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San Francisco’s cable cars are more than just a nostalgic ride—they’re a living, moving landmark and a
must-see attraction on any private San Francisco Jeep tour.
But here’s the fun part: they climb those “how is that even possible?” hills with no engine onboard.
The secret is the underground cable system—powered by a central powerhouse and controlled by the famous grip.
Andrew Hallidie, an engineer and entrepreneur, is credited with pioneering the first cable car system in San Francisco in 1873. Inspired by the dangers posed by horse-drawn streetcars struggling on the city’s steep hills, Hallidie applied his expertise in wire rope technology—originally developed for mining operations—to create a new form of transportation. His innovation would forever change urban transit,
not just in San Francisco but across the world.
The key to the cable car’s movement lies beneath the streets. Unlike electric streetcars or modern trains, cable cars do not have an onboard power source. Instead, they rely on an underground cable that continuously moves in a loop beneath the city’s streets.
The cable is made of multiple strands of wire twisted together and is powered by massive electric motors housed in a central powerhouse.
The cable moves at a steady pace—about 9.5 miles per hour—giving the gripman just the right amount of control to start, stop, and precisely manage steep hills.
Originally, each cable car line had its own powerhouse powered by steam engines that burned large amounts of coal. Today, a single powerhouse on Washington and Mason Streets drives the cables for all three operating lines (Powell-Mason, Powell-Hyde, and California Street).
Want to see the motors and wheels that keep the system moving? Pop into the
Cable Car Museum—it’s one of the coolest “hidden in plain sight” attractions in the city.
Inside the powerhouse, large electric motors drive giant sheaves—14-foot diameter wheels—around which the cables run in a figure-eight pattern.
Tension sheaves adjust for slack in the cables, keeping the ride smooth even as loads change throughout the day.
The visible steel tracks are only part of the story. Beneath them is the channel that houses the constantly moving cable. A narrow slot at street level lets the cable car’s grip reach down and latch onto the cable below.
Bonus local trivia: that slot inspired the phrase “south of the slot”—a historic nickname for neighborhoods south of Market Street.
One of the most essential components of a cable car is its grip—a powerful clamp that attaches to the underground cable and pulls the car forward. The gripman uses a large lever to engage or release the grip as needed.
Think of it like heavy-duty pliers: when engaged, the grip tightens around the cable; when released, the car coasts and brakes take over. Smooth starts and stops are a craft—gripmen train extensively to master the precise control required.
Cable cars rely on multiple braking systems to stay safe on San Francisco’s steep streets. The three primary types of brakes are:
Cable cars can’t turn like a car and they don’t “switch tracks” like modern trains. Instead, they rely on carefully engineered curves and intersections:
San Francisco’s cable cars come in two main designs:
Many cable cars in operation today date back to the early 1900s. They’ve been restored and upgraded over the years, but they still keep the vintage wooden frames, brass fixtures, and classic charm that make them feel like a time machine on rails.
San Francisco’s cable cars are more than transit—they’re a moving piece of the city’s identity. The system has survived earthquakes, economic shifts, and waves of modernization that wiped out cable systems elsewhere. Thanks to preservation efforts and the city’s commitment to its heritage, these cars
still roll every day—bells ringing, hills conquered, tourists grinning.
Here’s the move: do your private Jeep tour first to cover the big scenic highlights comfortably (with photo stops where you actually want them), then hop on a cable car afterward for that classic “San Francisco moment.”
Great pairings for your “Jeep + cable car” day include nearby hits like Lombard Street,
Coit Tower, and Fisherman’s Wharf. (And yes—your tour guide can help you choose the best cable car line to match your plans.)
Book your private San Francisco Jeep Tour today and make your visit truly unforgettable!
Nope—no onboard engine. The car moves only when the grip clamps onto the constantly moving cable running beneath the street.
Yes. The cable continuously moves at a steady speed. Cable cars stop by releasing the cable and using their braking systems.
They use multiple brakes: wheel brakes, wooden track brakes, and an emergency slot brake for rare situations.
At “let-go” points, the gripman briefly releases the cable, coasts through the crossing, then re-engages the next cable section.
Two easy wins: the Cable Car Museum (you can watch the big wheels turning) and the
Hyde Street turnaround (watch the manual turntable action).
One of the underrated perks of a private San Francisco Jeep tour? You don’t just ride past cable cars—you get front-row seats to some of the best cable car action in the city. Now that you know how the system works, spotting the cars in motion (and knowing what’s happening underneath the street) is half the fun.
These are some of our favorite places to watch, photograph, and appreciate cable cars in action while exploring the city:
Because your Jeep tour is private and flexible, your guide can slow down, pull over when safe, and point out what’s happening— whether it’s a grip engaging, a let-go point at an intersection, or a turntable in action.
Want to experience these spots with a local guide who knows exactly where (and when) the cable cars shine? Book your private San Francisco Jeep Tour and turn cable car watching into a highlight of your day.
