The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe’s oldest city, located approximately five kilometres south of Heraklion, Greece. This 2026 visitor guide provides essential information on opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical tips to help you plan a visit to this Minoan landmark.
Be aware that the Palace of Knossos has recently switched to a timed ticket entry system. Guides elsewhere may not reflect this. It is also a site where a good guide brings the ancient ruins to life. Consider booking a guided tour with skip-the-line tickets to learn a lot more about the piles of stones you’re looking at.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Summer: 08:00–20:00 daily; Winter: 08:30–17:00 daily |
| Ticket prices | Full: €20.00; Reduced: €10.00 |
| Address | Knossos Avenue, Heraklion 714 09, Crete, Greece |
| Nearest transport | Local Bus No. 2 from Heraklion Port/City Centre |
| Parking | Free on-site parking available at the entrance |
| Typical time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
The Palace of Knossos opening hours
The Palace of Knossos opening hours are seasonal. During the summer period (1 April to 31 October), the site is usually open daily from 08:00 to 20:00, though closing times are adjusted slightly in September and October as daylight hours decrease. In the winter season (1 November to 31 March), the site operates from 08:30 to 17:00 daily.
The final admission to the site is typically 15 to 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time.
The Palace of Knossos ticket prices
Standard ticket prices for the Palace of Knossos are €20.00 for a full-price adult ticket and €10.00 for a reduced-rate ticket.
Admission is free for children and young people under the age of 25 from EU member states upon presentation of a valid ID.
You need to book tickets in advance through the Government-run Hellenic Heritage site – a timed entry system applies, and the site can be heaving with cruise ship passengers in the summer.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Knossos Palace skip-the-line guided tour?
- 🎟️ Skip-the-Line Access: Bypass the notoriously long ticket queues at the entrance, ensuring you spend your time exploring the history rather than waiting in the sun.
- 🏛️ Expert Archaeological Guide: Gain deep insights into Europe’s oldest city with a professional guide who brings the Minoan civilization to life with fascinating storytelling.
- 🐂 Myth & Legend: Discover the legendary birthplace of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth while walking through the very ruins where these ancient tales originated.
- 🎨 Vibrant Frescoes & Architecture: See the beautifully restored Throne Room and the iconic “Prince of the Lilies” fresco to understand the grandeur of this Bronze Age capital.
- 👥 Small-Group Setting: Benefit from a shared tour with a limited number of participants, allowing for a more personalized experience and plenty of time for questions.
How to get to the Palace of Knossos
The most frequent way to reach the Palace of Knossos via public transport is by taking the Local Bus No. 2 (marked “Knossos”). The bus departs every 15 to 20 minutes from the main bus terminal near Heraklion Port and several stops within the city centre, including Liberty Square (Plateia Eleftherias).
The journey takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks near the bus stops or via automated machines for €1.60. Buy on board, and the tickets cost €2.50 each way. You need the B Zone ticket.
I checked these prices on the bus operator website in February 2026 after wading through a lot of incorrect information on the web and some AI hallucinations.
The bus is certainly the cheap way to get to the Palace of Knossos, although a guided tour from Heraklion is less hassle.
Parking at the Palace of Knossos
There is a large, free official car park located directly at the main entrance of the site. Visitors driving from Heraklion should follow Knossos Avenue south until they see the blue and white “P” signs indicating the entrance to the parking area.
While the car park is spacious, it can fill up quickly during the peak summer months by mid-morning. Several private paid parking lots are also available in the immediate vicinity if the official lot is at capacity.
How long to spend at the Palace of Knossos
A standard visit to the Palace of Knossos typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration allows for a complete circuit of the excavated ruins, including the Central Court, the Throne Room, and the outdoor viewing areas for the frescoes and storage magazines.
Accessibility at the Palace of Knossos
Accessibility at the Palace of Knossos is partial. Many of the main paths and the Central Court are accessible via ramps and relatively level ground, but significant portions of the site consist of uneven stone, steep stairs, and narrow passages.
Wheelchair users can access approximately 70% of the ground floor area, but the upper levels and the “Royal Road” are not currently reachable by wheelchair. Accessible toilets are located near the main entrance and the gift shop.
Inside / what to see at the Palace of Knossos
The Throne Room is one of the most significant rooms in the palace, featuring a stone throne and frescoes of griffins. It is located on the west side of the Central Court and is often the site of the longest queues.
The Central Court is the heart of the palace complex, where most of the main buildings converge. From here, visitors can see the distinctive red, tapered columns that were restored by archaeologist Arthur Evans to represent the original Minoan architecture.
The Grand Staircase is a multi-level structure that provided access to the royal apartments. It demonstrates the sophisticated engineering of the Minoans, including light wells and drainage systems that were advanced for the Bronze Age.
The Bull-Leaping Fresco (replica) is located near the North Entrance. The original is housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, but the vivid reproduction on-site provides context for the ceremonial and athletic importance of bulls in Minoan culture.
The West Magazines consist of long, narrow rooms used for storage. Visitors can see large ceramic jars, known as pithoi, which were used to store olive oil, grains, and wine for the palace residents and for trade.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Arrive at 08:00 or after 17:00 to avoid the peak heat and the arrival of large cruise ship tour groups. |
| Ticketing | Purchase a timed-entry ticket online in advance to bypass the physical ticket office queues. |
| Logistics | Download or screenshot your digital ticket before arrival, as mobile signal and Wi-Fi can be unreliable at the gate. |
| Connectivity | Free Wi-Fi is generally unavailable inside the site; use offline maps or guidebooks for navigation. |
| Sun Protection | Wear a hat and bring water, as much of the site is outdoors with very limited shaded areas. |
Frequently asked questions about the Palace of Knossos
| Search Query | Answer |
| Is the Palace of Knossos suitable for children? | Yes, the site is educational and open-air, though the historical content is best suited for school-aged children. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Palace of Knossos? | Booking online is highly recommended to secure a specific entry time slot, as walk-in availability is extremely limited. |
| Is the Palace of Knossos open on Sundays? | Yes, the site is open on Sundays throughout the year, following the seasonal winter or summer schedule. |
| Are bags allowed at the Palace of Knossos? | Small bags are permitted, but large luggage must be stored in the lockers located near the entrance. |
Things to do near the Palace of Knossos
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Located 5km away, it houses the original frescoes and artefacts found at Knossos .
- Heraklion Old Town: A historic area featuring the Venetian Harbour, Koules Fortress, and various local markets.
- Archanes Village: A traditional Cretan village known for its local cuisine and proximity to other Minoan sites, located 10km south.
- Phaistos Palace: The second-largest Minoan palace on the island, situated roughly an hour’s drive to the south.
More Greek Islands travel
Other Greek Islands travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guide to visiting the Ancient Theatre of Aptera.
- Plan your visit to the Castle of Mytilene in Lesvos.
- Why Rhodes is a great cruise destination to explore independently.
- Opening times and ticket prices for the Rhodes city walls walk.
- Do you need a guided tour for Delos?
