The Locks Cruise is a one-way sightseeing tour, ending in a different location from where you started. You will either go from Elliott Bay to Lake Union or Lake Union to Elliott Bay. Below shows all your possible options on getting back to point A!
Explore
To begin and end at a different location may seem daunting because of how familiar we are with round-trip excursions, but with our resources you'll be sure to make a day of it! Take advantage of this unique one-way trip to explore new neighborhoods like South Lake Union and Downtown Seattle. Spend time in the tech hub, South Lake Union, and venture over to the Amazon Spheres or Google Offices. Grab a bite at nearby restaurants like Lunchbox Laboratory or Momijis. Not hungry? Start happy hour early at bars like Flatstick Pub, Art Marble, and Thomas Street Warehouse.
- Places to Eat, Drink, and Sightsee around South Lake Union & the Seattle Waterfront - BLOG POST
- Must- do activities and restaurants - LIST
Walk, Bike, or Scooter
The city may seem big, but trust us, walking back to your original departure location is doable. Embrace the fresh air, cityscapes, and browse through multiple Seattle neighborhoods on your walk back. Depending on what you're trying to see on the way back, there are multiple routes to take, but with our resources and mapped out tracks, you won't even need to pull out Google Maps!
Market to MOHAI Corridor
Two historic landmarks in the Seattle area and a mapped out route to start at one and end at the other. Pike Place Market is only minutes away from Pier 54/55 and MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) minutes away from AGC Marina. This self-guided walking tour is to serve as a way to explore the history of the landscape, with mapped out stops along the way - only 1.6 miles!
Bike or Scooter
If walking seems like a nice alternative, but time is more of a restraint, the bike and scooter rentals around the city are a great choice. Cover as much ground as you would if you were walking, but at a faster pace! It's easy to set up and fun to ride. All bikes/scooters have easily scannable QR Codes.
Bus or Ride Share
There are many transit opportunities like taking Seattle's many bus lines or streetcars. Depending on where you want to be picked up or dropped off, there are plenty direct routes back to your original location. If you decide to do this option just know that bus fare is $2.75!
Choose to use a Rideshare App like Uber or Lyft that will easily locate where you are, pick you up at an exact location and drop you off in front of where you need to be. Apps like these can usually accommodate groups up to six and prices vary depending on time of day, group size, and distance. Choose your pick-up location and set drop-off to Pier 54 or Pier 55!
City Sightseeing Return Bus - Seasonal
If our two-hour boat ride is enough to call it a day, choose to purchase tickets for a return bus service provided and led by City Sightseeing. As you hop off our boat, you can look for the red, double decker bus at the top of the AGC parking lot near the fence and the Argosy Cruises banner sign. Purchase bus tickets when booking your Locks Cruise slot online or from the bus driver.
Details to note:
- Limited indoor seating, in inclement weather ponchos are provided on the top deck
- Purchase return bus tickets beforehand to save on cost and avoid the possibility of seats selling out
- The bus will make one stop at the Space Needle, and you are welcome to hop off to explore. If you hop off at the Space Needle, your ticket cannot get you back on.
- The Locks Cruise is 2 hours, and the ride on the return bus is 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- Bus arrival and drop off times can vary due to changing traffic conditions.
City Sightseeing is an external partner providing this additional return service and separate experience. If you are experiencing delays or have feedback, comments, or issues with your bus service, please call City Sightseeing Customer Service at (206) 829-9267.
