Hop on board! R iders can board at any cable car turntable (the beginning/end of each route) or anywhere this brown and white stop sign is posted. These signs contain information such as: The name of the cable car route
Full Answer
Where can I Ride the cable car in San Francisco?
Riding Cable Cars. It's easy to find and board a cable car. 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.
What side of the cable car do you ride on?
TIP: For the best views, we suggest riding on the right side of the car if you’re departing from Powell & Market, and the left side if you’re departing from Hyde & Beach. WHERE TO BOARD A CABLE CAR. The easiest way place to start your cable car ride is at one of the turnarounds (beginning/end of the line).
How easy is it to find and board a cable car?
It's easy to find and board a cable car. 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 do cable cars start and stop?
Cable cars start and stop by grabbing or releasing a moving cable that runs continuously underneath the street. The grip uses levers and handles to make that happen. To stop, they also put on the brakes (a big piece of wood that drags the ground). The hard part of the job is to do it all smoothly.
San Francisco Cable Car Routes
The map below shows you each of the three San Francisco cable car routes. The arrows indicate the starting/ending point of each line. The green arr...
How to Use The San Francisco Cable Cars
How do you use the cable cars in San Francisco? If this is your first visit or the first time riding the cable cars, there is no need to worry. The...
Powell/Hyde Line: Union Square, Lombard Street to Fisherman's Wharf
The Powell/Hyde line is one of two cable cars in San Francisco that run from Union Square to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. This is my favorite lin...
San Francisco Cable Car Schedule
The cable cars in San Francisco run 365 days a year including holidays. You will find that tourists aren't the only ones that use them to get aroun...
Payment Options, Tips & Discount Passes
There are a couple of payment options for the cable cars San Francisco. The first is a one-time ride ticket. This ticket is $7 and allows you to ri...
How to The San Francisco Cable Cars Work?
How do the cable cars in San Francisco work? Cable cars do not have a motor or an engine.They are pulled along the streets in San Francisco by larg...
How to the San Francisco Cable Cars Work?
How do the cable cars in San Francisco work? Cable cars do not have a motor or an engine.
How long do cable cars run in San Francisco?
The cable cars in San Francisco run 365 days a year including holidays. You will find that tourists aren't the only ones that use them to get around the city, so they are always in operation. All three San Francisco cable car lines start around 6am and run until around 11pm most days.
How much does it cost to ride a cable car in San Francisco?
There are a couple of payment options for the cable cars San Francisco. The first is a one-time ride ticket. This ticket is $8 and allows you to ride one way on one line. You can pay at the ticket booth (if there is one at your stop) or just pay once you board. They only accept exact change.
How many days a week does the SF cable car run?
The SF cable cars run seven days a week including holidays. They are a popular forum of transportation not only for tourists, but also for residents.
How long do you have to stand to ride a cable car?
First, you will need to stand for the entire trip or for about 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure to keep your hands and feet inside the cable car and don't lean out. Make sure to hold on tight!
What are the arrows on the San Francisco cable car?
The map below shows you each of the three San Francisco cable car routes. The arrows indicate the starting/ending point of each line. The green arrows are for the Powell/Hyde line, the red arrows are for the California line and the blue ones are for the Powell/Mason line.
What line to take to Union Square from Fisherman's Wharf?
I recommend taking this one on the trip from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square. By taking the Powell/Hyde line one direction and this one other direction, you get to see some different sights in the city.
Where to Ride: In Or Out?
One of the best spots is between the rows of benches at the back, just behind the grip where you can see out and also watch them work. For safety, you'll have to stay clear of their workspace.
What happens if you charge off to ride a cable car?
If you charge off to ride a cable car, your fun adventure could turn into an annoying one. If you show up at the busiest boarding area, you stand in line so long that you start wondering if you need to file a change of address form. Getting on a cable car mid-route can also be confusing - and getting them to stop isn't obvious, either.
What is the grip person?
The grip person is the driver. They use levers and handles to grab or release a moving cable that runs in a continuous loop beneath the street. To stop, the grip puts on the brake, which is nothing more than a big piece of wood that drags the ground. The grip is also the bell-ringer, signaling the car's approach.
