City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus and Locks or Harbour Cruise

One ride, and suddenly Seattle makes sense. This City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO pairs a hop-on hop-off bus with either a Locks Cruise or Harbour Cruise, plus an audio guide and an Arnocular XR app. It is a very practical way to cover a lot of ground without planning every turn.

I like the straightforward “get on, get off” style, because you can linger at the places you actually want, from Space Needle views to Pike Place Market energy. I also like the Arnocular XR app, which uses your phone as you pass landmarks to show historical photos and extra views synced to the bus route.

One caution before you buy: at $94 per person, this only feels like top value if you plan to use the cruise option you select and take advantage of multiple stops. If you just want one neighborhood, you might feel like you paid for time you did not use.

Key things that make this tour work well

• A full “major sights” loop that hits Seattle Center, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, Chinatown, downtown libraries, and Pike Place
• A free XR add-on (Arnocular) that runs on your own smartphone, with English commentary and location-synced visuals
• Optional cruise choice that adds a real change of pace versus staying on the bus
• Frequent departures during the day that vary by season, so you are less stuck waiting around
• A self-guided walking tour in Pioneer Square (1.1 miles) that you can do when it fits your day
• Restaurant discounts at several named spots along the route

The Seattle “major sights” loop, from Space Needle to Pike Place

This tour is built for momentum. You start at 600 Broad Street, then ride the route while audio plays through headphones, and you can hop off at key stops along the way. The bus ride itself runs about 80 minutes, but the big win is that you can return to the stops later if you chose the 24-hour or 48-hour option.

What I like is the mix: you get at least one true Seattle icon stop (Space Needle area), several waterfront anchors (multiple piers), and then the downtown layers (library, convention center, Pike Place). It is also not just “drive by.” Many of the stops are placed where you can actually walk to what you came for, even if you do not go inside every attraction.

The itinerary includes stops near: Seattle Center, Pier 66 Cruise Terminal, Pier 55 and Argosy Cruises, Pioneer and Occidental Square, the Historic Chinatown Gate, the Seattle Sky View Observatory, Seattle Central Library, Seattle Convention Center, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, Original Starbucks, and the Amazon Spheres.

Price and what you are really paying for at $94

At $94.00 per person, you are not just buying a bus ticket. The price covers the HOHO bus (valid for 24 or 48 hours, depending on which option you select), an English audio guide, a self-guided Pioneer Square walk, the Arnocular XR app, and restaurant discounts. Then it optionally includes either the 2-hour one-way Locks Cruise or a 1-hour Harbour Cruise, depending on your chosen ticket.

So the value question is simple: do you want a cruise component? If yes, this can feel efficient because you are pairing land sightseeing with water views on the same overall ticket. If no, then the bus route alone may feel a bit pricey, since entry fees to sights are not included.

Also remember: this is not a “go inside everything” pass. You get to the places, you get the context, and if you want paid entry, you buy it separately.

Choosing Locks Cruise vs Harbour Cruise: pick based on your mood

This is the fork in the road. If you select the Locks Cruise, departures are every day at 10:30am from Pier 55, and the cruise is 2 hours. You show your ticket at the stop and you receive separate tickets for the bus and the Locks Cruise.

If you select the Harbour Cruise, you redeem your voucher at Stop 1 at 600 Broad Street. A team member exchanges it and gives you bus and cruise tickets, and then you book the time you want for that same date. The Harbour Cruise departs from Pier 55 and lasts 1 hour. Your ticket is valid for one cruise, and you can use the boat tour ticket up to 5 days after you redeem your bus tour.

My practical advice: if you want something that feels less like “just another harbor viewpoint,” go Locks Cruise. It is longer and adds a distinct kind of scenery. If your day is packed or you prefer shorter water time, Harbour Cruise fits better.

Starting point at 600 Broad Street, and how to use your time

You meet at 600 Broad Street. That is also the key place for voucher redemption if you chose the Harbour Cruise option. From there, the route is set up for you to hop on and off freely.

Two things help you get the most out of it:

1. Decide early which stops you want to prioritize, especially if you are doing the cruise same day.
2. Use the bus as your “transport spine,” then let your feet handle the short walks where you actually want to linger.

If you hate waiting, the good news is the service runs frequently, with exact intervals changing by season. In winter it is every 60 minutes, and through spring and summer it gets much more frequent, at times every 20 minutes.

Stop 1: 8 Broad St, Space Needle and Seattle Center

This is your first “Seattle card trick.” The stop is right by Seattle Center and the Space Needle area. Even if you do not buy entry to paid attractions, you can usually get solid photo angles and orient yourself fast for the rest of the day.

