Explore Knossos Palace with Welcome-Greece.gr: Ticket Details, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
Knossos Palace Tickets: Find essential info on prices, hours, and how to get there.
Plan your visit to this ancient wonder efficiently! In this guide, you’ll learn how to obtain a ticket for the archaeological site of Knossos Palace at the best price.
This information is based on my many visits to Knossos, so I can help you save both time and money.
The guide covers the following topics for the Palace of Knossos:
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Official website for purchasing Knossos tickets: Pay attention to the Terms & Conditions, what you need to be careful about.
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Special tickets and offers (prices for adults and children)
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Tickets for children: What you need to keep to qualify for the reduced price.
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Days of free admission: How to make the most of them. (list)
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Operating hours, summer and winter.
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Closed due to holidays (List of days)
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Reduced ticket prices for Knossos. (5 categories) See which one you fall into.
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Contact phone numbers for the Heraklion Ephorate of Antiquities in case you need to ask something.
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Parking in Knossos: Where to find the only free parking in Knossos. (Detailed Instructions)
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Distances and the time needed to get to Knossos from various points.
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Which bus to take and from where. (List of all routes)
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Taxi and charges: Tips to save money.
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Discounted Ticket Packages I’ve tried. (How to benefit from them)
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What to watch out for when arriving at the Palace of Knossos.
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How to book a ticket without paying immediately (instructions at the end of the guide)
Below, you’ll see how to buy a ticket from Knossos’ official website. You’ll learn the pros and cons, and how to purchase tickets or tours for Knossos through external partners like Getyourguide.com, Tiqets.com, Viator.com. (I prefer getyourguide more. Check out his tours here getourguide.com. )
Let’s start with ticket prices for the Palace of Knossos.
According to the official website of Knossos Palace, a full adult ticket costs 15 euros, and a reduced ticket is 8 euros (details for children’s tickets are also included).
A combined ticket for the Knossos archaeological site and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum costs 20 euros.
You can also get individual or combined Tickets for other archaeological sites at reduced prices.
Below, you’ll find three of the largest online ticket platforms.
Now, let’s look at the days with free admission.
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March 6th, in memory of Melina Mercouri.
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April 18th, International Day for Monuments.
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May 18th, International Museum Day.
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The last weekend of September every year (European Heritage Days).
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October 28th.
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Every first Sunday of the month from November 1st to March 31st, admission is free.
Continuing with the guide, let’s examine the operating hours to ensure you don’t arrive when it’s closed.
Winter Schedule:
Daily from November 1st: 08:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:45)
Summer Schedule:
Daily from:
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April 30th: 08:00 – 20:00 (last entry at 19:45)
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May 1st to September 15th: 08:00-19:30 (last entry at 19:15)
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September 16th to September 30th: 08:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:45)
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October 1st to October 15th: 08:00-18:30 (last entry at 18:15)
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October 16th: 08:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:45)
GetYourGuide.com 10 Best Selling Tickets
Below are the holiday closures:
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January 1st: Closed
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March 25th: Closed
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Good Friday: 12:00-17:00
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Holy Saturday: 08:00 – 16:00
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May 1st: Closed
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Easter Sunday: Closed
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August 15th: 08:00 – 20:00
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October 28th: 08:30 – 15:00
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Christmas Day, December 25th: Closed
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December 26th: Closed
Now, let’s move on to the categories of individuals eligible for reduced ticket prices for Knossos.
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Individuals over 65 years old: Reduced ticket price is 8 euros.
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Youth up to 25 years old and students: Free entry upon presenting their ID at the ticket counter.
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Infants aged 0-5 years and EU citizens under 25: Free entry upon showing their ID or passport.
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Non-EU citizens under 25: Reduced ticket price from April to October upon presenting their ID.
Please note that these details are based on current information and are subject to change. Always confirm prices and conditions before visiting.
Here’s the contact number for the Heraklion Antiquities Authority: +30 2810 231940
Remember, if you belong to a category requiring ID or passport presentation, forgetting to bring it means you won’t be allowed entry. Even for a 5-year-old child, whose age may seem obvious, you’ll be asked for identification, or you’ll have to pay for a Knossos Palace ticket.
Parking Information if You’re Driving:
There are several paid parking lots before you reach the Knossos archaeological site.
You’ll recognize them by people gesturing for you to enter, with signs stating “Parking for Knossos Archaeological Site.”
Be aware these are not the free municipal parking of Knossos.
Just next to the archaeological site, there’s a free municipal parking area. (See the image below)
If it’s crowded and you can’t find a spot, look for space in nearby parking lots. However, most visitors usually take the bus.
Distance and Time Needed to Reach Knossos
The archaeological site is just 5 kilometers from Heraklion. You can take a car or a bus departing from Heraklion’s bus station.
