Locks Cruise
Best Value! Over 120 years of Seattle history in 120 minutes
Get double the sightseeing on our Locks Cruise! Venture beyond the waterfront and explore three Seattle neighborhoods in a one- way trip on the Locks Cruise! This fully narrated tour provides you with knowledge, fun facts, and the one of kind experience of going through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Become the attraction to those on shore as the vessel transitions from salt to fresh water! Who wouldn’t want to take a ride on the boat elevator?
Your experience includes:
- One-way trip through the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks aka the ‘Boat Elevator’
- Live, full narration with facts about Seattle history and industry
- Up-close views of large fishing vessels, seaplanes, floating home communities
- Coverage of multiple Seattle neighborhoods and well known attractions like Gas Works Park and the Space Needle
- Full-service bar on board with cocktails, local wine and beer, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks available for purchase
Now Available! The Locks Cruise Return Bus is open and ends on October 9th. Make your journey roundtrip by hopping on the red City Sightseeing bus after your cruise to get back to your original location.
* In-person/walk up ticket sales now available at our AGC boarding location.*
CityPASS® ticket holders can upgrade to a Locks Cruise! First, purchase CityPASS® online for immediate mobile ticket delivery. Next, purchase your Locks Cruise upgrade ($20 per Adult; $15 per child) while reserving your cruise date & time. LEARN MORE about saving 47% off a Seattle’s top 5 attractions with Seattle CityPASS®.
Groups of 20 or more: Purchase group tickets (Minimum 20) on the Locks Cruise and save
Trip Protection/Refund Policy: Receive a full refund on the value of your cruise until 48 hours before departure when you add on Trip Protection. Learn more
Washington state residents: Save up to $4 on your next visit! Reservations can be made online or in person. A valid, state issued ID must be shown during boarding.
Locks Cruise | Locks Cruise w/ Return Bus (Seasonal) | |
---|---|---|
Adult | $54 | $69 |
Senior (65+) | $46 | $61 |
Youth (4-12) | $25 | $40 |
Kid (3 and under) | Free | Free |
Locks Cruise | Locks Cruise w/ Return Bus (Seasonal) | |
---|---|---|
Adult | $54 | $69 |
Senior (65+) | $46 | $61 |
Youth (4-12) | $25 | $40 |
Kid (3 and under) | Free | Free |
The Locks Cruise is a one-way trip that ends at a different location than it starts – Pier 54 on the Seattle Waterfront or AGC Marina on Lake Union. Take the opportunity to further explore after your trip! If you aren’t feeling up to it, choose to take multiple modes of transportation back to your original departure location.
Head to our Transportation page below for resources, ideas, and tips on planning out your Locks Cruise sailing!
- Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
- Seattle Skyline
- Space Needle
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- The Great Wheel
- Gas Works Park
- Location in the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”
- Kenmore Sea Planes
- Floating Homes & Houseboats
- Houseboat in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle”
- Historical Bridges, pass under the Fremont and Ballard bridges
- Full-service bar – Sip on local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like mai tais in summer and hot cocoas in winter (Please, no outside drink permitted)
- Variety of local snacks – Purchase from a menu of delicious pre-packaged sandwiches, salads and snacks (Please, no outside food permitted)
- Indoor/Outdoor seating – Whether you enjoy the breeze through your hair or like to stay cozy, you have the choice of indoor or outdoor seating
- Restrooms – All of our vessels are equipped with gender specific, gender neutral or single stall restrooms
- ADA accessibility – Our crew is trained to help guests with wheelchairs, strollers, scooters, etc. to navigate our docks, vessels and facilities. For specific ADA questions, please call our office at 206.623.1445
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
The Locks Cruise departs from either the Seattle Waterfront or the AGC Marina in South Lake Union. Please check boarding confirmation for boarding location.
Map Legend:
Red = Cruise Route
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Cruise route is approximate and can change based on each sailing’s weather patterns, vessel traffic, and other non-predictable factors, and based on our experienced captains’ discretion. Seating on board our vessels is first-come, first-served and will begin 20 minutes prior to departure. Vessel available on the day of your sailing may vary.
No outside food or drink allowed onboard.
Before you depart:
1Book your reservations

2E-pass or print at home

3Board your vessel
