Being in San Francisco, you've gotta do at least one cable car ride -- whether just for the experience or as a quick little "tour" down Market Street from Powell to Union Square. It's $9 each way though -- still trying to figure out why some "locals" could hop on at some stops -- without showing their MTR-pass. read more

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The Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turnaround is one of those classic San Francisco sights that never really gets old. It is located at the end of the Powell-Hyde line near Fisherman's Wharf and is one of the three places where the cable cars are manually turned around for their return trip. It's fun watching the operators physically push and rotate the cable car on the turntable. It may be a simple process, but it is fascinating to watch. It might be because it's something you don't see in many places anymore. There's often a small crowd gathered around, so one can take a few minutes to watch, take photos, or even line up to ride the next car. The Powell-Hyde line itself is one of the most scenic routes in the city, passing landmarks like Lombard Street and offering great views of the bay along the way. It's a part of one of the last manually operated cable car systems in the world and is a part of San Francisco's history. I watched it as a teenager for the first time, and many times as an adult, and I still find it fascinating, a fun "San Francisco" experience. read more

You've got to do it if youre visiting. cable cars are iconic. you just have to. stand on the side, just be dressed warm because you'll feel the wind and this is an francisco afterall, it's almost never warm here. the cable cars are especially decorated and festive during the holidays. each car is done differently and has their own personality read more

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My friend had never been to San Francisco before. So we had to go on the cable cars. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful setting. The staff here are top-notch; efficient hitting the brakes and funny. They answered questions and redirected tourists as better seats became available. Now that cable card was less pleasant for this old crank. They moved slower when I was a kid. It felt like we were flying down those hills. I'll stick to walking. read more

Cable Cars - Ticket to ride - Cable Cars Near Me

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I love these rolling landmarks in San Francisco. I've been riding them for almost 50 years. You purchase your ticket on the Muni app, you can purchase a one-way ticket or a day pass, the price is reasonable. if you don't have the app, you can also purchase a ticket from the conductor, or at the fisherman's wharf, Ghirardelli Square, or Powell Street cable car turnarounds. You can ride inside the cable car, sit on the outside, or if you are really brave, stand on the outside. Just remember, if you standing on the side that the other cable Cars pass in the other direction, be sure to tuck your body in when they do. Otherwise, you will be suddenly going in the other direction :) The lines can be long at the Powell and market streets, ., Fishermans wharf, or Ghirardelli Square turnarounds. There are a couple of ways to avoid this. First of all, you can walk a block or two up the street, and then the cable car will stop and pick you up. The other option, is to ride the California line, which goes from Van Ness Avenue to Embarcadero Center. That's also a fun ride that doesn't get as much traffic. I enjoyed my ride. Thank you. read more

I luv the experience of riding a cable car. However, I don't like the lack of customer service of the cable car crew. Exceedingly rude when asking one question with regard to pricing. Yet I don't let this deter me. I luv seeing the city from the cable cars. The turnaround is the most crowded but there are stops along the route, just look for the cable car signs. read more

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I enjoyed the experience. What I didn't like was waiting an hour in line at the very first station. Hop on it one block up and you will get on the first trolley you see. read more

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The San Francisco Cable Cars will give you a one of a kind experience. Hanging onto the outside (yes, the outside) of one of these clanging trolleys, making their way through Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and other city neighborhoods--well, it doesn't get much more San Francisco than this. For a close-up look at how the cable cars have worked since 1873, visit the free Cable Car Museum. read more

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SF Cable Cars Are A National Treasure! Why would you take a cab when you can meet cool people from all over the world! Tourists love Cable Cars and so do locals. These cable cars are beautiful, strong, climb hills no problem and the conductors are fun and talented. We live here and take cable cars, to Ghirardelli Square, the wharf, numerous restaurants and parks. There are Two lines one heads from Ghirardelli Square to Union Square (shopping) and Market Street the other leaves from California Street and goes through Chinatown and up to the poshest hotels on the hill. Want to learn more? - go to the SF Cable Car Museum. P.s. plan ahead, you need a ticket to board. Sometimes the lines to get on are long, but they go fast. DON'T walk in front of moving cable cars. You can use a mass transit "clipper" card- saves you $$ on transit. read more

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Take these national landmarks for a spin We purchased a day passport to get around San Francisco. SF is best explored by foot, bike, and transit. We downloaded the MuniMobile app and bought as well as stored our tickets. We presented our day passport to the operator through our mobile phones and off we went... The $13 day pass (per person) was well worth the purchase as we rode the cable cars multiple times as well as ride the streetcar to take us to the Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. A single ride on the cable is $8 for an adult/child. $3 cash for a streetcar. Some cable car turntables had long lines and the wait could take a long time depending on where you are on the queue. I rode the cable car for the first time with my teen on New Year's Eve 2016 and we both enjoyed it. We took it from Union Square. My second time only a couple of weeks ago with my hubby. There are two lines starting at Powell and Market and continue to the Fisherman's Wharf area... these are the more popular cable car lines. Prepare to wait. The other one starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue (the one we frequented). Except for the long lines and terrible waits they are fun to experience, plus what a unique way to explore San Francisco and ride on these cable cars... after all, cable cars have come to symbolize the city. Review #2669 read more

