San Francisco’s historic cable cars date back to the 1800s, serving as a quintessential symbol of city history and local pride. Not only are the cable cars national landmarks, they’re also a major part of SF’s transit infrastructure and can be used with Clipper cards, just like any other transit line. If this is your first time taking a cable car, keep reading to learn all about how to pay your fare, how the cable car lines work, and tips for having a smooth ride.
How do I pay my cable car fare?
There are several different ways to pay your fare on SF’s cable cars, which we’ve outlined below. Single rides always cost $8 wherever you pay, but children 4 and under ride free.
If you’re planning to take SF public transportation numerous times during your visit, you can also consider purchasing a Visitor Passport for unlimited rides during 1, 3, or 7 consecutive days.
Paper tickets
Many tourists decide to purchase a paper ticket for simplicity, especially for a one-time novelty ride. Some kiosks, such as the Powell and Hyde turnarounds, sell commemorative tickets that make for fun souvenirs. Paper tickets can be purchased at one of the cable car kiosks, on board by paying the conductor with exact cash, or online for groups. Both single-ride tickets and Visitor Passports are available as paper tickets.
Clipper Card
Most San Franciscans use Clipper Cards for city transit, which is a seamless and contactless option. When you scan the Clipper Card with the conductor, the $8 single-ride fare will be deducted from your card’s balance. You can purchase a Clipper Card at BART and Muni stations, airport booths, or get a virtual card on your phone via the Clipper app. Just make sure you pre-load it with enough money for the fare. If you opt for the Visitor Passport, this can also be loaded onto your Clipper Card.
MuniMobile app
Another option to consider is the MuniMobile app, which lets you buy and store individual transport tickets on your phone. When boarding a cable car or other transport, you must simply pull up the ticket and show it to the conductor. The app is also useful for its trip planning feature, which helps to navigate the Muni system, and functions with the Visitor Passport.
What’s the difference between the 3 cable car lines?
There are 2 types of historic cable cars in service in San Francisco today: 12 California cars, which are larger and may be operated from both ends; and 28 Powell cars, which are slightly smaller and operational from one end only.
You can avoid some lines and crowding by not boarding at the Powell & Market and Hyde & Beach turnarounds. Walk a block or two up the line and board at an in-between stop.
Powell-Hyde Line
The Powell-Hyde Line runs from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, with a stop at Lombard Street. It’s generally the most scenic and popular route—for the best views, sit on the right side going toward Fisherman’s Wharf.
Powell-Mason Line
Powell-Mason also connects Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, but it runs through North Beach and Chinatown. It tends to be a bit less crowded than Powell-Hyde.
California Street Line
Finally, the California Street Line is usually less crowded and more used by locals, running east-west between the Financial District and Van Ness. It passes through Chinatown and Nob Hill and also offers nice views.
What else should I know for a smooth ride?
SF’s cable cars run between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day, and mornings and evenings tend to be less crowded. If you’re standing, make sure you hold on tight, especially on those outside spots when going up steep hills.
🌐 Learn more:
- Dive into the history of the cable cars at SF’s free Cable Car Museum
- Learn more about riding the cable cars at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) website.