Ballard Locks Cruise + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Seattle
Why you should buy your ticket on Ticket - Sitomito.
Highlights
Discover Seattle 's iconic attractions by land and sea with our great-value package. Your ticket includes a 2-hour one-way cruise through the historic Ballard Locks , as well as a 24- or 48-hour flexible ticket for our hop-on hop-off double-decker buses.
The Ballard Locks , over 100 years old, are still fully operational today and handle more boat traffic than any other lock in the United States! During your cruise, you'll get an up-close look at Seattle's famous salmon ladder . Step aboard and enjoy an unforgettable experience—book today!
Start your Seattle adventure at the Space Needle aboard one of the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off buses. Get off at Stop 5 to board the Ballard Locks Cruise , also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks . The fully narrated cruise will take you on a 2-hour journey along this remarkable waterway system.
The locks connect the saltwater of Puget Sound with the freshwater of the Lake Washington Ship Canal , located more than 20 feet above ground. It's incredible to watch the boats rise or fall about 25 feet as they pass from saltwater to freshwater: a veritable "boat elevator"!
As you cruise, you'll see houseboats, seaplanes, fishing boats, and the unique salmon ladder, built to help migrating salmon reach their spawning grounds. Between June and September, during spawning season, you might even spot groups of hunting sea lions.
To complete your experience, the package includes a hop-on hop-off ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours . You can explore the best of the city, hopping on and off at your favorite stops.
Hop off near Seattle’s scenic waterfront and Pier 55 , your cruise embarkation point, or visit the city’s top attractions: from the iconic Space Needle to the gigantic Seattle Great Wheel, from the vibrant Chinatown-International District to the historic Pike Place Market.
Highlights:
- 2-hour scenic cruise with full commentary through the historic Ballard Locks.
- Explore the local fishing industry , including the famous Ballard Locks salmon ladder.
- Hop-On Hop-Off open-top bus tour with 360° views of Seattle's top attractions.
- Self-guided audio walk to discover the vibrant and fascinating history of original Seattle .
- Hop-On Hop-Off ticket available for 24 or 48 hours, your choice.
What is included?
- 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour with spectacular views (depending on option selected)
- Possibility to get off near the main attractions
- Immersive walking tour with audio guide
- 2-hour scenic cruise (one way) through the locks
What is there to know?
- Buses are wheelchair accessible
- Dogs are not allowed on the bus
- Recorded commentary available in English (bus and cruise)
Audio-guided walking tour
- Distance: 1.8 km
- Explore the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood and learn about Seattle's early years.
- Smartphone guide with images of the places described
Openings
Hop-On Hop-Off Seattle
Must-See Seattle: Full tour duration 80 minutes
Operating season: all year round
Opening hours vary according to the season:
- November 1 - April 16: 10:00 - 15:00, every 60 minutes
- April 17 - June 26: 10:00 - 16:00, every 30 minutes
- June 27 - September 6: 10:00 - 17:00, every 20 minutes
- September 7 - October 31: 10:00 - 16:00, every 30 minutes
- Memorial Day Weekend (May 23 & 24): 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, every 20 minutes
Cruise Locks
Departures from Pier 55
Show your ticket at the stop and you will receive separate tickets for the bus and the cruise.
Days of operation:
October 23, 2025 - May 10, 2026: Thursday to Sunday (including Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30). Closed on December 25.
May 14 - June 11 and July 8 - October 11, 2026: every day.
⚠️ Important: Departure times are subject to change. Check online before departure (the link will be included in your voucher).
Seasonal opening hours:
October 23 - December 7: Departure at 11:30
- Thu/Sat: Lake Union to Elliott Bay
- Fri/Sun: Elliott Bay to Lake Union
December 11, 2025 - March 8, 2026: Departure at 12:30 PM
- Thu/Sat: Elliott Bay to Lake Union
- Fri/Sun: Lake Union to Elliott Bay
March 12 - June 11 and July 8 - October 25, 2026: departures at 10:30 and 13:30
- 10:30am: Elliott Bay → Lake Union
- 1.30pm: Lake Union → Elliott Bay
Meeting point
You can hop on and off freely at any of the 18 stops
Cancellation policies
Can be canceled for free up to 72 hours before the selected date
Description
Must-See Seattle (Red Route)
- Space Needle & Seattle Center – The city's iconic landmark with breathtaking panoramic views
- FRS Clippers – The ferry terminal for exploring nearby islands
- Edgewater Hotel – Seattle's Historic Waterfront Hotel
- Pier 66 Cruise Terminal – Departure point for cruises and harbor tours
- Pier 55 & Argosy Cruises – Narrated cruises to admire the skyline and surrounding mountains
- Pioneer & Occidental Square – Historic heart of the city with local culture and art
- Historic Chinatown Gate – The gateway to Seattle's vibrant Asian neighborhood
- Panama Hotel & Tea House – Japanese History, Tradition, and Culture
- Seattle Sky View Observatory – Unique panoramic views of the city and beyond
- Seattle Central Library – Modern Architecture and Cultural Spaces
- Seattle Convention Center – Event center and architectural landmark
- Pike Place Market – Seattle's historic market, famous for its fresh produce and crafts
- Pike Brewing Company – Local Craft Brewery
- Seattle Art Museum – Art collections and temporary exhibitions
- Pier 55 & Argosy Cruises – More Access to Harbor Sightseeing Cruises
- Original Starbucks at Pike Place Market – The first Starbucks coffee shop, a symbol of coffee culture
- Westin Hotel – Iconic hotel in the heart of the city
- Amazon Sphere – A Futuristic Space Dedicated to Art and Nature
Choose what to book
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