Powell-Hyde Line San Francisco
Ride San Francisco's most scenic cable car line, offering iconic views of Lombard Street, Alcatraz, and the bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Powell-Hyde Line San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride San Francisco's most scenic cable car line, offering iconic views of Lombard Street, Alcatraz, and the bay.
"Everyone must experience this cable car with beautiful views of San Francisco streets."
🎯 Ride the Powell-Hyde Line
This line offers the most scenic route, including Lombard Street and stunning bay views.
⏰ Beat the Queues
Arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the longest wait times.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Lombard Street Views
Mid-route on Powell-Hyde Line
Experience the famous 'crookedest street' from the cable car, offering unique photo opportunities.
Panoramic City Vistas
Various points along the route
Enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco's skyline, Alcatraz, and the bay from elevated vantage points.
Fisherman's Wharf Arrival
Hyde & Beach Streets terminus
Conclude your ride near the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, a hub for dining and attractions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride the Powell-Hyde Line
This line offers the most scenic route, including Lombard Street and stunning bay views. 
⏰ Beat the Queues
Arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the longest wait times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely be standing, and there's a lot of walking involved at either end of the ride. [:athletic_shoe:]
📱 App Payment Recommended
While cash was once accepted, app payment is now often preferred or required. Ensure you have a signal. [:iphone:]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride the Powell-Hyde Line
This line offers the most scenic route, including Lombard Street and stunning bay views.
⏰ Beat the Queues
Arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the longest wait times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll likely be standing, and there's a lot of walking involved at either end of the ride. [:athletic_shoe:]
📱 App Payment Recommended
While cash was once accepted, app payment is now often preferred or required. Ensure you have a signal. [:iphone:]
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The intersection of California Street and Powell/Stockton offers iconic cable car shots. [:camerawithflash:]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Powell-Hyde Line offers a quintessential San Francisco experience with stunning views and iconic landmarks like Lombard Street. However, visitors should be prepared for potentially long wait times and a shift towards app-based payment systems, which can be a hurdle for some tourists. Despite these challenges, the scenic ride is widely considered a must-do.
"Had a lovely trip on the tram with my family :)"
Jamie N
"We chose this due to standing in line and other people were in line way before us. And was in line over an hour. Then Number 26 came and people got off, one of them came back to same Cable car ( Powell Hyde ) and He walked them to the other side and told them to stay right there and he would let them on when he pulls around. I'm not racist at all, I have friends that are Black. But he was black and those 7 people were black. Not okay, there were a lot of people that saw this happen and none of us were Happy. This is Not Fair to the other people, just wanted to see if you all care about your customers to fix this issue. 8/10/2025."
Liz Taylor
"Very annoyed and disgusted at how my husband and I were treated on the Powell/ Hyde tram. We paid for a single ticket from Fisherman's Wharf to terminal past Union. We spent some time around Union Square as tourists and decided to take tram back to Fisherman's Wharf near our hotel. We asked the lady who worked at terminal how we pay for return ticket and she advised that we pay cash or card on the tram. My husband and I boarded tram, it started moving and then conductor asked for tickets. We tried to pay to which he abruptly stated no cash or card payments only app. As tourist we had no Internet signal to download app, we asked if we could pay at terminal like before? We were abruptly told NO, this is his tram and app payments only. He proceeded to bully we both off tram at the next stop. Never so embarrassed. Horrible, obnoxious bully of a man and the company should enforce a policy on how payments can be made. Never will we recommend this tram to any friends or family visiting San Francisco...ruined the end of a lovely holiday day."
Pamela McFadden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Powell-Hyde line starts at the Powell Street cable car turnaround near Union Square and Market Street. You can reach this area via BART (Powell Street Station) or numerous bus lines. Many visitors also walk from nearby hotels in the Union Square area.
The most popular boarding point is the Powell Street turnaround, but expect long lines. You can also try boarding at intermediate stops, though availability may be limited.
Yes, the Powell Street BART station is a major transit hub, and many Muni bus lines serve the area around Union Square, making it easily accessible via public transport.