Take Bus No. 2 “Knossos” from Heraklion’s KTEL (bus terminal).
Approximate Travel Time and Distances
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From Heraklion to Knossos by car or taxi, it’s about a 15-minute drive, covering approximately 6 km.
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From Chania by car or KTEL bus, the distance is about 142 km.
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From Rethymno by car or KTEL bus, the distance is approximately 82 km.
Bus Line 02 to Knossos Schedule
Regular Operating Hours are 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 6:10 AM – 11:25 PM on Sunday.
Daily Schedule and Frequency
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Monday to Saturday: 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM, buses every 15 – 30 minutes.
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Sunday: 6:10 AM – 11:25 PM, buses every 20 – 30 minutes.
Note that the schedule and frequency might change. Always confirm the timings before starting your journey.
Need a Taxi?
The best way to find a taxi is to search on Google “taxi stand near me,” which will show the closest taxi stands.
If there’s one nearby, you could save money compared to calling a taxi service.
Google will also provide you with taxi company options, reviews, and contact numbers.
Taxi Prices to Knossos
Prices vary depending on your pickup location. For example, a taxi from Heraklion airport or port to Knossos Archaeological Site typically costs around 20 euros, according to company rate cards.
My Recommendations
For a brief overview of the palace, a 1.5-hour tour is sufficient. However, if you want a more in-depth experience, plan to stay longer.
As mentioned earlier, tickets are €15 and €8 for reduced rates.
Booking a tour can save you the hassle of waiting in long lines, especially during peak times.
On my last visit a few months ago with my wife, I booked through Getyourguide.com palace of Knossos.
We skipped the queue and entered by showing the QR code on my phone.
I suggest clicking on the following links for a glimpse of the packages and what they include. The price difference is minimal, and it saves you from the fatigue of waiting in line.
Check out the options here on Getyourguide.com by clicking HERE, and also take a look at the official Knossos palace ticket site.
To avoid overwhelming you with ticket options, I’ll list three of the best choices at the end of this guide.
Important Considerations – Knossos Palace Tickets
Before purchasing tickets from the official Greek government site for Knossos, be aware of their strict policy: tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and non-cancellable.
If your ticket is lost or stolen, there’s no refund. This is clearly stated on their website under the “Ticket Issuance” section (3.19).
It means if you buy a ticket and for some reason cannot use it, or if it’s lost or stolen, you cannot get a replacement or compensation.
Also, check the Terms & Conditions on the official site, which clearly state, “Tickets are non-refundable, non-cancellable, and cannot be changed. The price of stolen, lost, or damaged tickets is not refunded.”
Furthermore, the limited payment options and lack of offers or packages might make the official site less attractive compared to other platforms.
And I won’t even get started on the queues at the entrance…
However, I don’t want to influence your decision. Do your research and decide for yourself.
Useful Information for Visiting Knossos Archaeological Site
Upon arriving at the entrance, you’ll find everything from snacks to toilets.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as shade is scarce, and don’t forget a bottle of water.
Comfortable shoes are a must to avoid tired feet or blisters.
For those with special needs, there are accessible parking and toilets, and most of the site is accessible.
If you’re interested in an organized tour, it’s advisable to check out tours from the top 3 most reliable global sites.
At the end of the article, you will find the link to the tickets for the Palace of Knossos that I have tried.
If You Decide to Visit Knossos
Once you decide to visit Knossos, booking a tour allows you to skip the queue.
The terms you read below apply ONLY to tickets and tours from Getyourguide.com.
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so if you change your mind, you won’t lose anything (this doesn’t apply to tickets bought from the official ticketing Knossos site).
Another advantage is the option to pay later, so you can reserve now and decide later.
The tours typically last 1.5 hours with an English-speaking guide, though tours in other languages are available.
With the same ticket, you can also visit the Heraklion Museum later. Check the available times to see what suits you best.
Check out this tour with over 968 ratings and a 4.8/5 rating. Click here on Getyourguide.com.
What Else to Know – Knossos Palace Tickets
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of places for coffee or a meal, with cafes and restaurants to relax in after your visit.
For souvenir fans, there are shops selling everything from postcards to miniature replicas of antiquities.
Be aware, prices might be a bit high, but it’s worth a look.
Don’t just stay at the palace when visiting Knossos. Nearby, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is filled with treasures.
Take a compo ticket for Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum Click Here from €23
If you have time, explore the old city of Heraklion, with its narrow streets and rich history.
Nature lovers should not miss Rouvas Gorge or Kokkinos Pyrgos. And for a beach day, Ammoudara is nearby.
I hope your trip to Knossos is a wonderful adventure back in time.
A Final Note – Knossos Palace Tickets
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