On my recent weekend in San Francisco, I went on a cable car for the first time in about 15 years. So, we were staying at the Intercontinental Hotel down by Union Square, and the cable car station is located right around the corner, about 2 blocks away. That is one of the starting points for the cable car, and we were trying to get to Chinatown. When we arrived on a Saturday morning around 10am, there was a line. It did take us about 30 to 45 minutes to get onto a cable car, but they were moving steadily, and picking up passengers. Once we got on board, however, we noticed that the line had gotten even longer behind us, so we were glad we came when we did. We took the car uphill on the Powell/Hyde line, and told the engineer that we were trying to get to Chinatown. It was pretty much a straight shot uphill on Powell, and then we exited on Jackson Street, which was exactly where we wanted to be in the Chinatown neighborhood. Because we had bought a day long pass, we were able to use it throughout the day. We also had downloaded the Muni mobile app to see where the location of the cable cars were. I was excited to sit on the outside seat, and see the cars going by, other cable cars, and folks on the street waving hello. If you are nervous about the outside-facing cars they do have indoor seating as well. This iconic San Francisco tourist attraction, very unique, cannot be done anywhere else in the country. I highly recommend going on it. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Safety tips - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Love this ride through SF, up and down hills, through Chinatown, Union Square. Great experience, fun people watching and seeing the neighborhoods & SF Victorian homes. . Lots to see, the cable car is all windows, seating and standing and hanging on from the steps.... It's a wonderful historic beloved part of SF. We used our clipper cards - (for seniors its HALF OFF) but for everyone, if you have one, you don't have to stand in the ticket line. Then, Get in the line around the cable car to board. Music playing, shade, benches too. read more

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A 5 for tourists and Bay Area natives, but not only was the wait longer than an hour, you must factor employee's speed and service, fire trucks, ambulance, pedestrians and cars getting in the path of these cable cars . It starts at Powell, but the cable cars do not fill up to capacity because it will pick up passengers along the way. Gavin wanted to go on this thing this past Saturday. We only did a one trip to Chinatown for the experience. I cannot imagine waiting another hour or more for the return. We were fine with walking, but I'll uber if I must. read more

Took the car from one end to the other and back. It's a must to do in SF or a lifetime experience to do. It's one of the iconic experiences to remember for sure. I had rode this with my parents 3.5 decades ago, then with my friends 2 decades ago, and now with my kid. The ride goes through different neighborhoods and you can jump off or back on, but you got to remember that if you got off, you will have to wait (depending on how busy this day/time) to get back on. I would suggest go through the whole one way then on the way back you can get off where you would like to check out, that way you at least got your money worth it. Also do it early in the morning, that way, less crowded. Downtown can be super busy but the views of alley of streets and buildings are pretty nice. If you haven't try it, check it out. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I took this line from Hyde North Beach Street stop. It is fun to see the cable car climbing the steep hills. When the car starts, there was a great view of the Alcatraz island. Clipper card made payment easy. read more

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Because this line ends (or starts?) at the end (or start?) of the Fisherman's Wharf area, this line tends to be the busier of the two lines in San Francisco. However, if you start at the Wharf and then take it in to Union. If you are going from Union to Wharf, be prepared for a long line. I also think it's more fun going up the hills from the water than going down from Union. This line also hits several of the key areas of the city along the way like Chinatown and Lombard Street with stops along the way should you want to hop off and check them out (though I think if you only have a one way ticket you can't do hop on & hop off at these stops). You also get great views over the city along the way. The drivers of the cable cars are very friendly. They'll talk to your kids about how the car works, show the gears, and if you're lucky even ring the bell. The Cable Cars these days are basically purely for tourists so they really make a point of making it a welcoming and friendly experience for everyone riding. The Cable Cars are one of those tourist attractions that really live up to the hype. It's such a fun and unique experience that I think everyone should experience at least once. And this line is, in my opinion, the better of the two lines to ride. read more