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Love the history of this rickety, bumpy contraption. If you're going for a ride on the steep hills of SF it is a lot of leaning and getting scrunched up... but I think that's all part of the experience. You have to pay each way ... going up and going down. I did not like how we were taken one way and stranded to figure out how else to return to the starting station. You can sit inside or hang on the sides of the trolley for the full experience. I wouldn't do it again though. read more

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It's a fun experience, but the wait times are almost unbearable. The Muni app says the cars leave every ten minutes, but it's really every 30-40 minutes. They load a car and then it just sits there for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, a bunch of cars are lined up waiting for the turnaround. There was barely any line when we were there (at the Powell-Hyde turntable and it was a Monday morning at the end of September), but we waited about 60 minutes. In that time, only two cars left the station (we were on the second car). There are just these long periods of time where nothing happens - employees just standing around, line not moving, cars not moving. It seems so inefficient. The ride is fun though. read more

Rack and stack. I went to the fisherman's loading location. There were 80 people in line, with 6 empty cars waiting. I stood inline for an hour before the first car was loaded. The car was loaded and still hadn't moved after another 20 minutes. This was ridiculous, total waste of time. Don't go. read more

A touristy thing to do, but pretty cool experience. To be honest, I've always wanted to ride one of these for the heck of it due to Princess Diaries. Climbing up the hills in San Francisco is no joke! The line to go on was super long, but after seeing the process of how they manually have to do a lot of things, I could see why. We were at the way bottom so a few guys had to have the cable car come down, then maneuver it to switch to the other rails. Was very calming to zip by the cars as the cable car went on the rails. In the front is a area where everyone clambers to try to go to as you experience the full on seating experience of having you legs in the open while the cable car is moving. There are also poles to hold onto. The back has indoor seating, which would be good if you wanted to keep warm. I will say that this is most likely a one time thing for me though, unless I needed to travel up and there were no uber/lyft/taxis available. The tickets were pretty fancy looking and also have a discount to go to ghirardelli square on chocolate. read more

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Just like all other transportation systems in the city, the cable cars have a schedule. They run every 12-15 minutes. People need to realize this is NOT a amusement park ride. Not matter how long the lines are, the cable cars will always run on a schedule. Make sure to buy your tickets through the Muni app or online because they will be cheaper. read more

Touristy thing to do, not for actual transportation! This is a must do when you're being a tourist in SF. It's fun, slow and funny. We got 2 free one way tickets from our hotel and why not?! We went from the end near Ghiridelli square and ended up in Union square. It was slow but a fun way to see the city. I wish they let you hop on and hop off at times. read more

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While the cable car ride itself was actually kind of fun this was totally not worth the wait and attitude you get from some employees. We found a schedule online and they just don't seem to follow it. There are multiple cars lined up in the turnaround area waiting around while tons of people stand around freezing (it was so cold while we were here!). There's no communication, scheduled times come and go with no movement and the guy taking tickets at the fisherman's wharf area was so nasty. The guy actually running the car was pretty nice though. I'd say if you're lucky enough to see them turn the car around then stick around to watch that. It's quick and kind of fun (video posted to save you time). Otherwise save your money and a ton of time and don't do this. read more

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The stop at Lombard Street give tourists the opportunity to hop off and take pictures. This cable car was an convenient choice to select for me when heading straight to Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park on the west end of Fisherman's Wharf. read more

Cable Cars - Cable Cars Near Me

San Francisco government workers ruined the experience before it started. Got our tickets and stood in front of a fully loaded train that could not leave the "Friedel Klussmann Memorial Turnaround for over 45 min. SA read more

Cable Cars - These SFMTA workers don't suck as bad as Governor Gavin Newsom. They are indicative of the shit show he left behind. - Cable Cars Near Me

Being a San Franciscan I do ride the cable cars as often as I can Not only are they a lot of fun, They always put a big smile on our faces Even if the weather is challenging It's worth it !!!! Everyone should ride the separate Francisco cable cars they are EPIC!!! read more

These cable cars are older ones that start at Powell and Mason and are strictly for tourists. The ride is not too long and the ride takes you close to the waterfront. I thought this was actually a very fun activity to do despite the average three star rating on Yelp. The line can be long though. For the most fun, I recommend to grab onto the outside side poles and hang off the side of the car while it is running. You will get to experience the hilliness of the city too along this ride. read more

