San Francisco Cable Cars

Cable Car Lines Cable Car Rides

In San Francisco, you can ride a national landmark – the cable car. San Francisco icons, the cable car has played a role in shaping the City by the Bay since 1873. Andrew Hallidie invented the cable car system after he witnessed a tragic horse and carriage accident on one of San Francisco’s notoriously steep cobblestone streets. By the mid-1880s, approximately 600 cable cars were in service. The cable cars functioned as a main mode of public transit until the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake destroyed much of the system. A railway soon replaced many cable lines. Throughout the early and mid-1900s, San Franciscans lobbied to keep the cable car system in tact. Today, three cable car lines serve San Francisco residents and tourists.

San Francisco Cable Car Lines. Riding a cable car is easy and fun. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a veteran to San Francisco, riding a cable car adds a touch of excitement to your itinerary. Choose from three cable car lines: Powell-Mason Line, Powell-Hyde Line, or the California Line. The Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde Lines each start/end at the Powell/Market Street Turntable. Note that each line, however, travels to a different destination near Fisherman’s Wharf. The California Line travels east/west through the Financial District and Chinatown, over Nob Hill and stops at Van Ness. No matter which line you choose, you’re guaranteed spectacular views of San Francisco landmarks.  [Top]

Rides on a San Francisco Cable Car. No visit to San Francisco is complete without a cable car ride. The cost to ride a cable car is $3.00 each way, per person. The conductor will collect your fare. You may board or exit a cable car only at designated stops along the route marked by a brown cable car sign. While lines to board the cable car may be long at popular stops, don’t worry. Cable cars can carry approximately 60 passengers. Simply call out your request a block ahead of time when you’re ready to exit the cable car. Gripmen need time to bring the cable car to a complete stop.

During your visit to the Marina Motel, explore San Francisco’s colorful Fisherman’s Wharf, China Town, North Beach and Union Square neighborhoods by cable car. Unlimited rides tickets are available so you can get on and off the cable car at any stop that piques your interest.  [Top]