City Sightseeing Seattle: HOHO Bus Tour + Locks Cruise

Discovering Seattle: A Detailed Look at the City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour + Locks Cruise

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, this combined hop-on hop-off bus tour with a locks cruise offers a practical way to see many of the city’s iconic sights at your own pace. For $109 per person, you get a flexible ticket valid for 1 or 2 days, along with a scenic 2-hour cruise through the famous locks at Lake Union. The tour promises a mix of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and unique maritime views, making it ideal for first-timers or those wanting a rundown without the hassle of planning individual tickets.

One thing we love about this experience is how it balances guided transportation, self-guided exploration, and scenic cruising. The inclusion of a narrated bus tour with 17 stops means you can tailor your day, stopping where interests peak. Plus, the locks cruise offers a quiet, scenic contrast to the bustling city, giving you a different perspective of Seattle’s waterways and harbor life.

That said, a potential consideration is the timing and schedule—with buses running from 10 am to 4 pm every half hour, you’ll want to plan your day carefully to maximize the stops and cruise. Also, note that hotel transfers are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the start points.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy flexible itineraries, authentic city landmarks, and scenic river views. If you’re keen on exploring at your own pace, appreciate guided commentary, and love boats, then this package is likely a good fit.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Valid for 1 or 2 days, ideal for customizing your exploration.
• Comprehensive Route: 17 stops, including Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chinatown, and Amazon Spheres.
• Scenic Experience: 2-hour Locks Cruise provides a peaceful waterway perspective.
• Guided Insight: Audio guides and a walking tour enhance understanding of Seattle’s history.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly, no pet or smoking restrictions.
• Timing & Scheduling: Buses run every 30 minutes from 10 am to 4 pm; cruise at 12:30 pm.

Navigating the Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point and Main Landmarks

The tour begins at Stop 1, the Space Needle & Seattle Center, where we loved the sweeping views from the observation deck (if you choose to go up). The bus then heads through popular stops like Pier 66, perfect for cruise enthusiasts, and Pike Place Market, renowned for its lively vendors and fresh seafood. As you hop off at these locations, you’ll get a sense of Seattle’s mix of innovation and tradition.

Cultural and Historic Neighborhoods

Next, the tour explores Chinatown, marked by the historic gate, and the Pioneer Square, where we appreciated the audio-guided walk. This area is filled with vintage brick buildings, art galleries, and stories of early Seattle. The guides are praised for their knowledgeable commentary, sharing historical anecdotes that bring the district to life—something many reviewers highlighted as a standout feature.

Scenic Waterway Highlights

The Locks Cruise departs from Pier 55 at 12:30 pm, offering a tranquil 2-hour ride through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Reviewers consistently mention how the cruise allows you to see Seattle from a different angle, with views of boats passing through the lock system and glimpses of the city skyline. The boat’s calm pace makes it perfect for photos and relaxing conversations.

Elevated Perspectives

For panoramic vistas, the Seattle Sky View Observatory is a key stop, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the city and Mount Rainier on a clear day. We found this especially useful for orienting ourselves and understanding the city’s layout. It’s also a good break point after busy downtown exploration.

Ending the Day

The tour wraps up back at Stop 1 or any chosen stop. You might find that the flexible nature of the ticket allows you to linger at some sites or hop back on the bus for another round if you’re feeling energetic.

The Experience of the Guided Audio Tours

The audio guides in English are well-reviewed for their clarity and depth of information, with many users noting that guides like “Mike” or “Sarah” are particularly engaging. They enhance the experience, especially when you’re on the move, providing stories about Seattle’s evolution from a logging town to a tech hub.

The walking tour of Pioneer Square further enriches your understanding, with images displayed on your smartphone to provide visual context. It’s a manageable 1.1-mile route, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Reviewers have appreciated the way this tour brings to life the city’s early days, with many mentioning that they learned more than they expected.

The Practicalities: Transport, Timing, and Value

The bus runs every 30 minutes, with the first departure at 10 am, giving you plenty of options to fit your schedule. The last bus leaves at 4 pm, so plan accordingly if you want to see everything in one day. The duration of each bus ride is about 80 minutes, but with hop-on hop-off flexibility, you can spend as long as you like at each stop.

Pricing at $109 per person for 1 or 2 days of access is quite competitive when considering the combination of bus, cruise, and walking tour. Since entry to attractions isn’t included, you’ll want to budget for any tickets or meals separately, but the overall package provides good value if you want a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of booking multiple tickets.

The cruise is operated daily at 12:30 pm until October 14, 2024, then Friday to Monday, so check the schedule if your visit falls around these dates. You’ll need to show your ticket at Pier 55 to board the cruise and receive the separate tickets for the boat.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Seattle’s highlights, especially if you prefer flexible schedules or traveling in a group. It’s also a great choice for water lovers, thanks to the scenic locks cruise. The combination of guided narration, self-guided stops, and scenic cruising makes it convenient for those who want a relaxed yet informative day.

If you’re traveling with family, the wheelchair accessibility is a plus, and the stops are manageable within a day or two. However, those looking for in-depth museum visits or exclusive experiences might want to supplement this tour with additional tickets.

In The Sum Up

The City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus Tour + Locks Cruise offers a well-rounded way to explore the city’s most iconic sights at your own pace. The combination of transportation, scenic waterway views, and cultural insights makes it a smart choice for travelers wanting to efficiently cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed.

While it’s not a guided tour with a dedicated guide for each stop, the audio commentary and the opportunity to hop on and off whenever you please more than compensate. The scenic cruise adds a peaceful element that many other tours don’t include, providing a different view of Seattle’s waterfront and maritime life.

If you value flexibility, good commentary, and scenic water views, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suited for those who want a balanced mix of city highlights and relaxing scenery, all within a budget-conscious package.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to make your way to any of the stops along the route to start your tour.

Can I use the voucher on any day?
Yes, both mobile and printed vouchers are accepted and can be redeemed at any stop along the route within 12 months of your selected travel date.

What if I want to hop off at a specific stop?
You’re free to hop on and off at any of the 17 stops during your ticket’s validity, giving you the chance to explore attractions more thoroughly.

How long does each bus ride take?
Each segment lasts around 80 minutes, but the overall experience depends on how many stops you choose to make and how long you stay at each.

When does the Locks Cruise operate?
Until October 14, 2024, the cruise runs daily at 12:30 pm. From October 15 to December 30, 2024, it operates Friday to Monday at 12:30 pm.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

In summary, this combo tour offers a practical, flexible, and scenic way to see Seattle’s highlights, perfect for travelers wanting an easy introduction to the city’s diverse neighborhoods and stunning waterways.