
San Francisco Cable Car Cost
Cable cars are $8 for a single trip ticket for all riders. Seniors 65+ pay $4 at off hours (before 7am and after 9pm). There are no transfers allowed, so you must repay every time you get on. It’s probably worth riding from one end of the line to the other. After all, the journey is what’s important here – not the destination.
Paying for a Cable Car
There are four ways to purchase tickets.
- On-Board Payment – You can purchase cable car tickets on the car itself once you board. Note that these payments must be in cash or via Clipper Card. Apple Card and credit card are not accepted.
- Download the MUNI App – Cable car tickets can be purchased online with the MUNI app – San Francisco’s main city transportation app.
- Pay with a Clipper Card – If you have a San Francisco clipper transportation card, you can purchase your ticket directly by scanning this transit pass. If you are just visiting the city, you can purchase a 1, 3, or 7 day Clipper transit pass, and use this to ride the cable cars
Ticket Booth – You may also purchase paper tickets at designated cable car ticket booths, which are located in Fisherman’s Wharf and on Market Street. These locations are the turnaround points for cable cars. You MUST have a physical paper ticket purchased from a booth if you are boarding at one of the main cable car turnaround points. (And they do make quite a fun souvenir).
Where do you board the San Francisco Cable Cars?
The main cable car routes begin at “turnaround” points located in Fisherman’s Wharf and on Market Street. Most people begin their rides here, and travel to the end of the line. That said, lines at the turnaround points are often quite long.
You can board the cable cars at any stop along the route. This approach has a much shorter wait time, though you may have less say over your seating arrangement. If you want to skip the lines, I recommend walking one block up from the turnaround point, and picking the cable car up at the first official “stop”.
Which San Francisco cable car route is best?
1. Powell / Hyde Line
This is arguably the most popular line for tourists visiting the city. The Powell Hyde line picks guests up in Fisherman’s Wharf, and ends over on Market Street close to downtown. It has iconic views of Alcatraz, Lombard Street (the famous, twisty street) and Coit Tower to the east. You’ll also ride through Chinatown, and will get to see some great views of the financial district.
2. Powell / Mason Line
The Powell Mason line is pretty similar to Powell/Hyde in that they both take off from Fisherman’s Wharf and end on Market Street. In fact, they follow the same route from Market Street (Union Square) to Chinatown. The main difference is that you’ll travel through North Beach, San Francisco’s “Little Italy”. The lines for this route are much less crowded.
3. California Line
The California Street line runs perpendicular to the others, and offers an entirely different view. You’ll run directly along California street from Van Ness to Market, and will get a great view of the Bay Bridge to the east, Nob Hill, and Grace Cathedral.
The California Line has the shortest lines, and there is usually no wait. From time to time, I would take this line to commute from Lower Pacific Heights to my office on the Embarcadero. It always added a little boost of happiness to my Monday.
Where to sit to get the best views
This question should be reframed to “where should I stand”? If you are able to, I recommend standing on the outside of the cable car and hanging on to the poles. It adds a little bit of adventure, and you’ll get the best, unobtrusive views of the city.
If you are taking the Powell/Mason or Powell/Hyde lines, stand on the left side of the cable car when traveling towards Market Street, and on the right side of the cable car if you are heading away from Market Street towards Fisherman’s Wharf. If you are traveling on the California line route, definitely sit on the left hand side of the cable car to ensure you are getting the best views!
Note that, from time to time, Karl the Fog likes to come and sit right on your site line. It’s a bit unfortunate. If possible, I recommend grabbing a cable car on a sunny day.
That’s all, folks!
Have you ridden a cable car in San Francisco? Write about your experience in the comment below!
If you are heading to San Francisco, be sure to check out my San Francisco bucket list for more ideas and adventures.
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