Ding! Ding! Riding San Francisco's Moving National Historic Landmark
Ride a moving landmark! This short video captures the clank and clang of San Francisco's historic cable cars—the only one of their kind left in the world. Hop aboard for a timeless slice of SF life!
The Brief History of San Francisco's Cable Cars
San Francisco's cable cars are the world's last manually-operated cable car system and were named a National Historic Landmark.
The Birth (1873): The system was invented by Scottish-born engineer Andrew Smith Hallidie. He was reportedly inspired after witnessing horses struggling—and sometimes dying—while trying to pull railcars up the city's notoriously steep, wet hills. His solution was an ingenious steam-powered system where a car "grips" a continually moving steel cable running beneath the street. The first line successfully launched on Clay Street in 1873.
The Peak: By 1890, the city had a vast network of 23 cable car lines.
The Decline & Rescue: The 1906 Earthquake and the rise of cheaper electric streetcars and buses led to the system's rapid decline. In 1947, a proposal to eliminate the remaining lines sparked a huge public protest led by activist Friedel Klussmann and the "Citizens' Committee to Save the Cable Cars." Their efforts led to a successful ballot measure that enshrined the cable cars in the City Charter, protecting them forever.
Today, only three lines remain, primarily serving as both an iconic tourist attraction and a protected piece of city heritage.
How to Ride the Cable Cars
Riding a cable car is a classic San Francisco experience. Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Routes
There are three lines you can ride:
Powell-Hyde Line (PH): The most popular and arguably the most scenic. Runs from Market Street/Union Square to Ghirardelli Square/Aquatic Park (near Fisherman's Wharf). This route gives you the famous view of Alcatraz and the bay as you crest the Hyde Street hill.
Powell-Mason Line (PM): Runs from Market Street/Union Square to Bay Street/Fisherman's Wharf. A great option that takes you through Nob Hill and North Beach.
California Street Line (C): Runs east-west over Nob Hill from the Financial District to Van Ness Avenue. This line is often less crowded and doesn't require a turntable at the ends.
2. Getting On and Paying
Terminals (End of the Line): At popular terminals like Powell & Market or Hyde & Beach, there will be long lines. This is where you purchase your ticket from a booth before boarding.
Insider Tip: If the line is too long, walk one or two blocks up the route and board at a regular stop—you'll often get on faster!
Mid-Route Stops: Look for a brown and white sign with a cable car graphic. Wave at the car as it approaches to signal that you want to board. You pay the conductor once you are on the car.
Fares: A single one-way ride is $8. No transfers are accepted from buses or streetcars. To save money, consider a Muni Passport (1, 3, or 7-day passes), which offers unlimited rides on all Muni transportation, including the cable cars. You can pay with cash (exact change is best) or the MuniMobile app.
3. Where to Sit (or Stand!)
Best Views (Powell Lines): If you're heading toward Fisherman's Wharf, try to grab a seat on the right-hand side for the best views of the bay and Alcatraz.
The Thrill: Stand on the outside running board and hold on tight to the metal pole—it’s the most fun way to ride!
