City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

Exploring a city like Seattle can be both exciting and overwhelming. This hop-on hop-off bus tour promises the freedom to craft your own sightseeing day, hopping off at major landmarks and enjoying panoramic views from the Sky View Observatory. While some travelers have experienced long waits and confusing signage, others appreciate the flexibility and convenient stops that make this tour a solid option for getting your bearings in the Emerald City.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility—you can tailor your day around your interests. The audio guide adds a layer of context, helping you learn about Seattle’s highlights as you go. The scenic views from the Sky View Observatory offer a breathtaking perspective of the city, especially if you opt for the ticket that includes this feature. The stops near iconic sights like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle are a definite plus. However, a few hiccups like long waits and signage issues mean you should be prepared for some logistical quirks.

This tour will appeal most to travelers who value freedom and convenience over a rigid schedule. If you’re comfortable with a bit of unpredictability and want to explore at your own pace, you’ll likely find it a worthwhile way to get a flavor of Seattle. For those seeking a guided experience with a personal touch, some of the reviews suggest that the audio guide and stops could be better coordinated.

Good To Know

• Flexible itinerary with 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off options
• Includes an audio guide in English to learn about key sights
• Stops near major attractions like Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Amazon Spheres
• Option for entry to Sky View Observatory for stunning city views
• Mixed reviews on service quality, with some long waits and signage issues
• Self-guided walking tour included, perfect for deeper exploration

A Closer Look: What the Tour Offers

This Seattle hop-on hop-off bus is designed to give travelers the freedom to see the city on their terms. The route covers roughly 80 minutes, with buses departing every 30 minutes from the starting point at the Space Needle. You can choose between a 24-hour or 48-hour pass, making it flexible for short visits or longer stays.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour’s route is packed with stops near top attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Let’s walk through some of the key spots you’ll encounter:

Space Needle & Seattle Center (Stop 1)
This iconic structure kicks off the tour with its sweeping views. It’s the logical starting point, especially since the buses depart from here. The reviewers appreciate the proximity to the Space Needle, but some mention confusion over schedules, with one traveler waiting past the expected time due to unclear signage.

Seattle Central Library & Sky View Observatory (Stops 10 & 9)
The library’s modern design is a highlight, offering a quick glimpse of Seattle’s culture of innovation. The Sky View Observatory, accessible with an upgraded ticket, provides spectacular panoramic views. Several reviews praise the observatory for its vantage point—at 275 meters, it’s the highest viewing platform west of the Mississippi—but note that luggage and large bags are not permitted.

Pike Place Market & Original Starbucks (Stops 12 & 16)
These are probably the most famous stops, with travelers enjoying the buzz of the market and the chance to visit the original Starbucks. One reviewer mentioned, “It’s a great way to see the city and enjoy the sights and sounds of Pike Place Market,” although some also pointed out that the tour doesn’t give much time at each stop, so plan accordingly.

Seattle Art Museum & Pioneer Square (Stops 14 & 6)
Culture and history are woven into these stops, giving a well-rounded glimpse of Seattle’s artistic and historical vibe. The self-guided walking tour included can help you explore Pioneer Square more deeply, with instructions on downloading an offline audio guide.

Amazon Spheres & the Convention Center (Stops 11 & 14)
Modern architecture fans will love the Amazon Spheres, a unique workspace that’s become a symbol of Seattle’s tech boom. Some reviews note that getting a good view can be tricky if bus schedules don’t align perfectly, especially during busy times.

The Experience: What to Expect

The buses are described as comfortable but some reviewers find them a bit dated and in need of maintenance—”stinky” and “run down” buses were mentioned. The audio guide is included, but some found it somewhat outdated, with one noting that “narrating needs some updating.” Still, it provides useful background on many stops, enriching the experience.

