City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Locks or Harbour Cruise

A City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Locks or Harbour Cruise offers an accessible way to explore the city’s top sights at your own pace. Priced at $94 per person, this flexible ticket includes options for 24 or 48-hour bus rides combined with a Locks Cruise or a Harbour Cruise. The tour features an audio guide in English onboard, providing interesting facts about landmarks like the Space Needle, Seattle Central Library, and Pike Place Market.

The duration is approximately 80 minutes, but with the hop-on hop-off format and cruise options, you can extend your experience across multiple days. The Locks Cruise departs daily at 10:30 am from Pier 55, while the Harbour Cruise can be booked for a time that suits your schedule. This tour suits those who prefer a flexible sightseeing plan with the added scenic element of a boat cruise, though it does not include food, drink, or attraction entry.

Key Points

• Flexible ticket options: Choose between 24 or 48 hours for the bus, with Locks or Harbour Cruises included.
• Major sights covered: Stops include Space Needle, Seattle Central Library, Pike Place Market, and Amazon Spheres.
• Audio-guided walking tour: Downloadable and in English, this 1.1-mile route explores Pioneer Square and Seattle’s early history.
• Boat cruise options: The Locks Cruise is a one-way trip departing at 10:30 am; the Harbour Cruise provides panoramic views from both land and sea.
• Convenient stops: The tour stops near public transportation, making it easy to hop on and off during your visit.
• Limited inclusion: Does not include food, drinks, or attraction tickets but covers the main landmarks and scenic boat experiences.

Exploring the Landmarks at the Seattle Space Needle and Seattle Center

The tour begins at Stop 1: 8 Broad St, providing close access to the iconic Space Needle and Seattle Center. The Space Needle is a highlight, offering sweeping views of the city and beyond. The Seattle Center area also hosts various attractions, making it a prime starting point for sightseeing. Stops near Seattle Center make it easy to explore further on your own after the bus ride.

The route continues past Seattle Central Library and the Seattle Sky View Observatory, giving travelers a peek at some of the city’s most architecturally impressive buildings. The Sky View Observatory offers a bird’s eye view of Seattle, perfect for photo enthusiasts.

Iconic Waterfront and Pier Area Stops

Stops at Pier 66 Cruise Terminal and Pier 55 & Argosy Cruises are key for visitors interested in maritime sights, including Argosy Cruises and the Pier 55 area. The Pier 66 stop is just steps from cruise departures, making it convenient to connect with boat trips.

The Pier 55 stop is central to the Harbour Cruise option, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline from the water. Plus, a visit to Pike Place Market is part of the itinerary, where fresh seafood, local produce, and the famous Original Starbucks are highlights.

Tour Stops in Historic and Cultural Districts

The Chinatown Gate and Panama Hotel & Tea House stops provide insights into Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods. The Chinatown Gate marks the entrance to the historic district, while the Panama Hotel offers a glimpse into the city’s Asian-American community history.

The Seattle Art Museum stop invites visitors to explore local art collections and exhibitions, rounding out the cultural experience of the tour.

The Scenic and Cultural Highlights of the Locks Cruise

Choosing the Locks Cruise adds a scenic element to the tour, departing from Pier 55 at 10:30 am daily. This one-way cruise showcases the famous Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, where boats pass between Puget Sound and Lake Union. The cruise offers a unique perspective on Seattle’s maritime activity and engineering marvel.

The audio guide enhances this experience by providing commentary about Seattle’s early days and the history of the locks, with images displayed on your smartphone to enrich understanding.

The Harbour Cruise Experience: Land and Sea Views

Opting for the Harbour Cruise allows travelers to enjoy panoramic vistas of Seattle from both land and water. This 1-hour boat tour departs from Pier 55, and the tickets are valid for up to 5 days after redemptions at Stop 1.

The Harbour Cruise complements the land-based sightseeing, with local staff helping to schedule the preferred cruise time. It’s ideal for those wanting a scenic, relaxing boat trip coupled with the bus tour.

The Practicalities of Ticketing, Stops, and Accessibility

The mobile ticket and printed voucher options make the booking process simple, with redeeming at any stop along the route. The first bus departs at 10 am from Stop 1, with service every 30 minutes until 4 pm.

Most stops are near public transportation, so visitors can easily access the tour without needing hotel pick-up or drop-off. The audio-guided walking tour covers 1.1 miles and is accessed via smartphone, making it a convenient way to explore Pioneer Square.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers great flexibility and views, it does not include entry to attractions such as the Space Needle or Seattle Aquarium. Participants must plan to visit these sites separately if desired.

The duration of the bus tour itself is around 80 minutes, and the boat cruises are 1 hour (Harbour) or about 2 hours (Locks). The tour is suitable for most travelers, but those with mobility issues should note the walking component and the length of the boat trips.

Final Thoughts on the City Sightseeing Seattle Experience

This hop-on hop-off tour with boat options provides a practical way to see the city’s main sights without the hassle of planning multiple tickets. Its flexibility, combined with audio guides and scenic water cruises, makes it a compelling choice for visitors looking for a rundown of Seattle.

The main strengths lie in the convenient stops near major landmarks and the scenic boat experiences. The limitation is that it does not include attraction entry, so additional tickets are needed for specific sites.

This tour is suited for travelers who enjoy self-paced sightseeing with the option to explore both land and sea, especially those who value expert commentary and scenic views. It offers a balanced introduction to Seattle’s urban and maritime charms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. It starts at Stop 1: 8 Broad St and is easily accessible by public transportation.

What attractions are included in the stops?
Stops include Space Needle, Seattle Central Library, Pike Place Market, Seattle Sky View Observatory, as well as cultural sites like Chinatown Gate and Seattle Art Museum.

Can I choose my cruise time?
Yes, for the Harbour Cruise, you can book your preferred time when redeeming your voucher at Stop 1. The Locks Cruise departs daily at 10:30 am.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking distances and boat trip durations. The tour involves walking and standing during stops and the walking tour.

What should I know about the ticket validity?
Your ticket is valid for up to 12 months from the date of purchase, and the boat tour tickets can be used up to 5 days after redemption.