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All 792 San Francisco Attractions »

Cable Cars

San Francisco, CA
415 673 6864
Ranked #19 of 347 attractions in San Francisco
4.5 of 5 stars 1681 Reviews
Type: Trams
Owner description: Since 1873, cable cars have run up and down the hilly city, though after the 1950s, these cars have been kept in operation more out of historic...... more » Owner description: Since 1873, cable cars have run up and down the hilly city, though after the 1950s, these cars have been kept in operation more out of historic nostalgia. Seventeen miles of track remain and have been deemed a historical landmark. « less
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1,681 reviews from our community

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London
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

Tourist trap, where you get to know how people behave when the want to sit first row. No shame to push children away. Behave like a jurk ad you might get a nice seat. Awful. More

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See 4 more reviews by deppeflep for San Francisco
Huntersville, North Carolina
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

We waited about an hour to get on a cable car near the Fisherman's Wharf. The wait in Union Square was nearly twice that time. I would recommend getting on one at Fisherman's Wharf and taking it at least to Lombard street. The car goes up the steep road, and if you're on the back, you can take great pics... More

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See 3 more reviews by Alicja K for San Francisco
Bel Air, Maryland
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

It's still unique and still fun. The Powell/Hyde is the one that does major hills (including the top of Lombard's crooked street) and the grip (operators) can be fun. Note: Plan a double-ticket round trip unless you have another way back; too far to walk. Please note if this review was helpful--and thank you. More

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See 5 more reviews by HepAdvisor for San Francisco
Atlanta, Georgia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

what a wonderful experience Take the cable car everywhere you can it is like a step back in time More

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See 3 more reviews by ggsjillydad for San Francisco
Riverview, Florida
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2012 NEW

We rode the cable car from Market Square to Fisherman's Wharf. This is a MUST DO in San Francisco! We thoroughly enjoyed the people, the cars, the workers (who are genuinely entertaining), and the views of the city. Everyone has to ride the cable cars in San Francisco! More

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See 3 more reviews by Margaret C for San Francisco
Vancouver, BC
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

The cable cars are a must in your visit to San Francisco. They are so well made and most of them were constructed in Italy. Definitely a fun time for the entire family. People are literally lined up 4 to 5 rows deep to get on them. The best part is standing on the footboard and climbing the many hills... More

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See 7 more reviews by cujoetta for San Francisco
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

We have been to SF several times, and we still use the cable cars to get across Nob Hill. We usually stay in Union Square, so the Powell/Hyde line is great to get to Ghirardelli Square, and the Powell/Mason line has great access to North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. We buy a multi-day Muni pass at the airport, which gives... More

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See 8 more reviews by JandB_Phoenix for San Francisco
Thousand Oaks, California
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

History is what makes San Francisco so romantic. It might be crowded on a Cable Car and maybe expensive, but nothing beats the clang, clang of the bell and the driver pulling at the gears. You wonder if you'll make it up the hill or become a run away going down. It is the easiest way to shop downtown and... More

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See 5 more reviews by SH4Kinder for San Francisco
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

Cable cars are $6 each time you get on. Make sure to get a 3-day Passport (we got ours on Powell Street)--this gets you on buses, cable cars, light rail and streetcars for $21/person. Tip: don't get on at the ends of the lines; you'll wait in long lines to get on. Instead, walk a couple of blocks up, and... More

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See 5 more reviews by gigi2263 for San Francisco
New York
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Definitely an experience. If you have to be somewhere on time, though, cable cars aren't the best mode of transportation. They take their own sweet time, but it's worth it if you're not on a strict schedule! More

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See 3 more reviews by jpug2002 for San Francisco

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