Cable Cars
Cable Cars
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Since 1873, cable cars have run up and down the hilly city, though after the 1950s, these cars have been kept in operation more out of historic nostalgia. Seventeen miles of track remain and have been deemed a historical landmark.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Swanky and stylish, Nob Hill sits in the heart of the city and is home to amazing architecture and views. The hike to the top can be a challenging workout for those who forego a cable car ride, but they will be rewarded with some of the city’s most beautiful architecture adorning its peak. Originally populated with mansions after the Gold Rush, most if not all were devastated in the 1906 earthquake and fire that followed. Luckily all is not lost; storied hotels and Grace Cathedral surround Huntington Park. Having a drink or dinner while taking in the sunset and views at the "top of the Mark" is tough to beat.
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4,036 within 5 kms
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See what travelers are saying
- RameshlcfcLeicester, United Kingdom917 contributionsA must do in San FranciscoA must do ride in San Francisco. As the previous reviewer said, the most iconic tram ride in the world. Scenic and photogenic. Costs $8 one way. We went one way to Fisherman's Wharf. Looked around pier 39-41. Walked back from Pier 41 up Powell Street all the way to the starting point. It took us 45 minutes at reasonable pace.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- Ian MPerth, Australia27 contributionsGreat way to get aroundGreat way to get from Union Square to fisherman’s wharf, very convenient for us as tram stop outside of hotel. Downloaded the muni app you ride all day for $13 or single ticket is $8. Great way to travel as a tourist. Each tram has a story as well. Managed to get off and WALK up Lombard stVisited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 15, 2023
- BBB-MLJLondon, United Kingdom358 contributionsExcellent - must doTo get the full experience, hang off the side or sit outside. If catching it from the Fisherman’s Wharf end be prepared for a wait. It seems the drivers/operators take a 20 minute break before the trams sets off again to it’s a bit of a wait. However, it’s well worth the wait. This should be on a San Francisco ’to do’ list.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- Moni SColumbus, Ohio64 contributionsGreat SF experienceA must when you visit San Francisco. I took the cable car from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. I really enjoyed it, especially when I was able to move to an outward facing seat. A couple of tips; 1) You have to pay with cash or download the MuniMobile and pay for an online ticket. 2) Avoid boarding at the turn arounds as you will wait over an hour. There are stops every few blocks, and you can catch a car much faster. With all the hills in SF, it made for a very enjoyable ride.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 30, 2023
- wombatdavidHobart, Australia2,757 contributionsYou will do thisBuy a day pass for $13 and it pays for itself if you do 2 trips. We also used our pass on the street cars. We were disrupted by APEC but still did a partial ride to the wharf area. A lot of fun!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 13, 2023
- guennie3Cambridge, United Kingdom460 contributionsSan Francisco cable cars-what’s not to love?Absolutely loved the SF cable cars. We went from Fisherman’s wharf to Union Square and back. Hopped off at the museum-it is free and so interesting. You see the mechanism working the cars there. Heard that the other route to Union Square was steeper and more fun so did that later. We also watched the turn around. Not so busy at the end of November. Bought $13 day passes on the MuniMobile app. Very simple to set up and use.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 30, 2023
- Kendra G9 contributionsSan Francisco vibesWe were fortunate enough to visit San Francisco in the quiet season and the Cable Car was one of the highlights of our trip. Easy to use, just purchase your ticket next to the tram stop and off you go. For USD8 you can ride all day. There are 3 lines with 2 of them running straight from Fishermans Wharf to Union Sq. Compared to other attractions in Fishermans Wharf this was by far the best value. You can get on and off or just ride them. You are allowed to stand outside which my teens loved. We rode all 3 lines then the Fishermans Wharf line again after dark, the city lights were spectacular and the cold if the night added to the experience. The drivers are masters of their craft and handling these cable cars up and downhill is an art still practiced today as they have done for 150 years as is watching them turn around on the turntable once they reach the end. Highly recommended and an unforgettable experience.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 10, 2024
- Venture754838Ingersoll, Canada527 contributionsGreat way to see the sites.We purchased the one day passport for $16 each. We took the cable car to just outside Fisherman’s Wharf. The weather was idyllic and we had the opportunity to see quite a lot during our ride. After spending the day in Fisherman’s Wharf, we lined up to take the cable car back to downtown San Francisco. Not sure why we had to wait so long to depart at both ends. Especially after being informed that it departs every 20 minutes.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2024
- Garret A3 contributionsA Charming Ride Through HistoryA charming and iconic way to explore the city. With stunning views and historic appeal, they provide a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike. A must-do for anyone visiting the Golden State! ⛰🚃Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 21, 2024
- Sammy MNairobi, Kenya359 contributionsIconic Cable Car Experience: A Nostalgic Journey Through San Francisco's Scenic StreetsRiding the iconic cable cars was my childhood dream come true! This San Francisco experience transported me back in time as we rolled up and down the city's famously steep hills. The unbeatable views of the City's skyscrapers, classic homes and eclectic neighbourhoods made the ride most memorable. It's an absolute must-do. Tip: Book your return trip through the cable car app for a discounted fare - it's much cheaper than paying per ride.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Philip D
Tucson, Arizona369 contributions
Dec 2019
They only sell single (one-way) tickets and they are $7 each. Then you wait at the
Powell Street turnaround for over an hour as they are so popular. Fortunately, on the
day we visited there was a decent busker but I've seen Disneyland (ride) lines move
faster than this. There is nowhere to sit whilst waiting. The cable car trip is OK. The
shocking things was the paucity of cars ... Jeez, just buy/build some more cable cars
or stop taking $7 for what is a poor experience. Since there were 4 of us, a Lyft back to
the hotel from Ghiradelli Square was just as much fun. Yeah, it's that good.