The most scenic route in the San Francisco Cable Car system. But did you know, locals in Nob Hill, Chinatown and Russian Hill depend on the Cable Cars too? They need these cars to cope with hills at times. We are SO lucky to have these historic gems! read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Happy Holidays! 2024! - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Classic San Francisco Experience - Worth the Wait! Riding the Powell-Hyde cable car was one of the highlights of our San Francisco trip. It's full of charm and nostalgia, and watching the operators manually turn the car around at the turnaround station is such a cool, old-school experience. While waiting, you really get a feel for how iconic and historic this system is. We waited about 40 minutes, which is to be expected--but it's fine, everyone's there for the same reason, and the energy is part of the fun. Tickets were easy to get--there's a stand just a few yards from the boarding area. The ride itself was so much fun, especially hanging onto the outside rail and stopping at famous spots like the top of Lombard Street (the crooked street). The views are amazing, and it's one of those rare touristy things that actually lives up to the hype. One downside: while we waited, there was a fake street performer pretending to play the saxophone--one of those acts you see all over social media. People were giving him money, but I could tell he wasn't really playing. My dad is a professional saxophonist, so I know the difference. Just saying--for anyone else visiting, don't be fooled by the guy who was there that day. That aside, the cable car experience itself was iconic and memorable. Absolutely worth doing at least once if you're in the city. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - View from ride - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Did she wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Or was she kicked out of it? Early morning BAD-RUDE attitude towards everyone waiting patiently. People have questions and if you don't like human interaction maybe it's the wrong job for you to be on the Cable Car. This is about the worker NOT the cable car! read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Horrible attitude woman in the vest! I was scared to look her way - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Riding the San Francisco cable car is one of those classic experiences that never gets old. I hopped on at Market Street and rode all the way to Ghirardelli Square, and it was a fun and scenic trip through the city's hills. The views are great, and there's something charming about the clatter of the tracks and the open-air ride. The line was a bit long and the fare isn't the cheapest, but once you're on, it really does feel like an iconic San Francisco moment. The operator was friendly, and the ride itself was smooth and enjoyable. A perfect way to take in the city if you're visiting, or even if you're local and just want that classic SF vibe. Overall, a great experience and definitely worth doing at least once. read more

Everything went perfectly. Drivers & brakeman were so nice to us. They saw me limping around with my cane & put us on first so we had a open seat for both of us. Originally I had trouble with the kiosk ticket machine. one of the drivers was so nice to us. He adopted us & we didn't need pricing for ride home. read more

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For no reason whatsoever, they don't let people get in and sit in the indoor area, causing a long line and telling people to wait for the next car. Useless service; been to SF many times and tried it as a potentially good experience/mode of transport. Never again. read more

Super fun all the time ..enjoyed the ride around Chinatown to the wharf ..very old time fun..hope to go again

I've caught this Cable Car a few times when I'm in the city doing the tourist thing!! It goes from Union Square to Lombard Street to near Fisherman's Wharf!! You can buy a ticket and wait in line, or you can go up a few blocks and hop on for free, if you don't mind standing and hanging on the outside. To me, that's the best way to get the real Cable Car experience. The operators of these Cable Cars usually have a lot of personality, and watching them operate the braking systems on these up and down the hills is fascinating to see!! Whether you're a tourist or a local, I definitely recommend riding these at least once when you're in the city!! read more

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There's nothing quite as uniquely San Francisco as a cable car ride. Nostalgic and one-of-a-kind, this experience costs just $8. Cable cars have become a symbol of our city, alongside another world-famous landmark--hint: it's a suspension bridge painted in International Orange. San Francisco pioneered these streetcars nearly 150 years ago, with cables running beneath the streets to pull them along. Named a National Historic Landmark in 1964, today's cable cars are meticulously maintained by skilled team. read more

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Being the tourists that we were, my co-worker and I got tickets for the cable car that took us from Powell Street in Union Square to Lombard Street. It was a fun ride and we stood in the back to get a great view of the city. The cost was $8 one way. read more

