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Seattle, United States of America

City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Seattle + 2 Hours
Ballard Locks Cruise

4.2
24 / 48 Hours
from£95.76 p.p.

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.

Itinerary

Ultimate Seattle Adventure: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Ballard Locks Cruise
Maximize your time in the Emerald City with the ultimate sightseeing duo. Your ticket grants you 24 or 48 hours of unlimited access to our open-top bus tour, seamlessly paired with the world-famous Ballard Locks Cruise. From the heights of the Space Needle to the engineering marvels of the "boat elevator," experience Seattle from every angle.

The Sightseeing Bus: Your Key to the City
Forget the stress of Seattle traffic. Our signature red buses allow you to explore at your own pace. Discover the best the city has to offer with the freedom to hop off at any of our strategically placed stops:

  • The Waterfront & Pier 55: Soak up the salty Pacific breeze and connect directly to your cruise.
  • The Space Needle: Marvel at Seattle’s most iconic skyline landmark.
  • Pike Place Market: Witness the famous fish-tossing and explore artisanal local crafts.
  • Chinatown-International District: Immerse yourself in a vibrant hub of culture and authentic cuisine.
  • The Great Wheel: Catch a bird's-eye view of Elliott Bay from the massive waterfront ferris wheel.

The Ballard Locks Cruise: A One-of-a-Kind "Boat Elevator"
Take your tour to the water! Simply hop off the bus at Stop #5 to board the fully-narrated Ballard Locks Cruise. This 2-hour guided voyage traverses the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks—a remarkable feat of engineering connecting the saltwater Puget Sound to the freshwater Ship Canal.

  • Experience the Rise: Feel the sensation of the "boat elevator" as your vessel rises or lowers over 20 feet to match the water levels.
  • Wildlife & Engineering: Pass by charming boathouses, bustling seaplane terminals, and the famous Ballard Locks Fish Ladder.
  • The Salmon Run: If you visit between June and September, watch salmon migrating to their spawning grounds—and keep an eye out for hungry sea lions!
  • Innovation on Board: The XR Seattle Virtual Experience

Why just look at the city when you can travel through time? Every Activity Crest ticket includes our cutting-edge XR (Extended Reality) Visual Tour. Using your smartphone, every stop on the route is transformed:

  • Then vs. Now: See stunning historical overlays of the Space Needle and the Waterfront to see how Seattle has evolved.
  • Exclusive Access: "Peek inside" landmarks and restricted areas that are normally closed to the general public.
  • Smart Insights: Receive location-synced fun facts and hidden gems delivered directly to your device as you roll through the city.

Book Your Seattle Tour with Activity Crest
Why wait in line? Secure your Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off and Ballard Locks Cruise tickets online for instant mobile confirmation.

  • Flexibility: Choose a 1-day or 2-day pass to fit your schedule.
  • All-Inclusive: One ticket covers the bus, the cruise, and the XR digital experience.
  • Reliability: Trusted by thousands of travelers for 24/7 support and the best local rates.

Ready for the ride of a lifetime? Select your dates above and start exploring Seattle today!

Inclusions

  • 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

Red Route (Must-See Seattle):
  • Bus Timings: 10:00 - 16:00
  • Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
  • Full Loop: Approx 80 minutes
  • First Stop: Space Needle

  • 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.

Voucher Validity:

  • Your voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of booking.

Important Info:

  • Our buses are wheelchair accessible.

  • Dogs are not permitted on the bus.

  • Recorded commentary is provided in English.

  • Recorded information through App (XR Seattle) (must use ones own phone and earphones) in English, Spanish, German, French, Korean and Mandarin Chinese

  • XR Seattle is now available on all our hop-on hop-off tours! Download this fantastic app for free to see historical photos of Seattle’s sights from years ago, peek inside iconic landmarks (even those that are closed to the public) and unlock hidden gems with live images, fun facts and local insights, all synced perfectly to your location.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Any queries? Please contact City Sightseeing Seattle on +1 (206) 829-9267.

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

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).

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 6)
  • Tidal+ Restaurant at Hyatt Olive 8 (Stop 11)
  • Andare Restaurant at Hyatt Regency (Stop 11)
  • Qiao Lin Hotpot (Stop 11)
  • Bistro on Yale Bar at SpringHill Suites (Stop 11)
  • Pike Brewery Company (Stop 13)
  • Can Can Caberet (Stop 16)

  • 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.

  • 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.

Customer Reviews

4.6

based on 1590 reviews

Rating Distribution

5 stars
1172
4 stars
255
3 stars
100
2 stars
58
1 stars
5

"Great for those who prefer a relaxed pace. We could explore attractions at our own speed and hop back on easily. Clean buses and friendly drivers added to comfort."

09 Apr, 2026

"Perfect for families with kids. Safe, convenient, and fun way to see the city. Children enjoyed the scenic ride while adults appreciated the informative commentary and easy access to attractions."

09 Apr, 2026

"Covered all major landmarks efficiently. Routes were well designed, and we didn’t miss any important attractions. Ideal for maximizing sightseeing within limited time during our short city visit."

09 Apr, 2026

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to common questions about our tours and booking process.

After completing your online purchase, you will receive a voucher by e-mail. You can present this voucher either printed or on your smartphone when boarding. The driver will exchange your voucher for the official ticket, which you must keep for the entire period of validity. Once the voucher is exchanged, it is no longer valid for future use.
Hop on hop off Tours: most of the buses have access ramps, but there are still some that don't
Yes, you can bring small pets on all our vehicles (panoramic buses, trams and boat), as long as they are transported inside appropriate pet carriers and do not occupy a seat. On tours operated with closed buses, only guide dogs are allowed, and they do not need a carrier.
Yes, it is possible as long as it is accommodated in a place that does not block the passage of other passengers.
After completing your online purchase, you will receive a voucher by e-mail. You can present this voucher either printed or on your smartphone when boarding. The driver will exchange your voucher for the official ticket, which you must keep for the entire period of validity.
Yes, you can bring small pets on all our vehicles (panoramic buses, trams and boat), as long as they are transported inside appropriate pet carriers and do not occupy a seat. On tours operated with closed buses, only guide dogs are allowed, and they do not need a carrier.
fter completing your online purchase, you will receive a voucher by e-mail. You can present this voucher either printed or on your smartphone when boarding. The driver will exchange your voucher for the official ticket, which you must keep for the entire period of validity. Once the voucher is exchanged, it is no longer valid for future use.
Hop on hop off Tours: most of the buses have access ramps, but there are still some that don't
Yes, you can bring small pets on all our vehicles (panoramic buses, trams and boat), as long as they are transported inside appropriate pet carriers and do not occupy a seat. On tours operated with closed buses, only guide dogs are allowed, and they do not need a carrier.
Yes, it is possible as long as it is accommodated in a place that does not block the passage of other passengers.

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