Where is San Francisco Cable Car System, San Francisco, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

The San Francisco Cable Car System is located in San Francisco, California, USA. It lies between downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf and is situated in hilly city streets. It is famous for being the world’s last manually operated cable car system and a historic city landmark.

San Francisco Cable Car System Location Map, San Francisco, California

Top Attractions Inside San Francisco Cable Car System

  • Cable Car Routes – Iconic historic routes connecting major neighborhoods and offering scenic city views.
  • Powell & Market Turnaround – Famous manually operated turntable where cable cars change direction.
  • Historic Cable Car Barn & Museum – Exhibits on the system’s history, engineering, and preservation.
  • Scenic Hill Rides – Routes up steep San Francisco streets providing panoramic city and bay views.
  • Interactive Cable Car Experience – Opportunity to see grip operators in action and learn about cable mechanics.
  • Photography Opportunities – Capture the cityscape, cable cars in motion, and iconic landmarks along the route.
  • Guided Tours & Educational Programs – Insights into the history, operation, and cultural significance of the cable car system.

San Francisco Cable Car System Facts

Official NameSan Francisco Cable Car System
LocationSan Francisco, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude37.7941° N, 122.4078° W (Powell & Market turnaround)
Total AreaOperational network: 3 lines, 23 km (14.5 miles) of track
OpenedAugust 2, 1873
FounderAndrew Smith Hallidie
Managed BySan Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)
RegionSan Francisco – Downtown, Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf
AddressPowell & Market Streets, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Zip Code94102
Area Code415
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHistoric Transportation, Urban Landmark, Cable Car Technology, San Francisco Icon
Major FeaturesCable Cars – Cable Grip System – Turnarounds – Tracks – Downtown & Waterfront Routes
Famous AttractionsPowell-Mason Line – Powell-Hyde Line – California Street Line – Scenic Views – Historic Cars
Annual VisitorsApprox. 20 million riders including tourists and locals per year
Entry Fee TypePaid Fare – Single Ride or Multi-Ride Tickets
Ticket Price Range~$8 per ride (single adult fare, 2025 rates)
Ticket OptionsSingle-Ride Ticket – Muni Passport – Visitor Pass – Multi-Day Pass
Best Time to VisitSpring–Fall (March–October) for clear skies and scenic rides
Nearby AirportSan Francisco International Airport (SFO) – ~13 miles (21 km)
TransportationCable Car – Muni Bus & Metro – Walking – Biking – Ride Sharing
Official Websitehttps://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/transit/how-ride-cable-car

Distances from San Francisco Cable Car System to Nearby Landmarks

  • Union Square – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Nob Hill – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • Chinatown – 1.2 km (0.75 mi)
  • Fisherman’s Wharf – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Ghirardelli Square – 3.2 km (2 mi)
  • Coit Tower – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) – 3.8 km (2.4 mi)
  • North Beach – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Exploratorium – 4.5 km (2.8 mi)
  • Embarcadero – 3.8 km (2.4 mi)
  • Lombard Street (Crooked Street) – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Bay Bridge / Ferry Building – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Palace of Fine Arts – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Golden Gate Park (Eastern Entrance) – 5 km (3.1 mi)