How to Get from Heraklion to Knossos Palace
Knossos Minoan Palace is one of Greece’s most visited archaeological sites, second only to Athens’ Acropolis. Thousands of people travel to Crete each year to Heraklion to explore the ruins of the Minoan civilization. Located surprisingly close to the center of Heraklion, there are multiple ways to get there, including taxis, private transfers, buses, and even walking if you dare. Want to learn more? Here is all the information you need to get to Knossos from Heraklion.
📍 Don’t miss: Balos Cruise ~ Knossos Palace
How Far is Heraklion from Knossos Palace?
The city center of Crete’s capital is about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) away from the archaeological site of Knossos. That means you can reach the palace by car within 15 minutes, a bit more if you travel during rush hour.
📌 Are you skimming through the post and have no time to read it now? Save it on Pinterest and read it later. You can also consider these Knossos tours:
Getting to Knossos by Car
Getting to Knossos by car is pretty straightforward, and there are enough parking areas around the Palace. Basically, it’s the same route followed by the bus to Knossos: Driving south along Leoforo Knosou –leoforo(s) in Greek means avenue.
If you’ve just arrived in town and it’s your first time driving in Crete, stop the car, park somewhere safe, and quickly read this guide with tips for driving in Crete.
📍 Entrance to Knossos Palace: 35.298385 N, 25.161064 E
Taxi or Private Transfer
The most convenient way to reach Knossos from Heraklion is by hiring a taxi or private guide. Of course, the easiest is a taxi, which you can hail almost anywhere in the city.
If you want to plan, ask your host or hotel reception to arrange a transfer at a predetermined time. Depending on your point of departure, the cost will be around €15 to €20.
How to Get to Knossos by Bus
The most affordable way to get from Heraklion to Knossos is by bus number 2, which connects the old public station of Heraklion with the famous Minoan Palace.
Three to five buses pass every hour, so you won’t have to wait until one arrives. If you’re curious, scan the QR code at any bus station to learn when the next vehicle comes.
Bus Stops
There are 22 bus stops from where you can board the Bus #2 between Heraklion and Knossos. The starting point is the port, followed by Bus Station A (the older bus station and the most popular stop for the bus to Knossos), right opposite the Venetian Walls and the famous Megaron Hotel. Another stop is Astoria Liberty Square.
It then passes by Averof Street and Evans Square before reaching the suburbs and the Heraklion Hospital. If you want my advice, I’d recommend hopping on bus #2 from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. If you want to make the most of your visit to Knossos, you’ll have to spend a few hours exploring the museum’s exhibits first. After all, the majority of the finds from Knossos are on display here.
However, if you plan to visit the museum after visiting the site, a good option is to catch the bus opposite Megaron Hotel (this bus stop is usually not as crowded).
Where Can I Buy Bus Tickets to Go to Knossos?
If you’re in the central bus station, there is a ticket machine near the entrance gate. Similarly, you’ll find other ticket machines scattered around Heraklion.
However, don’t worry if they’re hard to find; I’ve always arrived late at the station and bought them from the driver. And so can you! Get them once you board the bus. The only difference is that it will cost 50 cents extra from the standard €1,50.
Heraklion to Knossos: Bus Timetable
Although the bus company regularly publishes its timetable, the times are not always reliable or accurate.
However, all you need to know is that bus services run every 15 to 20 minutes from six in the morning until midnight. Once aboard, you’ll be in Knossos in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Bus Stop at Knossos Palace
The final bus route #2 stop is at Knossos Palace, where you’ll notice everyone leaving the vehicle. Even if you’re alone, the driver will announce you have reached the end of the line.
The Knossos bus stop is less than 100 meters away from the archaeological site entrance, where you can purchase your Knossos tickets.
Knossos Opening Hours
Although the bus to Knossos runs until late, the archaeological site closes earlier, so plan accordingly. In the summer, the last admission is by 7.45 p.m. since it’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Realistically, you should arrive by at least 6 p.m. to have enough time to explore Knossos. You must come earlier in the winter since the opening hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. instead.
Can You Walk From Heraklion To Knossos?
In short, yes, but I wouldn’t advise it. Not only will you be walking under the sun for about 5 kilometers, but you’ll also have to deal with the ongoing traffic.
Taking a taxi or a short bus ride is safer and more accessible.
To Conclude, How Should You Get from Heraklion to Knossos Palace?
Taxi, car, or bus are the main ways to go from Crete Heraklion to the Palace of Knossos within 15 to 30 minutes.
If you want to save money, take bus number 2, which runs every 10 to 20 minutes from the city center or the Archaeological Museum.
>> Bus #20 is the return bus from Knossos. It takes you back to the city center, and its final stop is Heraklion Port.
Tips For Visiting Knossos
Go as Early as Possible
Since the Greek sun can be intense, you should visit Knossos as early as possible. Ideally, you would go to the Archaeological Museum the day before and head to Knossos early the next day, 8-9 a.m. would be perfect!
Bring Solid Flat Shoes
Forget your beach outfit and dress like you’re about to descend the Samaria Gorge. Exploring the archaeological site entails walking on uneven terrain, so hide your slippers and wear your sports shoes.
>> This guide to what to wear to visit Knossos (and other archaeological sites in Crete) will help plan your outfit for the day.
Plan at Least 2 Hours at Knossos Palace
When planning your day, reserve at least two or three hours for the Knossos archaeological site. You don’t want to rush through all the sculptures, frescoes, and other wonders of Minoan Crete. And you’ll discover that there’s a lot to see in Knossos!
Get a Combined Ticket Including the Archaeological Museum
Since visiting both destinations is necessary, purchasing a combined ticket at €20 makes sense, or you’ll pay €15 plus €15 for each.
The combined ticket is valid for three days, so you’ll have enough time to visit both. You can also purchase the tickets online, which is especially handy if the queues at the ticket office are long.
COMBINED TICKETS TO KNOSSOS AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF HERAKLION
Knossos Tours
To maximize your visit, I recommend hiring a private guide or joining a small group. For instance, consider this Private Guided Tour with Skip-The-Line Entry or this top-rated Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour.
If someone explains what you see, you’ll quickly appreciate the majesty of the Minoan civilization. Otherwise, you’ll miss many fascinating details on the way. This article has a list of the best tours available online.
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How to Get from Heraklion to Knossos
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
