Background

Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround

Witness the iconic cable car turnaround at Powell Street, a historic landmark blending San Francisco's past and present. A must-see spectacle!

4.5
A question is required

Experience a quintessential San Francisco tradition at the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround, where the iconic cable cars begin their journey. Watch the skilled operators manually rotate the cars on the turntable, a captivating spectacle that blends history and engineering in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

  • Powell St, San Francisco, Union Square, California, 94102, US
  • +1341-314-8155

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and long lines.
  • Purchase your cable car tickets in advance via the MuniMobile app or at a kiosk to save time.
  • Consider a Muni Passport for unlimited rides on cable cars and other public transportation if you plan to ride multiple times.
  • Explore the surrounding area, including Union Square, Chinatown, and the Financial District.
  • If the lines are too long at Powell & Market, walk to a stop further away from the turnaround to pay cash onboard.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround is directly above the Powell Street BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni Metro station. From the station, follow the signs for the Powell Street exit. Upon exiting to street level, you'll find yourself at the turnaround. BART fares vary depending on your origin, but a typical ride from other parts of San Francisco or the East Bay ranges from $2.50 to $6.00. Muni Metro fares are $2.50 per ride, or free with a Clipper card transfer from BART. Several Muni bus lines also stop near Union Square, a short walk from the turnaround. Standard Muni bus fare is $2.50.

  • Walking

    From Union Square, walk south on Powell Street towards Market Street. The Cable Car Turnaround is located at the intersection of Powell and Market Streets. The walk is relatively short and flat, making it an easy stroll. Be aware of pedestrian traffic, especially during peak hours.

  • Cable Car

    If you are already near Fisherman's Wharf, you can take either the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car lines to the Powell Street Turnaround. A single ride costs $9. Purchase tickets at the kiosks and ticket machines at the terminals. If boarding along the lines, you may pay the conductor in cash. A better value is the one-day Muni Passport for $15, which includes unlimited rides on all Muni vehicles, including cable cars.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown San Francisco, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) can quickly take you to the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround. Simply provide 'Powell and Market Streets' as your destination. The typical cost for a short trip within downtown San Francisco ranges from $8 to $20, depending on demand and distance.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking garages are located near the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround. However, parking can be expensive and limited. * **1625 Powell Street Parking:** Offers daily max rates of $20. * **815 Powell Street (Fairmont Garage):** Offers parking, with rates around $48. * **520 Mason St. - 490 Post Valet Garage:** Offers parking with rates around $38. Consider using parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a spot in advance. Be aware of height restrictions at some garages.

Unlock the Best of Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

Located at the intersection of Powell and Market Streets, the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround is a vibrant landmark and a vital part of San Francisco's identity. Since 1888, the Powell Street lines have offered a unique way to navigate the city's steep hills, becoming a cherished symbol of San Francisco. The turnaround serves as the starting point for the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines. What sets these lines apart is the manual operation of the cable cars at each end of the route. Because the Powell Street cable cars can only be operated from one end, they require a turntable to reverse direction. This process, performed by skilled operators, involves manually pushing and rotating the massive cable cars on a revolving wooden platform, a captivating spectacle that draws onlookers throughout the day. The history of the cable cars is deeply intertwined with the history of San Francisco. Andrew Smith Hallidie invented the cable car in 1873 to solve the challenges of navigating the city's steep hills. The Powell Street lines, established in 1888, quickly became an integral part of the city's public transportation. Over the years, the cable cars have faced numerous challenges, including the 1906 earthquake and threats of closure. Thanks to dedicated citizens, the cable cars were preserved and continue to operate as a cherished symbol of San Francisco. The Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a symbol of San Francisco's resilience, innovation, and community spirit. It's a place where the past meets the present, where visitors can connect with the city's history and experience its vibrant culture.

Popular Experiences near Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

Popular Hotels near Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

Select Currency