Why it is worth doing early: once you see the Seattle Center campus from the street, you understand how the city is laid out, and the rest of the route feels less like random driving and more like a connected loop.

Tip: if the weather is clear, make this your first outdoor priority. If it is gray and drizzly, you can still use this stop for orientation, then shift focus to indoors-friendly stops later.

Waterfront stops near FRS Clippers, Edgewater Hotel, Pier 66, and Alaska Way

The tour leans hard into the waterfront, which is exactly what you want in Seattle. You pass the area linked with FRS Clippers, then you reach the Edgewater Hotel area and Pier 66 Cruise Terminal.

After that, you hit Alaska Way near Pier 55 and Argosy Cruises. This matters because both cruise options connect to the Pier 55 area, even though the cruise durations and ticket steps differ.

Here is how to use this stretch smartly:

• If you chose the Locks Cruise, keep an eye on timing because departures are 10:30am from Pier 55.
• If you chose the Harbour Cruise, you will book a time after voucher redemption, so you can still hop off and see other sights while you wait.

It is also a nice zone to reset after outdoor walking. The bus gets you out of rain, sun, and crowds without you feeling stuck in one place.

Pioneer Square, Occidental Square, and Chinatown Gate

Next up, you travel away from the water and into the older, story-rich parts of downtown. The route includes Pioneer and Occidental Square and then the Historic Chinatown Gate.

This is also where the included self-guided walking component pairs nicely. The walking tour focuses on Pioneer Square and is 1.1 miles. You use your smartphone for guidance, and the experience shows images on your screen as you go.

Even if you do not do every stop on foot, getting off around this area helps you understand Seattle beyond the postcard scenery. The city feels more lived-in here.

Practical note: wear shoes you can stand in for a while. Seattle sidewalks look smooth until you realize you are on a real city block grid with plenty of small hills and turns.

Panama Hotel and Tea House stop: a quick cultural flavor

The route includes Panama Hotel and Tea House on South Main St. This kind of stop is a good reminder that the tour is not only about big landmarks. You get a chance to see places that feel part of Seattle’s everyday texture.

I would treat this as a “snap and wander” stop. If you want to go inside somewhere, you will likely need separate admission or purchases, since entry is not included in the tour.

Seattle Sky View Observatory and Seattle Central Library

The downtown run keeps getting more “Seattle modern.” You pass the Seattle Sky View Observatory area and then Seattle Central Library.

Even if you do not pay for the observatory, the library stop is worth it because it gives you a sense of place. Seattle loves architecture, and this is one of the easiest places to appreciate it without needing a long detour.

If you are short on time, do this section as quick in-and-out photo breaks. If you have more energy, stay longer at the library area, then hop back on when you are ready.

Convention center to Pike Place: where the day really heats up

The tour continues to the Seattle Convention Center, then lands at Pike Place Market (97 Pike St). This is the stop you plan around, not just pass through.

From there, you are close to Pike Brewing Company and then the tour includes Seattle Art Museum (listed at the museum stop), plus another set of waterfront proximity near Pier 55 and Argosy Cruises again. The route also includes Original Starbucks at Pike Place Market and the return to that iconic corner people come to find.

A balanced way to do Pike Place with an HOHO:

• Use the bus to arrive at a time that works for you.
• Wander for food smells, people watching, and quick landmark photos.
• If lines look rough, do not get stuck. It is easier to move on and hop back later.

Also note: food and drink are not included, so this is your moment to decide what you want to spend money on. The restaurant discounts along the route may help offset costs, but the market itself is still a pay-as-you-go zone.

Original Starbucks and Seattle Art Museum, without the pressure

The route places you near the Original Starbucks at Pike Place Market and near Seattle Art Museum. If your interest is mainly the landmark vibe, you can keep your time short and move on.

If you want something more reflective, the art museum stop is a good choice. Just remember that entry is not included, so check what you want to see before you commit.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you options without forcing a single rigid schedule. You can build your day around your energy level.

Westin Hotel and the Amazon Spheres for a big visual finish

Near the end of the route, you pass 1700 Westlake Ave N (Westin Hotel) and then The Spheres (Amazon Spheres).

This is a strong closer because it is visually memorable and different from the market-and-water vibe. Even if you do not plan to go inside paid attractions, it works as a “last snap” moment before you head back to wherever you are staying.

If you are deciding between the cruise and extra time on the bus, this is the kind of stop where it is easy to justify spending a little extra time, since it feels like a destination even on a quick visit.