The timing can be unpredictable. While the first departure is at 10am and the last at 4pm, some reviews reveal long waits—up to an hour—especially during peak times or due to recent rerouting caused by city events like parades. The frequency is every 30 minutes, but you’ll want to arrive early to ensure you don’t miss your preferred departure.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Flexibility to hop on and off at your pace
• Convenient stops near major attractions
• Audio guide helps you learn about the city’s highlights
• Optional Sky View Observatory offers unbeatable views
• Includes a self-guided walking tour for those who want to explore more deeply
• Offers a discount at Pike Brewing, adding value to your day

Cons

• Long wait times reported at some stops, particularly during busy periods
• Confusing signage and difficulty locating some stops, notably Amazon Sphere
• Some buses are noted to be in poor condition, with unpleasant odors and signs of wear
• The audio commentary has been criticized for needing updates
• No hotel pick-up or drop-off, meaning you need to plan how to reach the starting point

The Value of the Tour

For $59, this tour packs in quite a bit—especially if you make full use of the hop-on hop-off flexibility. Compared to fixed-price entry tickets for individual attractions, the bundled nature of this tour can be cost-effective if you want to see multiple sights. The inclusion of the Sky View Observatory adds a premium aspect, letting you visualize the city from a stunning vantage point.

However, the service consistency appears to be hit or miss, with some travelers experiencing long waits and signage confusion. If you’re someone who prefers a guided, smoothly organized experience, you might find better value elsewhere. That said, if you’re comfortable navigating a bit of chaos for the sake of independent exploration, this tour offers a good foundation.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This hop-on hop-off tour is perfect for those who value flexibility and want a broad overview without the pressure of scheduled guided tours. It’s great for visitors with limited time who want to see many landmarks quickly, especially if you’re comfortable handling some logistical quirks. The scenic views from the Sky View Observatory are a definite bonus for photography lovers.

Travelers who prefer independent exploration and enjoy creating their own itinerary will likely appreciate the included walking tour and the ability to hop off and revisit spots later. But be prepared for some city traffic delays and potentially confusing signage, particularly at bus stops.

The Sum Up

The City Sightseeing Seattle HOHO Bus Tour offers a flexible way to explore one of the most visually stunning cities in the US. While it has some drawbacks—like long waits, signage issues, and signs of wear on some buses—the benefit of a self-paced itinerary, combined with informative audio guides and the option to ascend to the Sky View Observatory, makes it a decent choice for many travelers.

If you’re someone who enjoys independent sightseeing with the freedom to choose your stops, this tour is likely to serve you well. Just be prepared for potential hiccups, arrive early, and consider the upgrade if panoramic city views are high on your list.

For travelers on a budget or those eager to see multiple attractions without paying separately, this tour provides solid value—just keep your expectations in check regarding service consistency.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with strollers?
Yes, the buses are accessible with strollers, and service animals are welcome. However, large bags are not permitted on the Sky View Observatory, so plan accordingly.

Can I use my mobile voucher instead of a paper ticket?
Absolutely. Both mobile and printed tickets are accepted and can be redeemed at any stop along the route.

What are the departure times?
Buses depart from Stop 1 at 10am, 10:30am, and so on, with the last one at 4pm. Buses come every 30 minutes.

How long does the tour last?
The overall tour duration is about 80 minutes for the full route, but if you hop on and off, your experience can extend over 24 or 48 hours.

Does the ticket include entry to the Sky View Observatory?
Yes, but only if you select the appropriate ticket option. This feature is available on specific tickets and is open Friday through Sunday.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, but a 10% discount at Pike Brewing is offered with the ticket.

What if I miss my scheduled departure?
You are advised to arrive early; however, some reviews mention long waits and missed buses, so plan accordingly.

Is there a guided tour option?
You can select a scenic panoramic bus tour with a live guide if you prefer a guided experience, but the standard hop-on hop-off is self-guided with an audio tour.

Are the buses air-conditioned?
The data doesn’t specify, but some reviewers mention that buses can be in poor condition; it’s wise to dress for the weather.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a rain jacket or umbrella (Seattle weather can be unpredictable), and your camera for those panoramic views.

In summary, this bus tour can be a practical way to get an overview of Seattle, especially if you enjoy designing your own sightseeing day. Keep in mind the potential for delays and signage issues, but if you’re flexible and prepared, it’s a good option for seeing the city on your own terms.