City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Locks or Harbour Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle and want a way to see the city without the hassle of navigating on your own, this City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Cruise package might catch your eye. It offers a flexible way to explore at your own pace, with options to add either a scenic Locks Cruise or Harbour Cruise to enhance your experience. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on the available info and reviews, it seems like a solid choice for visitors who value convenience, decent sightseeing, and a bit of variety.

What we really like about this setup is the flexibility—you can pick 24 or 48 hours with the Locks Cruise or opt for 1 or 2 days with the Harbour Cruise. Plus, the audio guides in English enrich the experience, giving you some context about the sights as you roll past them. A second point in favor: the stops are strategically near major attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Central Library, so you won’t have to wander far to find the highlights.

However, a quick note to consider: the experience duration might be on the shorter side for some, with each hop lasting around 80 minutes, and the overall tour being about an hour and twenty minutes if you do it straight through. If you’re after a deep, immersive day, this might only be part of your day, not the whole story. Also, since this is primarily a hop-on hop-off setup, it’s best for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, relaxing transportation, and some independent exploring.

This tour seems suited for those who want a convenient overview of Seattle, especially if you’re short on time or prefer not to walk too much in the heat. It’s a good pick for visitors wanting a balanced mix of land and sea views, with the flexibility to customize their day.

Key Points

• Flexible durations: Choose from 24 or 48-hour bus passes, with options to add a Locks or Harbour Cruise.
• Strategic stops: Near major sights like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Seattle Central Library.
• Informative audio guides: Available in English, providing helpful background info.
• Additional tours: Includes a one-way Locks Cruise or a Harbour Cruise, plus an audio-guided walking tour.
• No entry fees or food included: The ticket covers transportation and some sights, but not attractions or meals.
• Booking flexibility: Vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be used any day, offering good flexibility.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Bus Tour: What to Expect

The bus itself is a classic hop-on hop-off style, meaning you can jump off at any stop to explore more deeply and hop back on when ready. The route covers key parts of downtown Seattle, like the Space Needle at the Seattle Center, historic Pioneer Square, and the vibrant Pike Place Market.

Most travelers will find the audio guide helpful; it’s in English and offers interesting tidbits about the city. The stops are conveniently located, so you won’t need to trek far to reach major attractions. The buses run approximately every 30 minutes, starting at 10 am and ending around 4 pm, making it easy to plan your day.

The Itinerary and Stops: What You’ll See

• Seattle Center & Space Needle: This iconic landmark is usually the first stop, offering great photo ops and a chance to learn about the city’s modern side.
• Seattle Central Library: An architecturally striking building, perfect for architecture lovers or those simply wanting a quick glance inside.
• Pike Place Market: The lively heart of Seattle, with vendors, street performers, and the famous fishmongers. It’s a bustling scene that’s worth exploring on foot.
• Pioneer & Occidental Square: A historic district with charming parks and old buildings, giving a glimpse into Seattle’s early days.
• Seattle Art Museum and Amazon Spheres: These stops showcase the city’s creative and corporate side.
• Historic Chinatown Gate & Panama Hotel: Adds a cultural layer to your tour.

Locks and Harbour Cruises: What They Add

Choosing between the Locks Cruise and the Harbour Cruise depends on what you want to see. The Locks Cruise is a one-way trip departing at 10:30 am from Pier 55, offering a scenic boat experience through the historic canal that connects Lake Union and Puget Sound. It’s a chance to see Seattle from the water and learn about the city’s early development.

The Harbour Cruise offers panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline from the sea, lasting about an hour. You’ll want to redeem your voucher at the start point, at Pier 55, and then pick a cruise time that fits your schedule. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, especially if you’re interested in knowing more about Elliott Bay and the waterfront.

The Walking Tour & Additional Value

An audio-guided walking tour is included if you opt for the combination with the Locks or Harbour Cruise. It covers the Pioneer Square historic district over about 1.1 miles, using your smartphone for detailed info and images. This can be a highlight for those who enjoy learning about a city’s roots while strolling through its streets.

The Real Deal on Cost and Value

At $94 per person, this package isn’t the cheapest sightseeing option, but it offers decent value if you want a broad overview. The ticket includes transportation, a cruise, and guidance, so you’re not paying extra for each part. If you prefer structured sightseeing with flexibility, this could be worthwhile. Some reviews mention the helpfulness of the bus drivers and the ease of getting around, which is key for visitors unfamiliar with Seattle.

Downsides and Considerations

While many find the experience practical, some might feel that the duration is limited—each loop takes about 80 minutes, and the entire tour is roughly an hour and twenty minutes if you do it nonstop. If you’re looking for an in-depth day at each attraction, this tour might only serve as an introduction.

Plus, not included are food, drinks, or entry to attractions, so plan for meals or additional tickets if you want to visit specific sites like the Space Needle or museums.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This setup is ideal for travelers who want a convenient, flexible way to cover the main sights, especially if they prefer not to walk long distances in hot weather or have limited time. It’s good for first-timers who want an overview and enjoy listening to guided commentary. If you’re interested in the water views and want to see the city from the sea, the Harbour or Locks cruises are nice add-ons.

If you’re traveling with children who enjoy boat rides or curious about Seattle’s history, this could also work well. But if you’re after a deep dive into specific attractions or plan to spend several days exploring, you may want to combine this with other more specialized tours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s quite family-friendly, especially since it offers flexible hop-on hop-off stops and a cruise option that kids might enjoy.

Can I use the voucher any day?
Absolutely. Your voucher is valid for 12 months, and you can pick any day within that period to go.

How long does the tour last?
The overall tour duration is about 1 hour and 20 minutes if you do it in one go. The bus operates every 30 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll need to plan for meals separately.

Does the tour include hotel pickup or drop-off?
No, hotel transportation is not included, but the stops are near public transit.

What is the starting point?
The main stop is at 8 Broad St, where the first bus departs at 10 am.

How do I redeem my voucher?
You can use either a mobile or printed voucher at any stop along the route. For the cruises, you’ll show your ticket at the designated departure points.

Are the audio guides available in languages other than English?
The guide is in English; other languages are not specified.

Can I combine this with other tours?
Yes, the tour links to other experiences in Seattle, like the Space Needle or Mount Rainier trips, if you’re interested in more in-depth explorations.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a practical, no-fuss way to get a broad sense of Seattle with some scenic boat options, this package delivers. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who appreciate flexible schedules, want a guided overview, and enjoy seeing a city from different angles—on land and at sea. The stops are well-chosen to cover the city’s highlights, and the added cruises are a lovely complement if you want a taste of Seattle’s waterfront.

That said, if your goal is a deep dive into specific attractions or you love spending hours exploring each site, this might only be part of your day. The experience offers convenience more than a comprehensive sightseeing day, but it’s a solid starting point for first-time visitors.

In summary, this tour is a reliable, straightforward way to see Seattle’s main sights, especially if you prefer guided commentary and flexible scheduling. With the added element of a boat cruise, it temporarily elevates the usual city tour into a well-rounded experience. Perfect for curious travelers who want a taste of everything without the fuss.