Cable Car

Everyone in San Francisco should have the experience of taking a cable car ride at least once. Let me tell you the pros of taking a cable car ride.

1. It'll make you feel like a true San Franciscan.
2. It beats driving to wherever you're going because everywhere the cable car stops is a location that is parking unfriendly.
3. Both cars stop near Fisherman's Wharf, which is a great place to visit.
4. It passes through gorgeous routes.

You can start your cable car journey at Powell and Market St in downtown, which serves as the start for two lines: The Powell-Mason line, goes through Nob Hill to Bay Street at Fisherman's Wharf, and the Powell-Hyde line, goes through Nob Hill and Russian Hill to the Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square. There's also a California street line, which runs from the financial district to Chinatown, Nob Hill and finally stops at Van Ness Avenue.



Basically, you hop onto one of these babies and while you're on the car, a conductor comes by and you give him or her $5 dollars in cash (applies to adult and youth). If you're a senior (65+) or disabled, it's also $5 dollars one way from 7 am to 9 pm, however, you can pay a dollar one way before 7 am and after 9 pm with a valid ID.



If you have a fastpass, you can get on the cable car with it and not have to pay anything since your fastpass allows unlimited riding for cable cars, street cars, buses and BART. A fastpass is a monthly pass that costs $45 dollars for adults ages 18 to 64. For youth (5-17) it's $10 dollars, and for seniors (65+) it's also $10 dollars. I would not recommend a fastpass unless you live in the city and frequently take public transportation, or if you'll be visiting for close to a month without a car.

For those of you San Franciscans who haven't taken a cable car ride yet...this is the time. Take advantage of all the touristy things, even if it may seem a little strange to you.

For those of you visiting SF, a cable car ride is an excellent way to start off your trip.

Have a super Sunday!