How to Get to Knossos
Wondering how to get to Knossos? The palace is about 5 km south of Heraklion city centre. Here is how to reach the palace by bus, taxi or car from wherever you are staying in Crete.
By bus
City bus line 2 runs frequently between central Heraklion and Knossos, with stops near the bus station and the port. The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Buy your ticket before boarding at a kiosk or ticket machine, it costs around €2.
By taxi or private transfer
About 15 minutes from Heraklion centre and 20 minutes from the airport. The most comfortable option for families and small groups, and easy to combine with the museum.
By car
Follow the signs for Knossos from Heraklion. There is a car park right by the entrance, which fills up by late morning in summer.
How to get to Knossos: travel times
- Heraklion city centre: about 5 km, 15 minutes by car
- Heraklion port (ferries and cruise ships): about 6 km, 15 to 20 minutes
- Heraklion Airport (HER): about 9 km, 20 minutes
- Hersonissos: about 30 km, 35 to 40 minutes
- Malia: about 40 km, 45 minutes
- Agios Nikolaos: about 65 km, 1 hour
- Rethymno: about 85 km, 1 hour 15 minutes
- Chania: about 145 km, 2 hours
Times are by car without heavy traffic and are only indicative.
Once you know how to get to Knossos, time your arrival with the opening hours: early morning is the quietest. Book your Knossos tickets (official prices on hhticket.gr) for a specific slot and allow extra time for parking in summer.
Arriving by cruise ship?
Knossos is one of the easiest major sites to visit from a port call. Allow around three hours in total for the transfer, the visit and the return, and book a time slot that leaves a comfortable margin before all aboard.
How to get to Knossos: address and map
Archaeological Site of Knossos, Knossos, 714 09 Heraklion, Crete, Greece