"The hop on hop off service made exploring the city straightforward. We saw several landmarks, enjoyed great views, and appreciated being able to continue our journey whenever convenient."
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Seattle + 2 Hours Ballard Locks Cruise




Overview
With our fantastic package, explore Seattle's famous landmarks both on land and at sea. In addition to a flexible 24- or 48-hour ticket on our double-decker, hop-on hop-off buses, your ticket includes a 2-hour cruise, one-way through the historic Ballard Locks. A part of Seattle's past is preserved in the historic Ballard Locks. They are still in operation after more than a century and handle more boat traffic than any other lock in the US! Enjoy breathtaking views of Seattle's unique salmon fish ladder as you ride along. Don't let the opportunity slip to make priceless memories in Prague! Start your journey by reserving your tour right now!
Highlights
- Enjoy a 2-hour narrated Ballard Locks Cruise, gliding past Seattle’s skyline and iconic landmarks.
- Experience the fascinating “boat elevator” at Ballard Locks, rising and falling with the ever-changing tides.
- Watch for seasonal salmon at the fish ladder, a unique Pacific Northwest sight.
- Choose flexibility with a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off Seattle bus ticket, exploring the city at your pace.
- Visit top attractions including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market with easy hop-on hop-off access.
- Mobile E-Voucher Accepted – Skip the Printout!
Itinerary
Experience the best of Seattle by land and water with this exciting combination of a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and the famous Ballard Locks Cruise. Perfect for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, this package offers a unique way to discover Seattle’s iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and fascinating waterways.
Begin your adventure aboard the City Sightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, where you can explore the Emerald City at your own pace with a choice of a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket. Travel between Seattle’s top attractions, enjoying panoramic views and informative commentary along the way. Hop off whenever you wish to explore famous sights such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Waterfront, Chinatown-International District, and the towering Seattle Great Wheel.
From the designated sightseeing stop, board the fully narrated Ballard Locks Cruise for a memorable two-hour journey through one of Seattle’s most remarkable engineering achievements. Cruise along the historic Lake Washington Ship Canal and experience the famous Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, a unique system that connects the saltwater waters of Puget Sound with the freshwater lakes of Seattle.
Watch as vessels are raised and lowered through the locks, navigating a water level difference of more than 20 feet. Often referred to as a “boat elevator,” this fascinating process offers a firsthand look at one of the busiest lock systems in the United States.
As you cruise through Seattle’s waterways, enjoy views of floating homes, marinas, fishing vessels, seaplanes, and scenic waterfront neighborhoods. You’ll also pass the renowned Ballard Locks Fish Ladder, an innovative passage designed to help migrating salmon reach their spawning grounds. During salmon migration season, visitors may even spot wildlife such as sea lions gathering near the locks.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour complements your cruise experience by providing easy access to Seattle’s most popular attractions and waterfront destinations, including the departure point for the Ballard Locks Cruise near Pier 55. With flexible sightseeing, fascinating history, and stunning views from both land and water, this package is one of the most comprehensive ways to explore Seattle.
Book today and discover the natural beauty, maritime heritage, and world-famous attractions that make Seattle one of the Pacific Northwest’s most captivating destinations.
What's Included
- 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour to enjoy amazing views
- Hop off near must-see sights
- Immersive Audio-Guided Walking Tour
- Save 10% at Handpicked Local Restaurants
- Set sail on a scenic 2-hour One-Way Locks Cruise
Schedule
- Bus Timings: 10:00 - 16:00
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
- Full Loop: Approx 80 minutes
- First Stop: Stop#1 398 Broad Street. Located on Broad Street by the Space Needle Loop at the intersection of Broad and John, across from McDonald's at KOMO Plaza
Redemption Info
- Passengers can board at any stop and simply exchange their booking voucher with the driver/street staff at that point.
- Your booking voucher will expire after you exchange it for a ticket.
- The company or bus operator will not provide a refund if a voucher or ticket is misplaced.
- Infants can travel free and you do not require to book infant ticket.
Know Before You Go
Voucher Validity:
- Your voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of booking.
Important Info:
- Dogs are not permitted on the bus.
- The buses are not wheelchair accessible. However, for ADA accommodations, customers are can contact City Sightseeing at 206-829-9267
- Please bring your own earbuds and smartphone
- Any queries? Please contact City Sightseeing Seattle on +1 (206) 829-9267
- There may be disruptions due to weather, traffic, and events.
- You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver.
- Stops and timings are subject to alter. There will be an updated map on the bus.
- There may be a small delay in the bus's arrival and departure schedules.
