How to Get to Knossos from Heraklion

By city bus — the simplest option

Local bus line 2 runs frequently from central Heraklion — with stops near the harbour and the city's main squares — directly to the Knossos terminus right by the site entrance. The ride takes around 20 minutes. It's cheap, runs throughout the day, and drops you a few steps from the gate, which makes it the easiest choice for most visitors arriving from the city or the cruise port.

Buy your bus ticket at a kiosk or from the driver, and check the return-bus times posted at the Knossos stop so you're not waiting in the afternoon sun.

By taxi or car

A taxi from central Heraklion takes about 15 minutes. If you drive, it's a short, well-signposted trip south on the Knossos road, with paid parking near the entrance — handy if you're combining Knossos with sites elsewhere on Crete. From Heraklion airport it's roughly 15–20 minutes by car.

There's no need to fix an exact arrival time: your ticket is reserved for the date you choose, so come whenever suits your day once you're on the island.

Pairing it with the Heraklion museum

Because the original frescoes and Minoan treasures live in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in town, many visitors do both in one day: the site first thing, then the museum in the hot middle of the day. The number 2 bus links the two ends of the trip neatly, and seeing reconstructions in place and originals in the museum is the most satisfying way to understand Knossos.