Knossos Tickets: Prices & Free Entry
Everything about Knossos tickets: what entry costs, who enters free, how time slots work and the easiest way to skip the queue at the gate.
How much does it cost to visit Knossos?
Entrance prices for Knossos are set by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The standard adult ticket is €20. Your ticket covers the archaeological site only. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where the original frescoes and finds are kept, has its own ticket.
Every ticket is linked to a time slot. You are expected to arrive within your slot, so it pays to book ahead in high season when popular morning slots fill up quickly. Check the Knossos opening hours before choosing a slot.
Free and reduced Knossos tickets
- EU citizens under 25 enter free with ID (passport or ID card).
- Visitors from outside the EU under 18 enter free with ID.
- Visitors with a disability, and one companion where applicable, enter free with a certificate.
- Reduced tickets are available for some other categories on presentation of proof.
- Free tickets are issued at the ticket office and depend on availability for your time slot.
Rules and prices can change. Always carry ID that proves your eligibility.
At a glance
- Standard adult ticket: €20
- Entry by time slot
- Visit length: about 1.5 to 2 hours
- Mobile tickets accepted at the gate
- Large bags and suitcases not allowed
Knossos tickets and tour options
Entry ticket only
Explore at your own pace. Best if you already know the history or want a quick visit.
Ticket + guided tour
A licensed guide explains the palace, the myths and the excavation story. Our recommended option.
Knossos + Museum
Pair the palace with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see the original treasures from the site.
Skip the queue with Knossos tickets booked ahead
In July and August the ticket office queue can stretch well beyond half an hour by mid-morning, on top of the queue for the Throne Room inside. Arriving with a pre-booked ticket on your phone lets you head straight to the entrance at your time slot.
We can arrange your entry time, combine it with a guide and answer any question about eligibility for free entry before you travel. Not sure how to reach the site? Read how to get to Knossos, or browse the visitor FAQ.
Good to know: palaceknossos.com is an independent visitor guide and booking service, not the official ticket office. Official e-tickets are also sold directly by the Greek state on hhticket.gr.