People have been riding cable cars around San Francisco since 1873, and while we have many fewer cable car lines today than we did way back when, they still draw tons of people each year. Like most major attractions in San Francisco there are some simple tricks that will both increase your enjoyment of riding the cable cars and save you time to boot.
1. Departure points:
The cable car lines run from Bay & Taylor to Market & Powell, Powell & Hyde to Market & Powell, and Market & Drumm to Van Ness & California. During the slower seasons (October through February) there shouldn’t be too much of a wait if you choose to hop on at a starting point. From March through September, however, you’re likely better off choosing somewhere in the middle of the line if the waiting times at the starting points look long. Many people ride the Powell-Hyde line to the crooked Lombard Street (getting off at Union Street), and get off there to take photos. This is a great spot to get on if the lines are busy, as so many people disembark here.
2. Cost:
A ride on the cable cars costs $7 per person, one way. The fare can be paid in cash on board, or via pre-purchased tickets bought from ticket booths at Hyde and Beach or Market and Powell. Paying cash is likely quicker, as the ticket booth lines can be extremely long on summer days.
3. Cable cars and beyond:
If you’re curious to learn more about the cable cars of San Francisco, consider visiting the free cable car museum! This is a great place to take kids, especially if you encounter some rainy SF days. Should you only want to take the cable cars in one direction, it is easier to go away from Fisherman’s Wharf- then you can hop on the F streetcar line up the embarcadero back to where you started from. Check out our post on what you need to know about SF public transit for more on that :)
About the Author
Eliza — Vantigo Camp Counselor, Business Operations First Officer
The author enjoys live music, good food, and cruising around town in Jerry (though she loves all the vans equally).