Cable Cars - Cable Cars Near Me

The employee working on the cable car had the worst attitude I've seen in a long time. Clearly, someone should not be working with people, be it locals or tourists. Other options, like the bus, might be better overall. read more

It was $8 to ride each way and it was easy to purchase a municipality mass bus the MUNI app. I wanted the full experience of standing and holding on while I get the full experience. The conductor was hysterical and made the experience that more enjoyable and memorable. It is easy to migrate and understand how to take advantage of this experience. read more

Cable Cars - A ride on the cable cars - Cable Cars Near Me

Use the app to buy ticket cheaper the charges you for a whole day use for cheaper then 2 tickets you need 2 tickets one to go and one to come back.. Also on the way back if you don't want to wait in line.... Walk up a few blocks to get a ride they done fill up the cars so they can pick up more on the way back up.. read more

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An absolute must when visiting San Francisco! Is it expensive?? $7 a ride (better deals and passes if you download the apt) Is it for tourist trap?? Who cares, it's so much fun!! If you don't want to wait in the line at the turnaround, go up a few blocks and catch one as it approaches. Great way to see San Fran and such a fun experience hanging on as you go up and down the steep streets in the city. With three different lines, the Powell-Hyde, California and the Powell-Mason. I prefer the Powell Mason because its only two blocks from the Fishermans Wharf. They start running at 6:30am with no lines! Grab a seat and enjoy the views and wind in your hair. As more people get on stand up and hold on tight... nothing is more fun than zipping along the hills of San Fran as your hanging on tight to the side of a cable car. read more

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If you are in SF, you gotta ride the Cable Cars at least once!! Is it touristy?? Yes!! Is it fun?? Well, we thought so!! We got on at Beach & Hyde and rode it all the way to Union Square and back after hanging out for a while. It costs $7 for a ticket, but really, if you don't want to buy a ticket or stand in a line, and you don't mind standing, go up a block or 2 and just hop on for free. Another staycation activity we crossed off our list, we are very fortunate to live in the Bay Area, so much to do here!! read more

Cable Cars - Cable Cars Near Me

There are plenty of cable cars waiting to transport people. There is plenty of staff to run them. But they make hundreds of tourists wait 20-25 minutes between cars for no apparent reason than that they created the schedule that way. Well, re-create the schedule in a way that doesn't torture people! I do not recommend this enormous waste of time that has soured my entire San Francisco experience. read more

8/29-30/2019: Riding the Hyde Street Cable Car is faster than San Francisco's other transportation modes BUT, BEYOND EGREGIOUSLY EXPENSIVE! Once upon a time-about five decades ago, I was a child who paid only just one nickel, i.e, FIVE CENTS in order, riding the Cable Car AND I helped the Cable Car Operators rotate the Cable Car going up Powell Street countless times! Now, riding the Cable Car costs $7.00-WTH!!!! My facial expression is definitely the red faced emoticon spewing explicatives while forking over $7.00 to the Cable Car Employee at Hyde Street Cable Car Ticket Kiosk! Tagging NATIVE San Franciscans with the egregiously, expensive ticket is unjustifiable! Moreover, NATIVE San Franciscans must be given a deep discount when riding the Cable Car-period: Reiterating, FastTrak/Clipper must give deep discounts to NATIVE San Franciscans by allowing submitting their birth certificates in order, only paying $1.00 per Cable Car ride; I'll gladly show I was born in San Francisco CA! read more

Cable Cars - 8/29/2019: Riding the Hyde Street Cable Car in STYLE is faster BUT, EGREGIOUSLY EXPENSIVE! - Cable Cars Near Me

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Catch a ride and wait in the shorter line at Bay and Taylor street. This location is 3-4 blocks from the crowded one by the wharf / Buena vista location. Purchase tickets online using the muni app. Activate on app when ready to use. You can catch a cable car downtown or halfway through any route. Spectacular experience to hang off the holding on. read more

Cable Cars - Cable Cars Near Me

Waste of time. Wait times are horrible. Two thumbs down Would give Zero stars. Employees just standing around . read more

Cable Cars - Horrible experience. Employees standing around not doing anything. Wait times are ridiculous. What a waste of time.2 thumbs down - Cable Cars Near Me

Sadly the reviews are right... The wait was fine and pre warned...but the attitude from the drivers was appalling... I get dealing with tourists can be tiresome...but it's your job!! Jump on the bus options instead.. great experience. read more

Whats a trip to San Francisco without taking a ride on the cable car. Sadly it doesn't cost fifteen cents anymore. Yet the price is well worth it just for the adventure. Just hop aboard and hang on for dear life as the cables pull the cable car up and down the many hilly streets of San Francisco. Smell that fresh salt hear. Listen to the sounds of the fog horns. Leave your car at the parking garage, and take a ride around the city on thr famous cable cars. An adventure you will never forget. read more

