City Sightseeing Seattle: HOHO Bus Tour + Locks Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle and want to see as much as possible without feeling overwhelmed, the City Sightseeing Seattle: HOHO Bus Tour + Locks Cruise might be just what you’re looking for. This experience offers a blend of sightseeing from a double-decker bus, a scenic cruise through the locks, and some easy walking to soak up the city’s vibe. Given its popularity and solid 4.3-star rating from three reviews, it’s clear this tour hits many travelers’ sweet spots.

What we really appreciate about this package is the flexibility it offers. The hop-on hop-off bus means you can tailor your visit, stopping where you want, when you want—no rushing. Plus, the Locks Cruise adds a scenic element that’s unique to Seattle’s waterways. On the flip side, a potential downside is that some might find the pricing a bit steep if they’re on a tight budget, and it’s not a comprehensive entry to every attraction on its own. But overall? This tour tends to suit curious travelers who want a good overview paired with a touch of adventure, especially if they’re comfortable navigating a city and enjoy a mix of transport modes.

Key Points

• Flexible exploration: 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus options allow you to see Seattle at your own pace.
• Diverse sights: The route covers major landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chinatown, and Pioneer Square.
• Scenic cruise: The Locks Cruise offers a peaceful, scenic way to experience Seattle’s waterways.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviewers mention the guides’ expertise and friendly attitudes as a highlight.
• Convenient stops: 17 strategically placed stops near the city’s top attractions make it easy to hop on and off.
• Additional guided walking tour: Explore Pioneer Square further with an audio-guided stroll, enhancing your understanding of the city’s early days.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Route and Highlights in Detail

The bus tour kicks off at Stop 1: Space Needle & Seattle Center, giving you a quick but iconic start. From there, you’ll pass by places like the historic Pioneer & Occidental Square, which is great for a quick look at Seattle’s past, and Chinatown, where the vibe shifts to multicultural energy and colorful gates. The stops near Pier 66 and the Seattle Art Museum make it easy to add some cultural or waterfront fun to your day.

What really sets this tour apart is the Locks Cruise. Departing from Pier 55, this 2-hour cruise is a one-way journey through the famous Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. You’ll get to see boats navigating the waterway, learn about the operation of the locks, and enjoy some of the best water views in the city. Travelers mention the cruise departs daily at 10:30 am, so planning around that time can fit well into your day.

Back on the bus, the route includes stops at major landmarks like the Seattle Sky View Observatory, which offers panoramic city views, and the Original Starbucks at Pike Place Market for a quick coffee fix. The stops near Amazon Spheres and the Seattle Central Library show the city’s modern architecture and innovation hub.

What to Expect from the Experience

When you purchase a 24 or 48-hour ticket, you’re granted the freedom to explore at your own pace. The bus runs every 30 minutes from 10 am to 4 pm, so you have a good window to hop on and off. With 17 stops, the route covers most of the places you’d want to see in Seattle, from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market and beyond.

The audio guide in English adds context to each stop, helping you learn about the city’s history and significance as you pass by. The walking tour of Pioneer Square, guided by your smartphone, offers a deeper dive into Seattle’s early days, which many find informative and engaging.

The Locks Cruise adds a scenic element to your day, especially for those who enjoy water views and learning about local engineering marvels. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, and the separate tickets for the cruise ensure a smooth experience.

Is it Worth the Price?

At $109 per person, this experience is on the pricier side for a day tour. But when you consider the combination of transportation, scenic cruise, and guided insights, many find it to be good value. It’s not just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about experiencing Seattle in a way that’s manageable, informative, and enjoyable.

Some reviews highlight that guides are very knowledgeable, which elevates the experience. Knowing you’re in good hands, listening to stories and facts about Seattle’s history, makes the journey more enriching. Plus, the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off format means you can skip the attractions that don’t interest you and spend more time at your favorites.

However, it’s worth noting that entry to attractions is not included—if you want to go inside places like the Space Needle or the Seattle Aquarium, you’ll need to buy tickets separately. So, if your main goal is quick access to the city’s highlights with minimal hassle, this tour hits the mark. But if you’re after deep dives into specific sites, you might want to supplement this with additional visits.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Start early: The first bus departs at 10 am, so arriving promptly helps maximize your day.
• Plan your Locks Cruise: It departs at 10:30 am daily from Pier 55, so coordinate your bus schedule accordingly.
• Use your smartphone: The walking tour is smartphone-guided, so bring your device fully charged.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Especially if you plan to hop off and explore on foot.
• Consider your interests: If you love water views and city skylines, this combo tour is excellent. If you’re more into museums or inside attractions, plan extra time for those.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This package is ideal for travelers who prefer a rundown without the stress of planning individual tickets or navigating public transit. It’s suitable for first-timers wanting to tick off key sights, those interested in scenic water views, or anyone who appreciates guided insights from knowledgeable guides. It’s also good for travelers who want the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off format within a manageable timeframe.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, this tour can be a relaxing way to experience the city together, as long as everyone is comfortable with the walking involved during the stops. It’s not specifically designed for kids, but families could find it practical since it combines different modes of transport and offers engaging sights.

Final Thoughts

For $109, this City Sightseeing Seattle package offers a good balance of convenience, variety, and scenic beauty. The hop-on hop-off bus paired with the Locks Cruise allows you to see many of Seattle’s highlights without feeling like you’re rushing from place to place. The knowledgeable guides are a real plus, turning a standard city tour into a more insightful experience.

If you value flexibility and want to keep your options open while exploring a city, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if you love combining land and water experiences or want a relaxed way to get your bearings in Seattle.

However, keep in mind the cost and consider whether you want to purchase additional tickets for specific attractions. Overall, it’s a well-rounded introduction to the city that suits curious travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, learning, and scenic cruising.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for a full day?
You can stretch it out over one or two days, especially with the 48-hour ticket option, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You can join the bus at any of the stops along the route.

What attractions can I visit with this tour?
Stops are near major sights like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Chinatown, and more, but entry to these attractions is not included.

Is the Locks Cruise a round-trip?
No, it’s a 2-hour one-way cruise departing from Pier 55. You can choose to explore the city afterward or return via the bus.

Are the stops accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.

What languages are the audio guides available in?
The included audio guide is in English.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the package.

How frequent are the buses?
Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes during operating hours.

What’s the best time to start the tour?
The first departure is at 10 am from Stop 1, which is a good time to start if you want to maximize your day.

Overall, if you’re after a well-rounded, flexible way to see Seattle’s highlights, this tour is worth considering. It balances sightseeing with scenic views, guided insights, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: