City Sightseeing Seattle: HOHO Bus Tour + Locks Cruise

Seattle’s best first-day introduction may be a double-decker bus loop paired with a boat trip through the locks. You can ride past Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Chinatown, Pioneer Square, and the waterfront, then trade city streets for a two-hour Locks Cruise from Pier 55.

I like the freedom to hop off when a market, museum, or historic district catches your eye. I also like that the ticket includes both the cruise and a 1.1-mile audio walking tour of Pioneer Square, giving you more than a simple ride around town. The main drawback is the limited bus schedule: service runs every 30 minutes from 10am to 4pm, so careful planning matters.

Key points to know before you go

• The Locks Cruise leaves at 10:30am daily from Pier 55, so plan your day around it.
• The bus route takes about 80 minutes without getting off, with 17 listed stops across central Seattle.
• Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Chinatown, and Pioneer Square are all easy to reach from designated stops.
• A 24-hour ticket works best for a focused day, while the 48-hour option gives you more time for museums and meals.
• The Pioneer Square walking tour uses your smartphone, with images shown on screen as you follow the route.
• Mobile and printed vouchers are accepted, and vouchers may be used on any day within 12 months of the selected travel date.

A practical way to see Seattle in one or two days

City Sightseeing Seattle is built for visitors who want a broad look at the city without arranging separate transport between major sights. You can board at any stop, stay on for the full 80-minute loop, or hop off and continue later.

The route includes central Seattle, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, Chinatown, the downtown core, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Center. That spread is useful because Seattle’s main sights are close enough to link in a day, but not always close enough to make walking between all of them pleasant.

The bus runs every 30 minutes. The first departure from Stop 1, at the Space Needle and Seattle Centre, is at 10am. The last departure from that stop is at 4pm. I would treat those times as firm planning limits rather than casual suggestions. If you get off for lunch at Pike Place or spend time around Pioneer Square, missing the final useful departure could leave you relying on another form of transport.

The 24-hour ticket is enough for a quick visit. If you have two days in Seattle, the 48-hour ticket has better practical value because you can use one day for the cruise and central sights, then return for places you skipped.

Start at the Space Needle and Seattle Centre

Stop 1 is at the Space Needle and Seattle Centre, one of the easiest places to begin. The Space Needle is Seattle’s best-known landmark, and the stop puts you near one of the city’s main visitor areas.

The ticket does not include entry to the Space Needle or any other attraction. That matters when you work out the total cost. You can ride through the area without paying an admission fee, but going inside a paid sight requires a separate ticket.

The nearby route also serves FRS Clippers and the Edgewater Hotel. These stops are useful if you are connecting the bus with waterfront transport or staying close to the hotel area. The exact value depends on your plans, but the route gives you several chances to join without returning to the original starting point.

The bus loop itself takes about 80 minutes. I suggest doing that full circuit early in your visit if you want an overview before choosing where to get off. The English audio guide adds context while you ride, though the supplied details do not identify individual guides or live commentary.

Use the waterfront stops for a change of pace

Seattle’s waterfront is one of the most appealing parts of this route. Stops serve the Edgewater Hotel, Pier 66 Cruise Terminal, and Pier 55, where Argosy Cruises operates.

The waterfront portion gives you a break from downtown streets and puts you close to the salty air that defines this side of Seattle. Pier 55 is especially important because it is both a bus stop and the meeting point for the Locks Cruise.

The route lists Pier 55 twice, at Stops 5 and 15. That may look confusing on paper, but it reflects the usefulness of the same waterfront area at different points in the circuit. Check the stop signs and your voucher when you arrive.

Pier 66 is convenient for cruise-terminal access. Pier 55 is the key stop for the included boat trip. Show your voucher at the stop, and you will receive separate tickets for the bus and the cruise. Keep those tickets handy rather than assuming the original voucher alone handles every part of the day.

Make the Locks Cruise your morning anchor

The two-hour one-way Locks Cruise departs every day at 10:30am from Pier 55. This is the most time-sensitive part of the experience because it has a fixed departure, unlike the bus, which comes about every half hour.

