The cost for a single ride on a San Francisco cable car is $8 for everyone aged 18 and over. However, purchasing a single-ride ticket is often the least cost-effective option. For most visitors, the best value comes from using a Muni Mobile App pass or a Clipper Card, which reduces the single-ride fare to $6, or buying a 1-Day Pass for $13, which includes unlimited cable car rides and access to all other Muni buses and streetcars.
The pricing structure is designed to encourage the use of digital passes, which also speeds up boarding. Payment is made directly to the conductor on the cable car. It's important to have exact change or a pre-purchased pass ready. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key fares:
| Fare Type | Full Price | Discounted Price (Youth 5-17, Seniors 65+, Disabled) | Notes |
|---|
| Single Ride (Cash/Token) | $8 | $4 | Paid directly to conductor; exact change required. |
| Single Ride (Clipper/MuniMobile) | $6 | $3 | The cheapest way to pay for a single ride. |
| 1-Day Visitor Passport | $13 | N/A | Unlimited rides on all cable cars, Muni buses, and historic streetcars for a full day. |
| 3-Day Visitor Passport | $31 | N/A | Unlimited rides for three consecutive days. |
| Monthly Muni Pass | $81 | $40 | For residents or long-term visitors; includes cable cars. |
Cable cars operate on three lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. The $8 fare is a flat rate regardless of how far you travel. If you plan to ride more than once in a day, the 1-Day Pass immediately pays for itself. For a truly authentic experience, try boarding at a less-crowded terminal like the one at California and Drumm Streets to avoid the long queues at Powell and Market.