- Recorded information through a loudspeaker is provided in English. Additionally, download the "AudioMe Tours" app and bring your own phone and earbuds for: Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, French, German and English
- The same "AudioMe Tours" app gives access to a live map and bus tracking in real time - see when the next bus arrives and find the nearest sightseeing stop
- Road closures and heavy traffic can result in delays, reduced trips, and route modifications. We'll make every effort to deliver a seamless and regular service! Under these circumstances, there will be no refund.
Hop-On Hop-Off Seattle:
- 17 April - 26 June: 10:00 to 16:00, every 30 minutes.
- 27 June - 06 September: 10:00 - 17:00, every 20 minutes
- 07 September - 31 October: 10:00 to 16:00, every 30 minutes.
- Memorial Day Weekend (23 & 24 May): 10:00 - 17:00, every 20 minutes
Audio-guided walking tour:
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Explore the colourful history of early Seattle and the Pioneer Square historic district
- Use your smartphone to guide you. Images of the objects talked about will be displayed on your screen
Discounts at Restaurants
Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount at 9 local restaurants. The participating restaurants include:
- Bambinos Pizzeria (Stop 1)
- Frankfurter (Stop 5)
- SuperKim Crab House Restaurant (Stop 7)
- Tidal+ Restaurant at Hyatt Olive 8 (Stop 12)
- Andare Restaurant at Hyatt Regency (Stop 12)
- Qiao Lin Hotpot (Stop 12)
- Bistro on Yale Bar at SpringHill Suites (Stop 11)
- Pike Brewery Company (Stop 13)
- Can Can Caberet (Stop 16)
Locks Cruise
- Departures from Pier 55
- Show your ticket at the stop and you will be provided with separate tickets for the bus and Locks Cruise.
- Operating days: 23 October 2025 – 10 May 2026: operates Thursday to Sunday. Also available on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 December. 14 May – 11 June and 8 July – 11 October 2026: operates every day. 25 December: closed
Locks Cruise Schedule
IMPORTANT: Departure times are subject to change - please check online before you depart. A link to check departure times will be provided on your voucher.
Operating Seasons: 23 October – 7 December: Departure Time: 11:30. Departure Point: Thursdays and Saturday from Lake Union to Elliott Bay, Fridays and Sundays from Elliott Bay to Lake Union
11 December 2025 – 8 March 2026: Departure Time: 12:30. Departure Point: Thursdays and Saturday from Elliott Bay to Lake Union, Fridays and Sundays from Lake Union to Elliott Bay
12 March – 11 June and 8 July - 25 October 2026: Departure Times: 10:30 and 13:30. Departure Point: 10:30 (Elliott Bay to Lake Union), 13:30 (Lake Union to Elliott Bay).
Information for Cruise Passengers:
- Cruise Port 91 Arrivals - Passengers may be able to access a free shuttle service from Pier 91, to Pier 57 at the Waterfront. This will take passengers directly to Stop 2 of the bus route. The shuttle services are not guaranteed, so please enquire in port on the day of your arrival in case the shuttle is not operational. If this is the case, you are advised to take a taxi to Stop 1, the Space Needle.
- Cruise Port 66 Arrivals - Passengers can join the bus tour by taking a short walk to either Stop 3, Edgewater Hotel or Stop 4, Pier 66 Cruise Terminal.
- A VIP City Sightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off ticket is available for purchase to those passengers taking advantage of the Port of Seattle Port Valet service. This VIP ticket includes transportation from Pier 91 to the Hop-On Hop-Off tour route in downtown Seattle, as well as a light rail pass allowing passengers to travel from downtown Seattle directly to SeaTac Airport. Please enquire on board the ship for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the activity/tour start time.
- If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
- Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time. You must contact us through email.
- The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.
Disclaimer
- There may be unexpected changes in the route or timetable due to traffic, public holidays, weather conditions, cruise ship arrivals, or other unanticipated situations. During major events, summer vacations, and weekends, the city will be quite busy. We will do everything we can to provide a smooth and consistent service! In such cases, no reimbursement is allowed.
- Tours run regardless of the weather. Weather-related refunds will not be issued unless the service is discontinued due to inclement weather.
- The service provider preserves the right to amend or cancel the itinerary due to city events or force majeure.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.
After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.
We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.
Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.
You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.
If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.
Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.
Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.
Customer Reviews
"This tour was a convenient way to explore popular attractions. We enjoyed informative commentary, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to spend extra time at places we liked."
"We loved seeing the city from the upper deck. The route covered many interesting areas, and the freedom to hop off whenever we wanted was extremely useful."
"The entire tour was enjoyable from beginning to end. Beautiful views, helpful commentary, and convenient stops made it easy to experience the city without feeling rushed."
"The service made our sightseeing day much easier. We enjoyed comfortable seats, excellent city views, and convenient stops that allowed us to explore attractions without unnecessary travel."
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