I would plan to be at Pier 55 before departure and use the bus afterward, or arrive by another method if you are staying far from the route. The cruise is one-way, so do not assume you will return to the same point by boat. The information provided does not specify the cruise’s endpoint, so check the separate cruise ticket for final arrival details before setting your afternoon plans.

This boat ride adds something the bus cannot: a view of Seattle from the water and the experience of passing through the locks. It also breaks up a day of city sightseeing with a longer, calmer stretch on board.

The cruise is included in the $109 price, which improves the value for visitors who already planned to take a boat trip. If you only want a quick bus overview and will not use the cruise, the price becomes harder to justify. The best value comes from using both major parts of the package.

Walk through Pioneer Square and Occidental Square

Stops 6 and 7 bring you to Pioneer and Occidental Square, the Historic Chinatown Gate, and nearby sights. Pioneer Square is where the included audio-guided walking tour earns its place.

The walking route covers 1.1 miles and focuses on Seattle’s early days. You use your smartphone as the guide, with images of the objects discussed displayed on screen. This is a useful format if you prefer to explore at your own pace rather than follow a group leader.

I like this addition because Pioneer Square is better understood on foot. From the top deck of a bus, you see streets and buildings pass by. Walking lets you pause, look closely, and connect individual places with the city’s early story.

The route also reaches Occidental Square, a natural place to break up the walk. Exact seating, businesses, and crowd levels can change, so keep the focus on the historical route rather than expecting a fully guided live tour.

Chinatown and the Panama Hotel stop

Stop 7 serves the Historic Chinatown Gate, while Stop 8 is near the Panama Hotel and Tea House. These stops give you access to a different side of Seattle’s central districts.

The Chinatown Gate is a clear landmark and an easy place to orient yourself. The Panama Hotel and Tea House stop adds another point of interest nearby. The bus does not include food or drinks, so any tea, meal, or market purchase comes out of your own budget.

This part of the route works well after Pioneer Square because the areas are close enough to combine, but the best order depends on the time of the Locks Cruise and your preferred meal stop. If you use the 24-hour ticket, avoid getting off at every stop. Choose two or three areas and give each enough time to feel worthwhile.

Downtown stops: Sky View Observatory and the library

Stops 9 through 11 serve the Seattle Sky View Observatory, Seattle Central Library, and Seattle Convention Centre. These are practical downtown stops, especially if you want indoor options or a break from the waterfront.

The Sky View Observatory is a separate attraction, and admission is not included. The same applies to the Seattle Central Library and other paid sights along the route. The bus gets you close, but the $109 ticket does not cover entry fees.

The Central Library is an especially useful stop for a short visit because it gives you a distinct modern Seattle sight without requiring a long side trip. The Convention Centre stop is handy for downtown access, but it may be less important if your main aim is landmarks and neighborhoods.

I would use these stops selectively. The bus is most valuable when it saves you time between distant areas. If you spend the day moving only a few blocks downtown, walking may be simpler.

Pike Place Market, Pier 55, and the original Starbucks

Stops 12 through 16 focus on Pike Place Market, Pike Brewing Company, the Seattle Art Museum, Pier 55, and the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market.

Pike Place is one of the route’s strongest stops. It gives you a lively taste of Seattle’s public-market culture, with food, stalls, and the city’s famous market setting. You should allow real time here rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

The route separates Pike Place Market from the original Starbucks stop. That is helpful if the coffee shop is a specific goal, but keep expectations practical: the bus ticket does not include food or drinks, and the stop does not include a tasting.

The Seattle Art Museum is also on this stretch. Admission is not included, so decide in advance if you want a museum visit or just a look at the surrounding downtown area. Stop 15 returns you to Pier 55 and Argosy Cruises, making the waterfront easy to pair with Pike Place in one outing.

Stop 13 at Pike Brewing Company may appeal if you want a food or drink break. Again, those purchases are separate. I find this group of stops best suited to a flexible afternoon, when you can choose between market time, museum time, waterfront time, and a quick coffee stop.