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OMG 2nd time in SF and it was my first time riding the cable car! Gave me the nostalgia vibes of watching Full House! It was so much fun being able to experience. When we initially got on we were actually standing up inside the cable car. We got on from our hotel at beacon grand. Mr. T and John were the conductors of the cable car and John was giving us history about the different facts of the areas in parts of SF. I remember specially him saying if you in Nob Hill it meant you were doing something right, as Nob Hill when doing my research meant where the wealthy or upper class lived. Also we were headed to brunch and that's exactly the name of the entree I was getting which was cool. When we stopped, several people were getting off and we were able to make the shift to ride on the outside which was so cool! I loved it, the cool breeze and just seeing the cars and the views. It was beautiful. Our final stop on the cable car was where we needed to get off and the conductors were really nice. Definitely a must do when touring SF! Highly recommend! read more

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7/1/23 She's got a ticket to ride...but she don't care I sure do have my ticket to ride...the famous cable car of San Francisco and it's my first time (amazingly, since I've traveled to this fair city a handful of times). My friends & I walked over to Powell & Market station from our hotel (W). We are met with quite a bit of a line but we didn't mind the wait...we're in no hurry. Half of us decided to sit on the outside of the cab & the other half are hanging- We had a lively group of riders with us so that made it more a fun ride & experience. If you've never had the chance to ride this famous cable car ride in San Francisco, I highly recommend you do it at least once in your life. read more

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One cannot visit San Francisco without at least once riding the Cable Car! It is a unique and fun experience, which does not go without planning. In my experience hop-on hop-off works, but don't count on getting good seats or spots. It is however much better to seek good seats at the starting stations. Drivers are particularly friendly, so if you get them talking they are a wealth of information about cable cars how they work etc etc. One of the cable cars we rode in was made in 1898. Certainly it was refurbished few times, but it is just a unique fact of these vehicles from a bygone era.... Lastly, these are not the fastest vehicles. So if you want to get somewhere fast-Cable Car might not be it... read more

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There is so much history in taking the cable cars! Definitely recommend at least riding it once in your life if you are visiting San Francisco or if you live here. I would recommend riding on the outside seating of cable car to get better scenic view and even better if you ride holding on to the poles/handles for unique experience of cable cars. The drivers of the cable cars we were on were quite fun and hilarious. There are different cable car lines. We hopped on from Powell to the Pier and hop on a different one to visit the Lombard street from top of Lombard street. The view from there is amazing and quite an experience. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

We went for a ride in a cold and rainy day so no line to wait in. The cable car is not something to ride if you are in a hurry. It is a fun experience to see the city. It can be confusing to understand how to ride. You need to pay before getting on. They accept cash, you can use your clipper card (the operators have hand helds to scan) or you can get a day pass. I recommend riding during the day and once in the evening so you get to see the view of the city lit up. Our first ride was fun but the guy scanning the cards was somewhat rude. Most people riding the cable car our tourists so it is your first time experience how the process worked. We started at the beginning of the line so we knew we could get on and pay without any issues. In the evening after dinner we took a ride back on the cable car. We made the mistake of just hopping on before paying not completely understanding how it works. I asked the operator when we should pay and he was really nice and said we can pay at the end of the line. He then pointed out things about the city and let us see the view on top of Lombard street. He even took our picture at the end. Making the experience that much more fun. My suggestion is to get a day pass so you can ride the cable car multiple times to explore the city. Plus each operator gives you a new experience. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Cable car starting point with turn table - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I used to commute to a job by cable car, which was a nice perk. My daughter was with me as a first time tourist in The City, so we had to take a ride. Locals know unless you need to buy a ticket at the kiosk located at the cable car at the turnaround, don't. You will wait inline for an hour. Go up the street and climb on there. I still have two Clipper Card, so it's touch-less. $8 one-way. read more

A tourist gem in San Francisco. You have to ride this trolley at least once. Yes, it may be a little bit of a wait to leave but worth the adventure! Round trip if you just taking a quick ride and passport for jump on and off option. read more

