Cable Car Rider Guide

Cable Car Basic Information

Currently, there are three Cable Car Lines in service. The Powell-Mason, the Powell-Hyde, and the California Line.

The Powell-Hyde Street Line starts at Hyde and Beach Streets located near the Hyde Street Pier. From there it goes straight up the hill (a 21% slope) and continues up to Lombard Street. If you have purchased an All Day Passport, feel free to get off the Cable Car and walk up and down the "Crookedest Street in the World." On your journey to the end of the line at Powell Street, you will see Russian Hill, one of the most scenic neighborhoods in the city. Your journey will end at Powell and Market Street

The Powell-Mason Street Line starts at Bay and Taylor Streets, just in a few blocks inland from Fisherman's Wharf and the closest line to Pier 39. Along the journey to the end of the line at Powell Street, you will pass through North Beach, have a quick visit to Columbus Street, and delve into heart of Chinatown. Be sure to stop off at the Cable Car Museum to see the cable lines pop out of the street and into the Cable Car Barn! Your journey will end on Powell and Market Street.

The California Line provides transportation up and down California Street. At one end is the heart of San Francisco's Financial District, and at the other end is the top of Nob Hill, where you will find many of our fancier hotels. You will not find many tourists using this line as many locals use it to commute. However, it does stop at Grant Street which is the famously beautiful entrance to Chinatown.

TO RETURN FROM POWELL-MARKET STREET TURNAROUND : Both the Powell-Mason and the Powell-Hyde Street Cable Cars have their turnarounds at Powell-Market Street in Union Square. Be sure to hop on the Cable Car that is traveling to the destination you want. Look for the small plaque on the front of the Cable Car that states the ending destination. It will state either Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason. Also, the Powell-Mason line will have a yellow destination sign, and the Powell-Hyde will have a maroon destination sign.

 

Basic Rules of the Ride

Single Ride Cable Car tickets and All-Day Passports are available at ticket booths located at Powell and Market or Hyde and Beach streets. You can purchase the tickets ahead of time on the MuniMobile App For more information go to: https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares/munimobile. Conductors no longer accept cash payments on the Cable Cars

No transfers/fare receipts are accepted.

Fare receipts are issued; one-ride-only. Tickets/Receipts are not valid as transfers and are NOT round trip.

You can get on the Cable Car at any stop along the way where you see the Cable Car stop pole. The Conductors will stop at each stop pole to let people on and off. This is a great way to avoid the long lines at the turnarounds.

You can purchase the tickets ahead of time on the MuniMobile App For more information go to: https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares/munimobile

 

Cable Car Tickets for Single Ride

Tickets for a single ride is $8 for all ages ($4.00 for Senior/Disabled/Medicare after 9:00 pm and before 7:00 am)This is for a single ride on a single cable car.  You do not have any hop on hop off privileges with this ticket. If you depart the Cable Car, you must pay full fare to board another Cable Car.  

Purchase your Passports and Cable Car tickets in advance on your smartphone using the MuniMobile App. Or at https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares/munimobile. Cash is no longer accepted for payment on the Cable Cars.

 

One Day Visitor Passport (We recommend this)

A one day Visitor Passport is $24 and is the same price for all ages and abilities. The Passport expires at 12:59pm. We recommend this fare because you can ride the cable cars all day long. You have hop on and off privileges for the whole day. You also have unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, and historic streetcars.

For instance, if you take the Powell-Hyde Street Line, you may want to get off the Cable Car to walk down the famous Lombard Street. Then, when you are done, you can hop right back onto the Cable Car to continue your ride. Or if you take Powell-Mason street line, you may want to get off in Chinatown and visit this vibrant area of the city. The All Day Passport offers you plenty of flexibility to sight see and to enjoy our city.

Purchase your Passports and Cable Car tickets in advance on your smartphone using the MuniMobile App. Or at https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares/munimobile. Cash is no longer accepted for payment on the Cable Cars.


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