Navigating San Francisco’s iconic cable cars is a must-do for any visitor. Among the three lines, the California Street cable car offers a unique experience, stretching across the city and providing access to distinct neighborhoods. If you’re planning to explore San Francisco via cable car, understanding the specifics of the California Street line is key. Here’s everything you need to know to purchase tickets and enjoy your ride on the California Street cable car in SF.
Ticket Options for the California Street Cable Car
Wondering how to pay for your ride on the California Street cable car? You have several convenient options. For single rides on the California Street line, you can pay $8 cash directly onboard (remember to have exact change). Alternatively, for a more seamless experience, purchase your tickets online using the MuniMobile app or utilize a Clipper Card. A single ride ticket is valid for a one-way trip on the California Street cable car and cannot be used on other lines.
For those planning multiple rides or exploring San Francisco over a few days, consider a Passport. The MuniMobile app offers 1-Day, 3-Day, and 7-Day Passports, priced at $13, $31, and $41 respectively, and they are valid for 90 days from purchase. If you prefer using a Clipper Card, a 1-Day Passport is available for $24. These passports offer unlimited rides on all Muni services, including cable cars, making them a cost-effective choice for extensive travel.
Are Tickets Required for Children?
Good news for families! Children aged 4 years and under ride for free on the California Street cable car and all other Muni services.
California Street Cable Car Operating Hours
Planning your day around a cable car journey? The California Street cable car operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This consistent schedule allows for easy integration into your San Francisco itinerary, whether you’re starting your day early or enjoying an evening ride.
Boarding Locations on California Street
Finding a boarding spot for the California Street cable car is straightforward. Simply look for the distinctive yellow stripe painted on the pavement at each intersection along California Street. These yellow stripes mark designated cable car stops. On steeper inclines, the cable car will stop in the middle of the intersection, so always watch for the yellow line. You’ll also often see a brown cable car signpost at most corners to further indicate a boarding location.
Ride Duration on the California Street Line
From one end of the line to the other, a one-way trip on the California Street cable car takes approximately 16 minutes. This makes it a quick and enjoyable way to traverse a significant portion of the city while experiencing a classic San Francisco attraction.
Hop-On, Hop-Off on California Street Cable Car
Yes, you can absolutely hop off and re-board the California Street cable car! If you intend to use the cable car for sightseeing and getting around, purchasing a full-day or multi-day Passport via the MuniMobile app is highly recommended. Remember that a single-ride ticket is only valid for a single, one-way journey.
Avoiding Long Waits for the California Street Cable Car
Want to minimize your wait time? The California Street line is generally less crowded compared to the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason lines, especially during peak tourist seasons. While it doesn’t directly serve Fisherman’s Wharf or Ghirardelli Square, choosing the California Street cable car can be a strategic move to avoid long queues. Like other lines, the California Street cable car begins service at 7 a.m. and runs into the evening, offering opportunities to ride during less busy periods. You can also attempt to board at intersections further along the route, but seat availability isn’t guaranteed. Patience is always recommended when experiencing popular San Francisco attractions.
Discover More at the Cable Car Museum
To deepen your understanding of San Francisco’s cable car history, visit the free Cable Car Museum. Located at the corner of Mason and Washington streets, it’s a short distance from the California Street line and easily accessible by other Muni routes. The museum is housed in the original wheelhouse building from 1887, which remarkably survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, providing a tangible link to the city’s past and the engineering marvel of its cable car system.