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Love the fact I rode the the cable car in SFO. Was it comfortable not so much but it was nostalgic. Did the woman in the booth help at all. Nope could care less. In answering questions of any kind but a nice policeman helped me. Then the people that run the cars were very helpful as well. I got a u limited ride for the day so I could get on both cars I had taken the big bus and when I saw the car runs to the top of lumbar day that was the way to go. And the cable car gets you closer to china town and Grace carthedral and a few other place. And heck why go to SFO and Not ride the iconic Cable Cars! And you can hang off the side ! A must do read more

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Quick take: Iconic SF cable cars I've been riding on the SF cable cars like a tourist ever since I was a kid. It never gets old. Ibwas excited to see the holiday cable cars while in town for other events. It's always nostalgic no matter how many times I see a cable car goes by. Maybe my heart really belongs in San Francisco. If you haven't taken a cable car ride in SF I highly recommend it! read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Holiday cable car - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This was a quintessential touristy thing to do in San Francisco, yet we wanted to have the experience as it represents the historical era (1873-1950s) when the cable cars were a major form of transportation running up and down the hilly city. We've also heard that they are the only remaining functioning cable cars in the world. There are 3 running cable lines in SF; this one is reputed to be the most scenic. *Where to ride. We started our ride in Fisherman's Wharf at Beach and Hyde, with an end point near Powell and Market streets. You can also hop on/off along the route but see comments about pricing. *Pricing. One-way tickets are $8, without on/off privileges. You can purchase tickets at kiosks near the terminus points or use a Clipper card or Muni card if you have at least $8 on the card. Another great option is to purchase a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass which gives you unlimited access to all 3 cable cars, as well as other trains and busses in SF. *Experience. We already had Clipper Cards, so we went directly to the line to board the cable car. (Wed afternoon, around 3 pm). We waited about 30 minutes, mostly in the shade. There were no benches but we were entertained by "The Accordion Man" who was playing for tips. Not sure why but one cable car was filled with passengers but didn't go out for many minutes. Empty cars (5?) we're accumulating behind it. We were SO close to boarding but continued to stand in the line. We were fortunate to have a great place in line -- second couple -- so we pretty much had our choice of seats. As the first couple chose the front right, we went over to the front left. We had a forward view through a glass window. There was the possibility, however, that other passengers could stand to our left "hanging on" to the grab bar. We exited when the car was mostly full, with the possibility that a few people could squeeze into one of the spots as we progressed. The ride itself was a lot of fun, climbing up the hills, and then gently easing back down. Great views along the way. Also fun watching the gripsman maneuver the three brakes. There was some hopping on/off along the way. (See earlier comments about passes). Finally, don't miss the manual turnaround at the end! . read more

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I think people don't understand how the cable cars actually work. It is public transportation, and therefore it has a schedule. The Hyde line runs every 12-15 minutes heading inbound. This 150 year old system is a staple of San Francisco. People lose patience when they wait in line. I love taking this downtown...or anywhere...it's how I get home. This system has been much more reliable than other transportation options in the city. read more

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So this was a love hate thing yesterday lol the lines were long 8$ one way kinda pricey it should atleast go for both ways there and back , and the wait time to just leave was crazy lol maybe because we aren't from here ahah it was dope though overall you gotta try it I'll probably try it again to check out the opposite views we got off early in Chinatown so we didn't take the full ride . read more