Cable Cars - Cable Cars Near Me

History that has to be done at least once. More people take the ride up from Powell to Fisherman's Wharf due to the steep incline. If you want to only take one way you can and will save money. You can take muni bus which will get you to and from. If you're lucky enough to get a seat you'll avoid having to hold on for dear life and will most lukely have better pictures lol. From Union Square through China Town ro Fisherman's Wharf, you'll see all there is to see in the city. For a minimal fee for a one way trip, it is definitly worth it. Hint: save a few $s and buy an all day ride pass online or via the app. You can thank me later. I'll probably ride the cable cars again but not anytime soon. I have a big arse and almost rammed it into a parked tour bus. Joking, not joking. read more

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I used to ride the cable cars fairly regularly when I LIVED in San Francisco, that's how much I love them. So back in SF to visit I had to try them again. It was a perfect drizzly night so all the lights twinkled. Just as we were to head out, the car right before of ours pulled their brake so we had to wait 45 minutes in the Fisherman's Wharf turnaround area to "reset," plus the cable car guys didn't let anymore riders on despite some riders jumping off and deciding on other transport AND we were rewarded by not having to pay the fare ($8!). The cable car guys were chatty and pointed out some sights along the way and explained how the cable system worked. A 15 minute ride took about an hour but it was great. read more

Frozen car of death. Definitely would not recommend especially The entire process was inefficient resulting in terrible waits and backed up trains. read more

I very much like to take the cable cars in San Francisco. This time I rode the one from Fisherman Wharf to Powell. It was fun to see the operators push the cable card into position. The ride goes through the Russian Hill - Nob Hill section of San Francisco. I used my card to ride. One can also purchase tickets for $8.00. I also saw one of the cable cars decorated for the San Francisco 49ers. read more

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Cable Cars: Are they relevant in the 21st century? As a tourist, I see these large, ugly wires draping across San Francisco streets. The cable cars loosely connect via electric poles as the cars make there way downtown. Once downtown, they have to head uptown. Its a process to rotate the cars. The cars themselves are not very large. Don't think the cable cars are like the NYC Metro bus system. These cable cars are using strictly for tourists, which estimates at 7 million annual riders. At a cost of $7 one way, that is a pretty profitable system. As a automotive driver in San Francisco? There is no way this antiquated system would last in NYC. I've witnessed traffic in every direction stop when the cable cars are crossing the streets. And the drivers are ok with it all!? I'd be out of my mind if I had these cars running. I rode the cable cars only one, I can cross it off my bucket list. We purchased our tickets at Fisherman's Wharf. Then waited on a hella long line in nice weather. If its cold, rainy, windy? You're waiting outside on a hella long line. One you board the cable car, you can hang on the railing and sit exposed or sit inside the cable car. Everyone rushes to the outside seats so its a gamble. When you finally take off, it isn't a smooth system. The ride is jarring, you have these overhead power cables and traffic is mindful of oncoming cable car. When going downhill, I was smelling hot brakes. Not very 21 century. All in all, is it worth to get rid of the cable cars? Who am I to judge? In NYC we have horse drawn carriages. There is nothing like being in a horse drawn carriage riding through Central Park during the holiday season. Are they old and antiquated? Yup. I can't see NYC without them. My two cents. read more

Cable Cars - It's the San Francisco treat! - Cable Cars Near Me

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Pack your patience because you will definitely have to with this world renowned means of transportation. It's definitely a line and the wait can be up to two hours! We rode to the top of Lombard Street and walked back down. Here's a historical fact..Maya Angelou was the first Black female streetcar operator in San Francisco. She was only 15 years old at the time. How did they allow that to happen you say..well the famed authored tailored a story to fit her needs. She said she was 19 and fabricated her work experience, but when they saw her the first day. They sent her home and determined and driven to have her way she went back for two weeks until they finally gave in. She was allowed to fill out an application with her true information and there you have it! So even if you don't ever take a ride, hopefully you'll remember this fun fact I've shared with you. read more

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SF resident kids under 18 ride free, but you have to order a card and wait a month to get it. There's no way to ride free without this card. Your kid has to carry it around til their 18. And the credit card pay machines at Hyde Street didn't work, so without cash I couldn't take my son on the cable car. Why make it so difficult for residents? read more

I was really looking forward to experiencing this iconic piece of history. Unfortunately, the cars are only running every 15 minutes, no matter how long the lines are. Therefore, we had you wait nearly an hour to board each direction. Despite multiple cable cars sitting there with employees ready to go, the lengthy lines of people are forced to wait. A coworker of mine used to live in San Francisco and asked why the cars were just sitting there, and a worker said that there were fewer cars running and only every 15 minutes "because of the pandemic". In late May 2023, nearly everyone agrees that we can try to get back to normal. read more

Cable Cars - We bought these tickets in late May, 2023 and the coupons on the back expired two years ago. - Cable Cars Near Me