Arnocular XR app and audio guide: make the ride informative, not random

Two layers power this tour beyond basic sightseeing.

First, you get an English audio guide with headphones. That helps you understand what you are seeing as you pass it, which is useful when you are going fast.

Second, there is Arnocular, a free Extended Reality (XR) app on your smartphone. It syncs with the bus location and shows things as you pass: historical photos of sights, and even inside views of iconic buildings and attractions, including places that are often closed to the public. You start by scanning the onboard code.

This is one of the best reasons to do a HOHO over a simple point-to-point bus plan. You are not just riding. You are learning while you ride, which turns a “transport day” into a “context day.”

If you are traveling with kids or friends who hate long reading, this kind of visual, location-tied storytelling can be a lifesaver.

The self-guided Pioneer Square walk: optional, but smart timing

The included walking tour is 1.1 miles and focuses on Seattle’s early days in the Pioneer Square historic district. It is guided through your smartphone, and images display as you encounter the objects discussed.

Do this walk when:

• you want a break from bus riding,
• the weather is decent,
• you want to understand Seattle beyond the waterfront.

Do not over-plan it. Treat it as a flexible add-on. You can always hop back on the bus if your feet ask for mercy.

Timing that matters: seasonal hours and how often the bus runs

The tour runs in windows that change by season:

• 1st November to 16th April: 10am to 3pm, every 60 minutes
• 17th April to 26th June: 10am to 4pm, every 30 minutes
• 27th June to 6th September: 10am to 5pm, every 20 minutes
• 7th September to 31st October: 10am to 4pm, every 30 minutes

You also get more flexibility on Memorial Day Weekend (23rd and 24th May): 10am to 5pm, every 20 minutes.

Why this matters for your day: if you are visiting in winter, your “hop on when you feel like it” mindset needs adjustment. Plan your priorities for the time slots you have available.

Also, the Locks Cruise departs daily at 10:30am from Pier 55, so if you choose that option, you should be in position early.

Restaurant discounts: small value, easy wins

This tour includes 10% discounts at a list of Seattle restaurants tied to several stops. If you are planning meals anyway, these discounts can shave off some cost.

The named spots include:

• Bambinos Pizzeria (Stop 1)
• Frankfurter (Stop 5)
• SuperKim Crab House Restaurant (Stop 6)
• Several Hyatt area restaurants near Stop 11 (including Tidal+ Restaurant and Andare Restaurant, plus Qiao Lin Hotpot)
• Pike Brewery Company (Stop 13)
• Can Can Cabaret (Stop 16)

Food is not included, so this is only useful if you were already going to eat nearby. Still, it is nice to have the option to save a little.

Who this HOHO with cruise is best for

This is a strong pick if you:

• want a first-time Seattle overview without choreographed planning,
• like having the option to hop off at multiple key neighborhoods,
• prefer rides that reduce walking in rain or heat,
• want a cruise day component without stitching together separate tickets.

It might not be the best fit if you:

• want only one attraction and nothing else,
• already have a full schedule and will not use multiple stops,
• dislike timed cruise commitments.

Should you book this Seattle HOHO with Locks or Harbour Cruise?

I would book it if you want a low-stress Seattle sampler where you can flex your time. The combination of HOHO access, a real waterfront component via the cruise, and an on-phone storytelling layer (Arnocular) makes it easier to see a lot without feeling like you are just traveling in circles.

If you are deciding between the two cruise options and you can fit it, I lean toward the Locks Cruise for the extra distinct experience. If your schedule is tight, the Harbour Cruise is a sensible shorter add-on.

One last tip: do a quick plan for the 2-3 stops you care about most, then let the rest be a pleasant bonus. That is the best way to make a HOHO day feel like sightseeing, not logistics.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the bus tour?

The meeting point is 600 Broad Street.

How long is the hop-on hop-off bus tour?

The tour duration is about 80 minutes (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).

What cruise options are available, and how long are they?

If you select the Locks Cruise, it is a 2-hour one-way cruise. If you select the Harbour Cruise, it is a 1-hour cruise.

Where do the Locks Cruise and Harbour Cruise depart from?

Both cruise options depart from Pier 55.

Does the tour include an audio guide and the Arnocular XR app?

Yes. You get an English audio guide with headphones, and Arnocular is included as a free XR app with English commentary on your smartphone.

Are mobile tickets and vouchers accepted?

Yes. Mobile and printed paper vouchers are accepted, and you can redeem them at stops along the route. Vouchers can be used any day within 12 months of the travel date selected at check-out.