Ride San Francisco’s iconic cable cars with an app-guided audio tour and 24-hour unlimited rides. Enjoy stopovers in Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Pier 39 with a Pier 39 meal voucher included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a wooden bench, the cable car creaks and lurches forward as the city pulls you up a steep block. Wind off the bay tugs at your jacket and fog fingers the tops of the hills; the clang of the bell slices through market chatter. This is San Francisco from its original transit: a moving vantage point that connects Union Square, Nob Hill, Chinatown, the Italian Quarter, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–3 hours
Fitness Level
Light urban walking and short stair negotiaton; suitable for most people with basic mobility.
Wildlife
History
San Francisco’s cable car network began in the 1870s as a solution to steep hills and became a national historic landmark after surviving major earthquakes and urban redevelopment.
Conservation
Support local preservation efforts by staying on sidewalks, not feeding wildlife like the Pier 39 sea lions, and following posted guidelines to reduce wear on historic infrastructure.
Reserve your spot on the San Francisco Cable Car with Audio Tour and Unlimited Rides today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download the app beforehand
Install the Pintours and MUNI apps and wait for the login email the night before to ensure smooth ticket redemption.
Activate your 24‑hour pass on first ride
Unlimited rides start when you first use your cable car ticket—activate it on your earliest boarding to maximize value.
Boarding and balance
Hold railings and stand clear of the track while waiting; cable cars stop suddenly and steps can be slick after rain.
Meal voucher pickup
Collect your Pier 39 meal voucher at the pier—plan to use it at participating vendors during your stop there.
Layered jacket
Bay winds and microclimates require a packable outer layer for comfort across seasons.
Comfortable walking shoes
Grippy shoes make boarding and short urban walks safer, especially on wet streets and cable car steps.
Phone with charged battery
The audio guide and ticket redemption use your phone—bring a charger or power bank for longer touring days.
Small daypack
Carries your layers, water bottle, and meal vouchers while keeping hands free for boarding.