How can I tell the difference between cable cars and trams in San Francisco?

Hi VF community,

I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.

Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels. Cheers, Régine

The cable car is the iconic wooden wagon that’s pulled by a cable running under the road. The tram is, like back home, an electric bus powered by overhead wires. There are older ones and more modern ones. I’d uploaded photos, but VF rejected them 🤪 Take a look here: https://www.sfmta.com/muni-transit You’ve gotta ride the cable car at least once—the most touristy line is the one connecting Powell to Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t hesitate to download the Citymapper app for San Francisco. It’s super handy.

Thanks so much, Caussat—really appreciate you getting back to me. Best, Régine

Hi, You can find the lines on this page:

https://hawkinsrails.net/streetcars/sanfran/sanfran_routes.html

Hi VF community,

I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find either their line numbers or their individual routes.

Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels. Cheers, Régine

The SFO cable car !

Michel and Osafan, thanks for taking the time to reply. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Régine

Hi Régine, For the cable car, the best thing is to take the semi-outdoor route—hold tight to the vertical bar near the exit door and stick your head out. It’s a very popular spot, but you’ve got to be lucky enough to find it free. People board the cable car on a first-come, first-served basis, so you need to be the last one on, but definitely not the one after that last person. Have a great trip!

thanks Jean-Michel, we’ll make sure to be the last ones to board. Have a great holiday season and thanks for your reply. Best regards, Régine

Hi Régine, For the cable car, the best is to take the semi-outdoor route, holding tight to the vertical bar near the exit door with your nose outside. It’s a very popular spot, but you need to be lucky enough to find it free. People board the cable car on a first-come, first-served basis, so you have to be the last one to get on—but definitely not the one after that last person. Have a great trip!

Not at all. If you board first at the front of the car and stay outside, you’re good. Stay the last to get on, and you’ll take the next one. And so on.

ah yes!!😉