Cable cars are historic vehicles and may have limited accessibility. It's best to check with Muni for the most up-to-date accessibility information for specific routes and boarding points.
The ride itself typically takes about 20-30 minutes, but this doesn't include waiting time, which can be significant, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fares can vary, but a single ride typically costs around $8. It's recommended to check the official Muni website for current pricing. Some visitors have reported issues with payment methods, so confirm accepted payment types.
Tickets can often be purchased directly on the cable car, but increasingly, app-based payment is preferred or required. It's advisable to download the MuniMobile app beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets or having the app ready can expedite your boarding process. Advance purchase options might be available through the MuniMobile app.
Yes, Muni offers various passes, such as the Muni Passport, which may cover unlimited rides on cable cars and other Muni services for a set period. Check the Muni website for details.
Cable cars generally operate daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Muni schedule for the most accurate operating times for the Powell-Hyde line.
🎫 🚏 Onsite Experience
For the best views and experience, try to secure a spot on the outer edge of the car. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride through the city's iconic hills!
Key sights include Lombard Street (the 'crookedest street'), stunning views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, and the bustling Fisherman's Wharf area at the terminus.
Yes, the Powell-Hyde line is one of the most popular cable car routes and can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and midday.
Consider trying a different cable car line (Powell-Mason or California Street) or visiting during off-peak hours. Alternatively, explore other San Francisco attractions while you wait.
Typically, a single ride ticket is for one continuous journey. If you wish to hop on and off, you'll likely need to purchase separate tickets or have a day pass.
📸 📸 Photography
The stretch near Lombard Street offers iconic shots. Also, look for panoramic views of the city skyline and Alcatraz as you ascend the hills.
Early mornings or late afternoons (golden hour) provide beautiful light and fewer crowds. Evening rides offer a chance to capture the city lights.
The intersection of California Street and Powell/Stockton is a prime spot for capturing the cable car with the city backdrop.
Expect classic San Francisco shots: cable cars on steep hills, Victorian architecture, bay views, and the unique perspective of Lombard Street.
Hold on securely, use a wide-angle lens if possible, and be mindful of other passengers. Practice quick shots as the scenery changes rapidly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The route passes by iconic sights like Lombard Street, which can be a fun point of interest for younger travelers. Be prepared for potential long wait times, which can be challenging with young children. Consider bringing snacks and entertainment to keep them occupied while in line. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The views of Alcatraz and the bay are also spectacular. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides the best light for capturing the city's charm. Be prepared for crowds, as this is a popular spot for photographers and tourists alike. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Powell-Hyde Line Experience
+2One of the absolute highlights is the section that passes by Lombard Street, the 'crookedest street in the world.' While you don't ride down the famously winding part, the cable car offers a unique vantage point of its curves and the surrounding colorful houses.
+2 Many travelers consider this the quintessential San Francisco cable car experience, offering a moving postcard of the city. +1Be prepared for significant wait times, especially at the Powell Street turnaround. Redditors and social media creators alike emphasize the importance of patience or strategic timing to avoid lengthy queues.
Navigating Fares and Ticketing
This shift can be challenging for tourists who may not have reliable internet access or data plans in San Francisco. Some travelers have reported being unexpectedly told that cash is no longer accepted and being forced off the tram if they couldn't pay via the app.
For those planning multiple rides on public transit, consider purchasing a Muni Passport. These passes offer unlimited rides on cable cars, streetcars, and buses for a set duration (e.g., 1, 3, or 7 days) and can be a cost-effective option.
Capturing the Perfect San Francisco Shot
When riding the cable car, be ready to capture the fleeting moments. The Lombard Street section provides a unique angle, though it's best viewed from a distance or as the car approaches.
+1 For panoramic vistas, keep an eye out for opportunities to photograph Alcatraz and the bay as the car crests the hills. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography, offering softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Remember to hold on securely while taking photos from a moving vehicle. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the dramatic inclines and cityscapes.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit