Transportation & Tours
San Francisco Cable Cars
🏆Staff Pick🧒Toddler Age Range🎒School-Age Range
Multiple
About this spot
Three historic cable car lines cross San Francisco: Powell–Hyde, Powell–Mason, and California Street. Choose a route for your destination and check its current timetable before building a family outing around the ride.
What to expect
💳Paid Activity
Planning notes
💡
Buy tickets before boarding and keep children close. Follow the crew’s directions, avoid leaning outward, and wait for a complete stop before getting off.
The Powell lines link Market Street with the Fisherman’s Wharf area; California Street runs from Market to Van Ness
Standard single rides are currently $9, without transfers; ages 4 and under ride free
Other youth exemptions have separate eligibility rules; check current fares
MuniMobile and Clipper are payment options; cash requires exact change
Cable cars do not provide accessible boarding
Updated Sep 2026
Quick details
Hours
Varies by line; check SFMTA schedules and service alerts
Neighborhood
Multiple
Category
Transportation & Tours
Phone
(415) 701-2311
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