Powell Street turnaround for over an hour as they are so popular. Fortunately, on the
day we visited there was a decent busker but I've seen Disneyland (ride) lines move
faster than this. There is nowhere to sit whilst waiting. The cable car trip is OK. The
shocking things was the paucity of cars ... Jeez, just buy/build some more cable cars
or stop taking $7 for what is a poor experience. Since there were 4 of us, a Lyft back to
the hotel from Ghiradelli Square was just as much fun. Yeah, it's that good.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alfred O
Amsterdam, The Netherlands32 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
My first time to Sanfrancisco i took a ride on these cable cars . It was worth it then . The fare used to be a quarter then too and this City didnt have any Ugly Modern Highrise buildings yet to mess up our Citys Sky-line . Now we are off the scale with terrible ugiest Crap . And the monthly rent or Condo fees on one of them is $4,000.00 a month . SAN Francisco didnt have any buildings back then thats rent was that much yet . Now a One bedroom Apartment costs that much a month . I went to Europe in 1987 and rent for a One bedroom was $800 a month for a 3 bedroom apartment in Paris . What happened to our Values in this World ??? This city of Sanfrancisco Stinks to high heaven . Now these Cable cars cost over $5.00 to ride .And these cars arent maintained good anymore either . The Views from the top of one of the hills can be great from one of these Cable car rides too .And now their really crowded too .
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GordyBGone
San Francisco, CA19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Because I am encorporating my feelings under this encompassing San Francisco landmark. Cable cars are grand ... but. I am a former resident of many years. Up until this year, for the past ten years I have traversed across the country 2 or 3 times a year to visit The City. No more. The patina of San Francisco has been scuffed away. Particularily, the past five years have shown astronomical price rises while delivering a dramatic decline in a safe and appealing environment. I miss the view. I miss the feel. I miss the people. I have my memories. I will now spend my dollars where I am valued and appreciated as a person. It's not the cable cars; it's where they take you. That's why "1" star is for San Francisco.
Ps: I remember when a cable car ride was 15 cents, not today's 7 dollars.
Ps: I remember when a cable car ride was 15 cents, not today's 7 dollars.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amandallam
Lakewood, CO39 contributions
Dec 2019
I thought that hanging off of the cable car was something of days past and in movies, but you can really do that here. You absolutely cannot leave SF without riding at least once. Tickets are $7 each per way. We got a MUNI pass (public transportation system of SF) that allowed us unlimited rides on the buses, trains, and cable cars. If you plan to ride at least twice, this makes for an excellent value. Beware that lines can get long, even in the dead of winter, especially at the terminal stops. We waited around 40 mins at Fisherman's Wharf one night to catch a cable car. I would recommend you head to one of the intermediary stops to shorten wait time.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markandsian
Chester, UK190 contributions
Jan 2020
We spent a whole day just travelling on the 4 lines up & down & jumping off & on. What a fun day. You think you are going to fall off (on the open seating) but you don't. A lovely slow way to ride & see the city. The Cable Car Museum has free admission and is a must as well to see how they work. Just get a clipper card (from Walgreens) to enjoy the rides which give you unlimited rides on buses/cable cars for the day/3 days as opposed to $8 per ride.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryjanelk
Pleasant Valley, NY51 contributions
Jan 2020
We waited about 20 minutes in order to board the cable car. As it was later in the day, it was a bit chilly (60) but we rode outside for the full experience. Our driver slowed down and told us when and where the views were and we loved the trip from the Wharf area to Union Station. (we traveled through China Town up the steep cobbled streets) On our return we took a different route because it was closer to our hotel $8 per trip - a bit more expensive than a taxi, but a lot more fun!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivienne G
Melbourne, Australia22 contributions
Feb 2020
Would suggest you try to “off peak” you cable car trip. It’s not cheap and so many passengers were packed in that my sight seeing consisted of the sweater of the guy standing in front of me!
A little better on the way back but still pretty crowded. This was on Super Bowl Sunday in lovely weather so everyone was out and about. Just bad luck but something to consider.
