San Francisco cable cars

Where it is & how to get there

• Lines: Powell-Hyde (best views), Powell-Mason and California Street.
• Queues: Long at the Powell Street turnaround; board at later stops or go early.
• Tickets: Use the MuniMobile app, Clipper card or pay the conductor.

The story of the cable cars

San Francisco's cable cars began in 1873, invented by Andrew Hallidie after he saw horses struggle on the steep hills. Cars grip a moving underground cable to climb.

They are a moving National Historic Landmark. The Powell-Hyde line passes Lombard Street and ends near Ghirardelli Square with views of Alcatraz.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Ride the Powell–Hyde line for bay views. Board at a stop away from the turnaround to skip the queue.
• Ride the Powell-Hyde line for bay views.
• Visit the free Cable Car Museum to see the machinery.

What's around the cable cars

• Lombard StreetCrooked street.
• Cable Car MuseumFree museum.
• Union SquareShopping.
• Ghirardelli SquareEnd of the Hyde line.

Questions travellers ask