Rolling Through Time: San Francisco’s Historic Trolley Cars
San Francisco is a city that moves—both in innovation and in the way people get around. While futuristic autonomous taxis and the soon-to-arrive air taxis are reshaping modern transportation, there’s something undeniably charming about the city’s historic streetcars and trolleys. These moving pieces of history aren’t just a way to get from one place to another; they’re an experience, a throwback to another era, and an essential part of San Francisco’s character.
Guests at SoMa House are perfectly positioned to step aboard one of these rolling time machines, feeling the craftsmanship, hearing the nostalgic bell chime, and taking in a ride that blends the romance of the past with the energy of the present.
What’s the Difference Between a Cable Car and a Streetcar?
Many visitors use the terms interchangeably, but San Francisco’s historic trolleys and cable cars are two very different things.
Historic Streetcars (Trolleys): These electric-powered vehicles run on tracks and draw power from overhead wires, much like modern light rail. San Francisco’s F-Line operates vintage streetcars from around the world, preserving their unique designs and giving them a second life along Market Street and the Embarcadero.
Cable Cars: These world-famous cars have no motor of their own—instead, they grip a constantly moving underground cable that pulls them along the city’s steep streets. San Francisco is the last city in the world with a manually operated cable car system, making every ride a step into history.
A Moving Museum: The F-Line Streetcars
San Francisco’s F-Line streetcars are functioning museum pieces, each with its own story and international flair. Some date back more than 100 years, lovingly restored and still carrying passengers along Market Street and the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf. Here are a few must-see trolleys rolling through the city:
The 1912 "Boat Tram" from Blackpool, England – One of the most unique in the fleet, this open-air streetcar looks like something straight out of a Gatsby-era seaside resort. It's rare to catch it in service, but when you do, it’s a must-ride.
The Milan Cars from the 1920s – These sleek, orange-hued Italian streetcars from Milan, Italy, are known for their gorgeous wooden interiors and art deco styling.
The 1940s PCC Cars – These streamlined beauties represent the golden age of American trolley design, with Art Deco influences and an iconic curved front. Some have been repainted in the colors of different U.S. cities that once operated PCC cars, including Philadelphia, Boston, and Los Angeles.
The 1928 Melbourne Tram – A bright green and yellow piece of Australian history, this tram once rolled through the streets of Melbourne before finding a second home in San Francisco.
For history lovers and design enthusiasts alike, each ride on the F-Line streetcars is a new chance to see a different era of public transit.
What to Look For on San Francisco’s Historic Trolleys
As you step aboard these time-honored vehicles, take a moment to look beyond the destination signs and feel the history in every detail:
The Original Woodwork – Many of these cars still have their original handcrafted wooden seats, paneling, and brass fixtures, offering a glimpse into a time when public transportation was built to be beautiful.
Historic Plaques & Signs – Many cars have small plaques that tell their story—where they came from, how old they are, and what city they originally served.
The Operator's Controls – Unlike modern transit vehicles, these streetcars require a real person at the helm, manually operating the brakes and accelerator using large, metal levers. Watching a seasoned operator work these controls is part of the experience.
Exterior Color Schemes – If you notice a streetcar painted in colors that seem out of place for San Francisco, there's a good reason. The Market Street Railway, which helps preserve these vehicles, repaints some in the original liveries of cities that once had streetcars—so you might see a New Orleans, Pittsburgh, or Chicago-inspired trolley roll past you.
Why Ride the Historic Streetcars?
Unlike the tourist-packed cable cars, the historic streetcars are an easier, more relaxed way to enjoy classic San Francisco transportation. Running from the Castro District to Fisherman’s Wharf, they provide incredible views of the Bay, making for a scenic ride with a vintage touch. Plus, at just $3 per ride, they’re one of the best deals in the city.
SoMa House: Your Gateway to Transit History
Staying at SoMa House means you’re right in the heart of this historic transportation network. Step outside and hop on the F-Line, ride through time, and take in San Francisco from one of its most cherished moving landmarks.
✨ San Francisco’s historic trolleys aren’t just transit—they’re a trip through history. Get a room at SoMa House and roll through the city in style.