Amazon Spheres and the final route details

The route includes Stop 17 at the Amazon Spheres. This gives you another modern downtown landmark and a useful endpoint for exploring the central business area.

The supplied information also refers to a temporary Stop 18 location during the summer on Saturdays. On those days, it is in front of the Via 6 building at the west corner of 6th and Lenora, on the right side of the street. If that seasonal stop matters to your plans, verify its position on the day you ride.

The route combines famous sights with ordinary city connections. That is a strength. You get the Space Needle and Pike Place, but you also see the library, convention center, hotel area, and downtown streets that help you understand how Seattle fits together.

What the $109 ticket really buys you

At $109 per person, this is not a cheap transport pass. It makes sense when you use the full package: the bus, the two-hour Locks Cruise, and the Pioneer Square walking tour.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and use local transport to reach several distant areas. It also saves effort for a first visit, since you can board at any listed stop and do not need to plan every connection.

The value drops if you only ride once, skip the cruise, or spend most of your time at one attraction. Entry fees, food, and drinks are not included, so budget for those on top of the ticket.

The 48-hour version is the better choice for a slower visit. You can use the first day for the bus loop, cruise, Pike Place, and Pioneer Square, then use the second day to return to the Space Needle, Chinatown, the library, or the Seattle Art Museum. With only 24 hours, prioritize the cruise, Pike Place, Pioneer Square, and the waterfront.

Timing, comfort, and access

The bus is wheelchair accessible, which makes the route useful for visitors who need step-free sightseeing options. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

Both mobile and printed paper vouchers are accepted. You can redeem them at any bus stop along the route, so you do not need to reach the Space Needle first.

The audio guide is in English. The walking tour uses your smartphone, so bring a charged phone and make sure you can access the tour content before setting off. Since the walking route covers 1.1 miles, wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time to stop and view the images on screen.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Seattle schedule is still changing.

Who should book this Seattle package?

I would recommend it most strongly to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction and prefer simple transport between major areas. Families and mixed-age groups may also appreciate the ability to get off when someone needs a break.

It suits you less if you prefer small-group guiding, long visits inside museums, or a tightly focused neighborhood walk. The English audio guide provides information, but this is not a private guide-led tour with personal recommendations.

I also would not book it without checking your schedule around the 10:30am cruise. The boat is a major part of the price, and missing it reduces the package to a bus route and walking tour.

Should you book the City Sightseeing Seattle tour?

Book it if you want Seattle’s major sights, waterfront, and historic districts in one organized package, and you can use the Locks Cruise. The combination of an 80-minute bus loop, a two-hour boat ride, and a 1.1-mile Pioneer Square walk gives you three different ways to see the city.

Choose the 24-hour ticket for a concentrated visit. Choose 48 hours if you want time for Pike Place, the Space Needle area, Chinatown, downtown stops, and a museum without rushing.

At $109, the package rewards full use. Plan the cruise first, pick your bus stops next, and treat the included walking tour as a real part of the day rather than an extra you may forget. Do that, and this becomes a practical introduction to Seattle rather than just a ride around town.

FAQ

How long is the bus tour?

The full bus route takes about 80 minutes without getting off.

How often does the bus run?

Buses run every 30 minutes.

What time does the first bus leave?

The first departure from Stop 1 at the Space Needle and Seattle Centre is at 10am.

What time is the last departure from Stop 1?

The last departure from Stop 1 is at 4pm.

Where does the Locks Cruise depart?

The Locks Cruise departs from Pier 55.

What time does the Locks Cruise leave?

The cruise departs every day at 10:30am.

Is the Locks Cruise included in the ticket?

Yes. The ticket includes a two-hour one-way Locks Cruise.

Where can I join the bus?

You can join the bus at any stop along the route.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are attraction admissions included?

No. Entry to attractions, food, and drinks are not included.

Is an audio guide provided?

Yes. An English audio guide is included, along with an audio-guided walking tour of Pioneer Square.

How long is the walking tour?

The Pioneer Square walking tour covers 1.1 miles.

Can I use a mobile voucher?

Yes. Mobile and printed paper vouchers are both accepted.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets and smoking are not allowed on the tour.