What happens if a cable car is full?
If the cable car is full (and it can sometimes be jam-packed for several stops after it leaves the end of a line), it won't stop no matter how much you wave or yell. If there's no room, there's just no room. If several of them pass you, all too full to stop, it may be time to re-evaluate your plans.
What to do if you find a long line at the cable car stop?
If you find a long line when you arrive at the cable car stop, be smart. Send one person to buy tickets while the rest of your group gets in line.
How far ahead can you signal cable cars?
Cable cars take a little while to come to a halt. Signal at least a half-block ahead, or you might have to wait until the next stop.
What to do if you want to get off along the way?
If you want to get off along the way, you'll have to notify the grip person and conductor.
Overview
A hop-on hop-off tour in San Francisco allows you to explore the city at your own pace but still enjoy convenient provided transportation.
What To Expect
With your 1- or 2-day ticket, you can start your hop-on hop-off tour at any of the 15 stops; the first stop is Fisherman's Wharf.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Traveler Photos
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Attractions in San Francisco
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How much is a city pass?
It also comes with an admission ticket to many different tourist attractions, including the Aquarium of the Bay, the Exploratorium, and a Bay cruise. It costs $89, and can be bought online at the CityPASS website: https://www.citypass.com/san-francisco?
What is a cable car turntable?
Board at a turnaround to enjoy the full route. The cable car turnarounds, also known as turntables, are at the beginning and end of each route. Boarding here will get you the best value for your money, since you’ll be able to enjoy the full route instead of joining midway through the ride.
How to buy a ticket on Munimobile?
Buy a ticket through the MuniMobile app for convenience. Download the app to your smartphone and buy a ticket using a credit card, debit card, or your PayPal account. This is the only way to buy tickets ahead of time and online, so it might be the most convenient for some riders. Simply show the ticket on your phone to the driver when you board.
How to keep your bags from sliding?
The cars can get a bit jerky, which might cause your to trip or your bags to slide. Hold your bags in your lap or between your legs. If you’re standing, keep a firm grip on the pole and keep yourself balanced by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
How to ride a plane?
1. Sit in the interior for the most comfortable ride. Once on board, you can sit in the outside or inside seats, or stand in the back or on either side . The interior seats will be the warmest and most comfortable, but you won’t have as good of a view as the outer seats or standing areas.
How often do cars arrive at Powell's?
The cars operate from about 6:30am until just after midnight, although the Powell/Hyde line starts at 6:00am. For the most part, cars arrive every 6-10 minutes. On weekends or late at night, they might come every 10-15 minutes.
Where to go on Powell Hyde?
Take the Powell/Hyde line to go to Ghirardelli Square or Lombard Street. The Powell/Hyde line begins right near the Powell/Mason line but takes a few different turns. The line ends near Ghirardelli Square, where you can get ice cream and chocolate or go shopping.
What is a Munimobile app?
MuniMobile: is a smartphone app that lets you buy single-ride tickets, cable car rides, or one-day, three-day or seven-day passports instantly with a credit/debit card or PayPal account. MuniMobile app for iPhone or for Android. Check the where to buy SFMTA products page for locations where passes are sold.
What color are the cable cars on Powell Street?
T he signs on Powell street cable cars are color coded. The yellow signs will head towards Bay and Taylor streets, and the red signs will head towards Aquatic Park.
How many days a week do cable cars run?
Cable cars run seven days a week with special schedules on weekends. For a complete updated listing of all cable car stops and time tables, visit www.sfmta.com.
Can you use a Muni bus on a SFMTA cable car?
Check the where to buy SFMTA products page for locations where passes are sold. NOTE: Transfers from Muni buses and Metro Lines are not accepted on the cable cars. Fares may be subject to change without notice here.
Where does the Powell-Mason line start?
The Powell-Mason line begins at the Powell/ Market turntable, and the line runs from there up and over Nob Hill and down to Bay Street at Fisherman's Wharf. The Powell-Hyde line also begins at the Powell Market turntable and runs over Nob and Russian hills before ending at Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square.
