San Francisco Cable Cars

Why should you go to San Francisco?

San Francisco is one of the most thrilling and visually striking cities you’ll ever visit — a place where steep hills meet sparkling bay views, and every street feels like a film set. It’s packed with character, culture, and adventure, making it the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable holiday.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, take a boat to the eerie former prison on Alcatraz Island, and ride the city’s iconic cable cars as they rattle up and down the hills. Each neighbourhood has its own unique energy — from the murals and street food of the Mission District to the lantern-lined lanes of Chinatown and the cool cafés of the Haight-Ashbury.

Foodies will be in their element, with fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, buzzing food markets, and a world-class dining scene that blends global flavours with California flair. The city’s museums, music venues, and independent shops add to the vibrant, creative atmosphere.

And, when you’re ready for a change of pace, incredible nature is just a short drive away — from towering redwoods in Muir Woods to wine tasting in Napa Valley.

Time-Pressed Travel has a tried-and-tested itinerary for San Francisco that also takes in the highlights of Los Angeles, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon - alternatively you could make San Francisco your base and explore the surrounding area.

The Cable Cars of San Francisco: A Moving Icon of the City by the Bay

No visit to San Francisco is complete without a ride on one of its world-famous cable cars. More than just a charming relic of the past, these clanging, rumbling vehicles are an enduring symbol of the city’s resilience, ingenuity, and character. Climbing the steep hills, offering sweeping views of the bay, and weaving through historic neighbourhoods, the cable cars provide an experience that’s both practical and delightfully nostalgic.

Invented in 1873 by Andrew Smith Hallidie, San Francisco’s cable car system was born out of necessity. The city's notoriously steep hills made horse-drawn carriages dangerous and impractical. Hallidie’s solution—a system powered by underground cables continuously running in channels beneath the street—revolutionised urban transport. His first line, on Clay Street, laid the groundwork for what would become the most extensive cable car network in the world.

At its peak in the late 19th century, San Francisco had over 20 cable car lines. However, with the rise of electric streetcars and buses in the early 20th century, many routes were discontinued. After surviving earthquakes, fires, and political debates, only three lines remain today: the Powell–Hyde, Powell–Mason, and California Street lines. These routes are now operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) and serve both locals and the millions of tourists who visit the city each year.

Riding the cable car is a thrill in itself. On the Powell–Hyde line, passengers are treated to a cinematic journey: gliding through Nob Hill, past the twisty turns of Lombard Street, and down towards Ghirardelli Square and the waterfront. The California Street line, meanwhile, is often less crowded and frequented more by locals, offering a quieter, more authentic ride through the heart of the Financial District and Chinatown.

A unique feature of the cable cars is that they are still manually operated. Each car has a grip operator and a conductor. The gripman controls a mechanical grip that latches onto the moving underground cable—requiring strength, skill, and a good deal of finesse. Watching them in action is part of the experience, as they manage the heavy cars up and down hills with seamless precision.

The Cable Car Museum, located on Mason Street, is a fantastic stop for those wanting to learn more. Housed in a historic cable car barn and powerhouse, the museum allows visitors to see the massive wheels that pull the cables beneath the city streets. Exhibits explore the system’s invention, decline, and ultimate preservation, and it’s all free to visit.

Despite their historic status, cable cars are still a functioning part of the city’s public transport. They’ve been designated a National Historic Landmark, and San Francisco is the only city in the world that still operates a manually run cable car system.

Yes, they’re popular with tourists. Yes, the queues can be long. But there’s something magical about hanging onto the side of a cable car as it crests a hill, the bay gleaming in the distance, and the clang of the bell echoing through the streets. It’s more than a ride—it’s a piece of living history, and a quintessential San Francisco experience.