How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Cable Cars in San Francisco?

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From the Author: When I first moved from the East Coast to the West Coast, I landed in San Francisco for five years. If you want to blend in like a local, don’t call the cable cars “trolleys”; that is a no-no. We also don’t refer to SF as “Frisco.”

How much does it cost to ride the cable cars in San Francisco?

Adult and youth, ages 5 to 17: $8 each ride, a single ride on a single cable car vehicle. Senior, ages 65 or older; disabled; Medicare card holder: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.: $8 for each ride. Before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.: $4 for each ride, cash or ticket only. Valid ID required. Payment for these rides can only be made in cash or with a ticket.

Cable Cars in San Francisco: FAQs

Are San Francisco cable cars worth it?

Yes. It’s worth riding at least once and is a great way to get up the steep hills in San Francisco. The Powell-Hyde & Powell-Mason Lines are especially fun to take. Try to get a spot outside the car up front and hang off the side; it’s thrilling.

Get an all-day pass for just $14 to make it more affordable. It includes a full day of unlimited Muni rides, including all the cable car lines, the F-line historic streetcars on the waterfront and Market Street, the Muni Metro subway trains, and all Muni buses. (You can also get the special $5 all-day California Street cable car fare on the Muni Mobile app.)

How long is a round trip cable car ride in San Francisco?

The length of a cable car ride depends on which line you take. There are three lines. The cable car from Taylor St & Bay St (Fisherman’s Wharf) to Powell St & O’Farrell St (Union Square) takes about 20 min one way, including transfers, and departs every 20 minutes.

Which is the best cable car ride in San Francisco?

I lived in San Francisco for many years and found the Powell-Hyde Street line the most thrilling because of the hills it climbs and descends. The Powell-Hyde Street line starts at the cable car turnaround at Powell Street and Market Street, right next to Union Square.

What is the best time to ride the cable cars in San Francisco?

If you don’t want to wait in long lines to get on the Cable Cars in San Francisco, the best time to ride is early in the morning, like 7:00 am, or later at night, after 8:00 pm. Cable cars operate every day of the year, currently from 7 am to 11 pm.

The Powell lines are more crowded than the California line, where you can get on without waiting almost any time of the day. This is how I used to get to the grocery store via the California line; I would hop on and off and never had trouble getting on.

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How to ride the cable cars in San Francisco?

Act like a local. Have exact change or a muni pass. Don’t annoy the cable car operators.

Can you take a cable car from Union Square to Fishermans Wharf?

Yes. You would take the Powell-Hyde Street and Powell-Mason lines.

Why are SF cable cars so expensive?

Riding cable cars in San Francisco is relatively expensive because they are not only a mode of transportation but also a historical and tourist attraction, requiring significant maintenance and operational costs due to their age and the manual operation involved.

This unique experience, combined with their iconic status in the city, contributes to the higher fare compared to standard public transit options.

How much is the cable car to Golden Bridge?

None of the cable car lines go to the Golden Gate Bridge. Trollies (on wheels, not cables) tours will take you to the Golden Gates Bridge.

How much does it cost to go to the San Francisco cable car Museum?

Admission to the Cable Car Museum is free. YAY. Go! It’s fun and will take about 30 minutes to check out.

Do you have to get off the cable car in San Francisco?

Yes, everyone must get off the cable car at the turnabout. One is at the end of the Powell line at Markets Street, and one ends at Ghiradelli Square.

How much is the cable car?

Adult and youth, ages 5 to 17: $8 each ride, a single ride on a single cable car vehicle. Senior, ages 65 or older; disabled; Medicare card holder: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.: $8 each ride. Before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.: $4 each ride, cash or ticket only. Valid ID required. Payment for these rides can only be made in cash or with a ticket.

Which cable car goes to Lombard Street?

The Powell/Hyde Street line goes past Lombard Street and then heads down a steep hill to Ghiradelli Square. It’s a fun ride!

How do I pay for F Line San Francisco?

You can pay using the MuniMobile app, a Clipper Card, or cash. A single adult ticket is $3 if paid in cash and $2.50 if paid via MuniMobile or Clipper Card. Youth (ages 5-18), seniors (ages 65+), and travelers with disabilities ride for less ($1.50 if cash, $1.25 if MuniMobile or Clipper).

Is the SF trolley free?

No, the Cable Cars in San Francisco are not free. Nor are they called trollies.

How safe are cable cars in San Francisco?

I’ve ridden on Cable Cars hundreds of times. It can be dicey if you are standing on the front or side of the Cable car. Cars can get close to the Cable Cars; driving in San Francisco is difficult because the streets are narrow.

The Cable Car tracks are right down the middle. If you are standing outside on the side of the car, don’t lean too far out toward the street; keep your body tight to the pole.

What is the least crowded cable car in San Francisco?

The California line is the least crowded of the three lines.

It’s also full of thrills as it climbs the steep hill from California and Market to the top of Nob Hill (where I used to live), then runs back downhill to Van Ness. I used to take it all the time to Whole Foods; it’s not crowded.

Which cable car takes you to Fisherman’s Wharf?

Fisherman’s Wharf is served by two cable car lines: the Powell-Hyde line on Hyde and Beach Streets (Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square) and the Powell-Mason line on Taylor and Bay Streets (middle of Fisherman’s Wharf area, a few blocks from Pier 45 at Taylor and Bay Street).

Where do cable cars take you in San Francisco?

They take you to either Fisherman’s Wharf area, Union Square, or Van Ness Street. Choose from three cable car lines – two start at Powell and Market and continue to the Fisherman’s Wharf area; one starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue.

How often are the cable cars in San Francisco?

The cable cars generally stop every 5- 10 minutes, depending on the line you’re riding. There are three Cable Car lines in San Francisco. They run about every 20 minutes.

Which cable car to Golden Bridge?

None of the cable car lines go to the Golden Gate Bridge. Trollies (on wheels, not cables) tours will take you to the Golden Gates Bridge.

What is the difference between a cable car and a trolley in San Francisco?

Cable cars run on cables beneath the street. Cable cars are often misidentified as ‘trolleys,’ but that term refers specifically to the trolley pole used by streetcars to get power from an overhead wire (hence, streetcars are often called trolleys, correctly).

Cable cars use no overhead wire and run on a cable under the street.

How much does it cost to ride the trolley in San Francisco?

The Cable Car in San Francisco costs $8 per ride. Kids under 4 ride for free. You can purchase a day pass for $13 per day, which is more economical.

How often do cable cars stop in San Francisco?

The cable cars generally stop every 5- 10 minutes, depending on your line. There are three Cable Car lines in San Francisco. They run about every 20 minutes. However, I’ve waited longer than 20 minutes for a Cable Car.

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