San Francisco cable car fare 2026: 9 dollars now, 12 dollars in January 2027
by RuinMyTrip Editorial · Aug 26, 2026
A single cable car ride is 9 dollars in 2026. SFMTA's adopted budget raises it to 12 dollars in January 2027 and adds an 18 dollar all day pass that covers every Muni line.
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San Francisco's cable cars are not a theme-park ride. They are a working 19th century system on three lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. In 2026 a single ride is 9 dollars, paid in cash (exact change), Clipper or MuniMobile. Seniors and disabled riders pay 9 dollars from 7am to 9pm and 4 dollars from 9pm to 7am.
What changes in 2027
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency budget raises a single cable car ride from 9 dollars to 12 dollars in January 2027. Alongside it comes an 18 dollar Cable Car Plus day pass that covers all Muni for one adult and up to two children. The one way fare is due to end on 3 January 2028, leaving the pass as the main option. That is a tourist product. If you are riding once for the hill, ride it in 2026 at 9 dollars or budget 12 later.
For getting around, use Clipper on Muni, BART and the cars. Do the Powell-Hyde line once for the view down to the bay, then walk. San Francisco.
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