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You have to ride a cable car at least once while in SF. Its the world's only operating cable car after all! The ride itself was a 5 star experience but I docked a star for misleading advice from one the people manning the line. Ride experience (5/5) The hyde line is the most scenic of all the lines. You get views of chinatown, transamerica pyramid, bridge, lombard street and fishermans wharf. Plus we got to ride standing on the edge which was fun and unobstructed views! Being inside the cabin is not great cause views are blocked. Waiting in line (2/5) This wouldn't have been so bad if we weren't given misleading info. There's people dressed in orange jackets that help answer questions. We were told that a pro tip is to walk up a few blocks and catch the cable car there because less people waiting in line. So we tried to give that a shot. Literally 7 cable cars passed us, each time the driver saying they're too full. I guess its because they fill up the entire car at the beginning of the line which sucks for people not there. So by time we walked back to original line, it was a lot longer. We also weren't the only ones frustrated by this, at least two other groups also got annoyed and walked back to original line. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Line is long but don't be discouraged. This is your only chance at boarding. - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The Powell and Hyde line is one of two cable cars in SF that run from Union Square to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. It's the most poplar and busiest cable car line, and I would recommend take both two lines in this direction, one up and one down to explore different views. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I been living on the bay for the past 20 years, coming to SF on and off, I I had ride all the different turístic rides, but first time trying the cable transportation and all I can say wow yeah!! pretty cool ride and a must to do when coming to SF But I think our Driver LANCE did a great job cus he was making sure we were having fun and in every stop he let us know so we could take pretty cool shots of the city. The only thing to get this pretty cool ride you need to wait more than 1 hr to get in. read more

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Totally antiquated and inefficient system of managing tourism. Missed opportunities of tourists shopping and supporting the economy instead of standing in line while the cable cars just sit idle. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Cable car line - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

For my 600th review, I'm going to write about the Cable Car line, specifically the Powell Hyde Line. I have ridden this cable car line for many years, so I think I'm pretty qualified to write about this. In a rider's perspective anyway. A word of caution, do not buy tickets off anyone on the streets. It's not valid. While cable cars are on a line, this particular cable car line takes you places. You can hop on and off at almost any stop, and some will recommend you don't start at the turn around due to crowds. I say, do what you want. I'm going to start with the turn around at Powell for completeness. First, make sure you double check you are getting on the Powell Hyde and not the Mason line. Mason line is cool too, but I'm not writing about that line today. If you want an unobstructed view, always try to get a seat in the front and maybe at a time when it's not so busy so you don't have all these people hanging on the outside blocking your view and preferably on the right hand side (if you are facing the direction it's going uphill). You will slowly pass by Union Square. If you are sitting up front and on the right side, you are facing Union Square on this stop. Then you stop again right at the corner of Sutter, there used to be door people dressed as Beefeaters when it was the St. Francis Drake hotel, but alas, it closed, and now a new hotel, Beacon Grand is at this location. Then up the hill to Bush Street. This is the street to hop off if you want to walk a few blocks down to the Chinatown dragon gate, otherwise, continue up the hill, and you will be seeing a view of the Bay Bridge from the vantage point top of California Street. If you get off from here, you can walk up a slightly inclined hill to the Fairmont hotel and indulge in some tiki drinks at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, or meditate inside Grace Cathedral, or unwind into the evening at top of the Mark at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. However, you are riding this cable car to the end, so continue on and if you are sitting on the left hand side, you will see people walking up and down the Chinatown public library. Then a quick wild left hand turn will have you going up climbing Nob Hill where you will be able to hop off to see the Cable Car museum; and you will see a mix of daily life moving about the newer and older buildings up and a slight turn to the right into Hyde Street of Nob Hill and later Russian Hill. Climbing once again uphill and sitting on your left is the ole fashioned ice cream shop, Swensen's. Original since 1948 serving some unique flavors. Then soon, if you are sitting on the right hand side, you will notice that you are on top looking down one of the world's crookedest street, Lombard Street. And maybe a view of the Coit Tower. Then if you look in front, you will get a picturesque view of Alcatraz or a big fog blanket as you descend into the Hyde and Beach turnaround. This is where you will get off and maybe get a nice Irish Coffee from across the street at the famous The Buena Vista, and then decide whether you want to go down toward the piers to explore some more or go up to the famous Ghirardelli's and get some chocolate and banana split. Or get back in line and go back towards Union Square, make sure to sit on same side so you see the opposite direction views. I highly recommend you get a Visitor Passport so you get unlimited rides on Muni including Cable Car rides. That way, you can hop on and off when you want to see something. At this moment, a single ride (not valid for transferring) for all adult/youth/senior on the cable car is $8 so it's fairly expensive without the pass. Only kids under 4 years old ride free and I'm sure you will have to show proof. If you have a monthly Clipper card, all cable car rides are unlimited and included for that month. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Cable car - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Okay, I did them. Can I move on? Yes, they are fun to ride. Yes, they are the most touristy thing to do in the city outside the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, this line is the prettiest and most touristy of the three lines, as it runs past Lombard St, Alcratraz Island, and you can pick it up at the Embarcadero if you wish. Is it worth it? Yes and no. Once you do it, you do not need to do it anymore. The lines to get on these things can stretch up to two hours, the operators can be fairly rude, and some of the riders act like they have never been on a train before. They will fight you for the handrail parts of the train, and everybody wants to film or photograph themselves hanging out from the train. Do not get me started on line jumpers. You should still do it for history's sake. These are the last remaining cable cars in the world, and the ride on this line is pretty special. Just do not expect it to be like the opening scene of Full House where everybody's merry and giddy. It was more a mad house and a disorganized mess. I got on and rode for a half hour before jumping off at one of the stops. It helped I had a 3 day pass (order online), so virtually I could get on and off at any time during my time in San Francisco. Make sure you hold onto the handrails if you want to hang out. The hills are pretty steep and the consistent and sudden stops will have you on your behind if you are not careful. Now that I accomplished riding these vintage cars, I think it is safe to say I can move on. read more