A little better on the way back but still pretty crowded. This was on Super Bowl Sunday in lovely weather so everyone was out and about. Just bad luck but something to consider.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moorthyr
Baltimore, MD301 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Nice ride...
It is a bit expensive... $7 a person for what is at most a short ride. But that’s ok - it’s a pretty cool novelty.
Make sure you visit the Cable Car museum too (it’s free). Seeing the big generators that pull the cables is really cool, and if you stand over the cable car lines on the street you can hear the cables moving!!! You also see how the clamps that grip the cables to move the cars work too. Pretty best system.
We used it to go from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Cable Car museum and back, which served the purpose!
It is a bit expensive... $7 a person for what is at most a short ride. But that’s ok - it’s a pretty cool novelty.
Make sure you visit the Cable Car museum too (it’s free). Seeing the big generators that pull the cables is really cool, and if you stand over the cable car lines on the street you can hear the cables moving!!! You also see how the clamps that grip the cables to move the cars work too. Pretty best system.
We used it to go from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Cable Car museum and back, which served the purpose!
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALynn83
Woodbury, MN52 contributions
Feb 2020
The opperators clearly hate their jobs and I can understand that when you work in public transit it is not always the most desirable job. People should know thisisn't just a local tour or experience travelers should seek out. This is everyday (way over priced) option for public transit. Also be warned to ask clearly for a single ride ticket or round trip ticket. $8.00 to be dumped in the dumpy streets in SF in a not so nice neighborhood isn't an experience for most people and we spent the same amout of money on a Uber to get back down to the Wharf during rush hour. The lines to get onto the cable cars are also extremly long. Waited longer to board the cable car and then sat parked for no good reason for an additional 15 mins. In the middle of the ride the opperator stopped the cable car right in the middle of a four way road and did a shift change with two other men who randomly showed up, jumped on and continued to drive us. It just isn't worth the price.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PamKFam
Los Angeles, CA72 contributions
Jan 2020
We rode the cable cars all day with our MobileMuni app on our phones. We got the all day $18 pass that let us ride busses and cable cars all day. We saw every corner of the city and listened to the Gripman tell us about how he runs the cars.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Dksbbs
My wife me travel the eastern United States and arrive in San Francisco at the end
March 2022
After driving on Lombard Street in the afternoon around 4pm
So I return a car to the travel agency and booked a hotel in the center next to Union Square
We will be there until Sunday evening for 2 nights and then we will travel by train to catch a flight to New York
Which public transport ticket is recommended to buy and where and when to buy the tickets
In the evening is it advisable to use uver or is it possible to use public transport?
thank you in advance
Avner & Ofra
Written February 20, 2022
You can walk to most restaurants and bars from Union Square that are located within the down town area. China town is five minutes away and the business district is 10 minutes away. A lot of restaurants and places to see.
The Bay Area rapid transit system (BART) is more for commuting from distant cities in the suburbs to downtown. It is not as convenient for getting around in town. Use Uber or Lyft to go from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf. The bus service is average.
After dark, use Uber. There are a lot of homeless people around Union Square.
Written February 21, 2022
Hi ... what time do the cable cars start running?... does it go from Union Square to fisherman’s wharf?... is Saturday the same? Sounds like it’s worth purchasing a full day ticket for us. How do you buy ticket?.. thanks in advance.
Written February 18, 2020
Hi we bought a three day pass but you can buy one day on our mobile phone called a muni mobile that was the cheapest way to do it. The trams start really early around 6am not sure of there route at that time? They do go from union square to fisherman’s wharf. Advise to get off at Lombard street it is quite amazing (much better in the summer because of all the flowers) and a visit to the cable museum is really interesting. Enjoy
Written February 19, 2020
I’m on pine st what is the easiest way to get to union square by cable car
Written October 15, 2019
Easier to walk down to Union ST, but do expect queues
Written October 16, 2019
Hi
Kid under 3 years old have to purchase ticket?
Thanks.
Written September 5, 2019
I agree with the others under 4yrs are free over depending on age it varies but still less than an adult.Sandra I think the kids enjoy it much more than the parents they don't have anything else quite like this to compare it to, So go and be a kid again.
Written October 16, 2019
The 1 day visitor pass is $12 for adults. If you do the one trip it's $7, but as soon as you exit the car, then you have to buy another trip.
Written August 18, 2019
Most easy spot is Powell and Market where the line originates or at tge end of the line at the wharf
Written July 2, 2019
What is the weather like in mid June in SAN Francisco
Written May 25, 2019
Just got home from SF and my husband is still there on a contract. I packed for mid 60’s as that’s what it had been before I arrived. When I arrived, it was insanely hot - and I’m from Houston! Temps were in the high 90’s and it was sweltering as most buildings don’t have AC.
Locals said that it was unusual for it to be that hot. The day I left, temps plummeted into the 50’s again.
In essence, layer. You never know what you’re going to get.
Written June 16, 2019
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