Can you board a cable car while it is moving?
Do not board the car while it is moving, wait for it to come to a complete stop. You can enter on either side of the car. You can board a cable car if there is sufficient space. Don't forget that you can "hang on" to the special poles provided on the outside of the car.
What is worth visiting in the Cable Car Museum?
You'll also pass the Cable Car Museum, worth a visit if you are interested in the mechanics and history of cable cars.
What is cable car ride?
Riding a cable car is somewhere between riding an open-air bus and taking a roller coaster ride (but a slow roller coaster!) If you have never ridden a cable car before, it’s good to know the ‘rules of the road’, especially if you want to have the best views or most comfortable ride — or both!
How many times was the cable car eliminated?
Though the cable car system was nearly eliminated twice (once due to the destruction caused by the 1906 earthquake, and again in 1947 at the hands of the city’s mayor), the cable car has always managed to stay on its tracks. You can read more about its history at San Francisco Cable Cars: The Invention that Changed a City.
Where does the Powell Hyde line start?
The Powell-Hyde line starts at the cable car turnaround at Powell Street and Market Street ( map ). On this route, you’ll have views of Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island, and San Francisco Bay. As it rides north along Powell Street, you pass by Union Square and ride up to Nob Hill where the views can’t be beaten.
What was the only form of mass transit in San Francisco?
Before cable cars were invented, the only form of mass transit was horse-drawn trolleys. That’s fine on flat areas of the region. But San Francisco is well known for its steep hills.
How many days can you take a San Francisco MTA?
You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or seven-day Passport ( Must be consecutive days). If you are interested in taking more than one ride or doing a self-planned hop-on/hop-off trip, you may want to buy a Visitor Passport Ticket. For more information check the San Francisco MTA website.
Where are the stops on the MUNI cable car line?
Stops are located about every two blocks along each line , and you'll see a brown and white sign that says MUNI Cable Car Stop.
What is a clipper card?
Clipper® App on Your Phone: Clipper is the all-in-one transit card for the Bay Area. Use your Clipper card on all Bay Area transit systems, including Muni. Cash: Exact change is required. Single ride fares can be purchased at a number of locations .
How early can you ride cable cars at Powell and Market?
To board cable cars at Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor and Hyde & Beach Streets, you must purchase your fare in advance (applies 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily). Single ride fares can be purchased at a number of locations . For all-day travel, you may want to purchase a visitor Passport.
Is a cable car ticket valid for a one way trip?
Cable car tickets are valid for a one-way trip only and not valid for transferring between cable car lines
What are exclusive specials?
Exclusive specials are benefits. Those benefits include seven days validity on cards, a free Table Mountain tour (terms of the TMACC apply), and insight into the info for Cableway ticket specials (such as b-day). There are other specials, the R90, and sunset discounts, but they revolve around the tickets.
What is the difference between the upper and lower aerial cableway?
Upper Aerial Cableway is for those people looking to take the cable car down, and the Lower Aerial Cableway is for those people looking to take the cable car up.
How long are Table Mountain tickets good for?
Once bought those web tickets are much compared to concert tickets, in that they are valid for a predetermined time and day, good up to seven days.
How long does it take to ride the Table Mountain cable car?
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway takes an average of 4 ½ minutes from the Lower cable car to the top or vice versa. One takes the cable car at the bottom, is the same as the top down.
How tall is the cable car in the park?
Height check, the highest peak might be 1087 meters high. The Cable Car only goes to around 1 km (3280.84ft) high. Elevation of the Aerial Cableway is less than that of the Beacon, signifying the park’s highest point.
What is the aerial cableway?
The Aerial Cableway is a marvelous piece of machinery in Cape Town Central. The Cableway eases the ascent. Most people ascending, make use of the transport incorporating modern technological advances and the old cableway pulley.
What is the fifth choice?
The fifth choice, “buy combo deals,” is popular with tourists who do not know the landscape. There are services combining buses and Aerial transport. The tour bus is one of those providers. Those tours deliver passengers to multiple venues. Red Bus timetables are not always within the schedule, so according to reviews, best to get Cable Car admission online.