I came here with my family after several years of not visiting San Fransico and one of the first things we did at San Fransico was ride the cable cars,only for me to get absolutely screamed at and publicly embarrassed after the driver of the trolly screamed at me for not standing at the right place when all I was doing was trying to hold onto the pole but people were in the way.I was too shocked to speak since the driver was being repeatedly rude at me and screaming at me just because I was trying to get through the trolly to hold onto the pole.Overall the experience was not bad it was just the unprofessional attitude of the driver. read more

We had such a blast on the trolley! It truly is a must see and do experience. Getting picked up however was a bit challenging from fisherman's wharf but it was fun overall! read more

Awesome. Just awesome. How is it only 3 stars??!! Come on folks- this is a "nowhere else on earth" experience and its fantastic. We bought the all day pass for $13 and rode the cable cars 5 times- 3 times on the Powell/Hyde Line. Such a blast, and many of the grips and brakers will chat if you start a conversation. Fascinating and fun. read more

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Excellent driver!!! Very helpful and provided directions on how to best travel to our target destinations. Buying the day pass for $12 is the best way to take advantage of the Trolly, Bus, and Metro train. Use Google maps to help you plan your travel route and timing. read more

Cable Car - Powell Hyde Line - Cable Cars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've always had a love for san francisco. Every time I'm in the city, I'd gravitate to the cable cars, something magical about the ride that brings joy and a smile to me. But this time around, it was different. Nothing fun or special about the city anymore, especially the cable car ride. I witnessed the conductors being rude and inappropriate: screaming and yelling at the tourists to get inside the cable cars. I understand their reason to do so, but there no need to berate the tourists. These people spend money when visiting. This kind of act makes me not want to return back to San Francisco anymore. Hopefully the cable car managers or higher up will see my post and change the mindset of the cable car conductors! read more

Due to the popularity of SF's iconic cable cars, we had never had the chance to take one despite being in the Bay Area for 4 generations! We had been staying at the Hyatt hotel, and fortunately the cable car had its own stop nearby! For the month of August, they had been giving rides free of charge, and we had taken them up on this opportunity! Due to COVID-19, the conductor had made sure that groups/families traveling together were prioritized to reduce multiple households sitting together. Masks are also required, and hanging out the window is NOT tolerated! We were kept safe throughout the entire ride by our attentive conductor(s) , who helped make it such an enjoyable experience. It was really exciting to be able to sit in a cable car and experience San Francisco in a new way. After coming here for years, there's always a new reason to return - which is just one reason that makes San Francisco such an amazing city! Since we were new to the cable car system, it was interesting to navigate where we wanted to be and see which cars could take us there. Thankfully everyone was so kind and helpful, making it easier for us to see the city. Even in such times, human kindness goes a long way. Let's just say I left my heart in San Francisco! read more

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