Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cable-Car Tips
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The turnaround at Powell-Hyde, at Hyde and Beach streets, is almost
always packed with tourists departing Fisherman's Wharf. Although
the terminus is home base to an amusing singer-songwriter-comic
(“Thank you for not overreacting,” is a typical quip when his per-
formances meet silence), it's busy, and you could wait an hour or
more for a ride on that car. Head a few blocks east to Taylor and Bay,
because that's where the Powell-Mason car loads with much smaller
crowds in waiting. This line goes through North Beach and is just as
scenic, and it winds up at Market and Powell, the same place as the
Powell-Hyde line.
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Many guidebooks will tell you that you can grab a cable car anywhere
along its route, but that's not always the case. By the time they leave
the ends of the line, most cable cars have filled to the point where
the only space they have is on the running boards. If you want a
seat, you pretty much have to board at the start of the line.
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Riding on the runners takes arm strength—your shifting weight will
be delivered to your arms. It also takes some dexterity, because you'll
have to press yourself inward whenever you pass another cable car—
they pass closer than you'd expect, so be alert. It also takes stam-
ina, because on cold days, the fingers start to numb long before the
job of holding on is done. Don't let kids or the elderly undertake this
position lightly.
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If you want a ride without a wait, the California Street line almost
never has a queue. Board right upstairs from the Embarcadero BART
station, two stops east from the Powell station. This line doesn't
have a turntable, or make any turns, either—it's a straight shot to
Van Ness Avenue—so it's easier to ride on the running boards than
it is on the twisty Powell lines.
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Cash fares on the cable cars aren't cheap: $5 each way, no transfers,
no staying onboard for a round trip. But if you're toting a CityPass,
all rides are included, as are all bus and tram rides. And seniors who
ride before 7am or after 9pm pay just $1. Conductors are extremely
laissez faire about collecting fares, so don't fret if you don't look like
a senior but are.
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Don't call them “trolleys,” “streetcars,” or “trams.” They are cable
cars because, well, they're powered by cables, and locals will frown
at you if you get it wrong. Besides, there are streetcars in this town,
too, so you have to be specific. (And you already know to
never
call
the city “Frisco,” right? Just checking.)
