To get to Knossos Palace from Heraklion, travel about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) southeast of the city center by taxi, bus, car, or organized private transfer, taking Leoforos Knossou (Knossos Avenue) directly to the archaeological site. Knossos Palace is the largest and most significant Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete, attracting over one million visitors annually and serving as the heart of Minoan civilization. According to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, modern transportation - bus number 2, taxis, private transfers, and car rentals—connect Heraklion and Knossos in 15 to 30 minutes, making access efficient for all types of travelers. As a leading destination for airport transfers in Crete, Knossos is often paired with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the site’s original frescoes and artifacts.
Knossos Palace’s exact location, available transportation options, parking, and useful maps are outlined below, followed by an overview of its historical, mythological, and archaeological importance. The guide highlights key differences between Knossos and other palatial sites such as Malia, Phaistos, and Zakros. It addresses the role of key archaeologists in uncovering Knossos, discusses the myths of King Minos and the Minotaur, and explains how modern visitor experiences connect to this ancient context. Throughout, the focus remains on ensuring efficient, private, and reliable transfers for every visitor seeking to explore the Knossos Palace and its surrounding heritage.
Knossos Palace airport transfer journeys in Crete are completed efficiently and reliably from Heraklion, reinforcing the value of airport transfer services for all travelers visiting Knossos Palace in Crete.
Knossos Palace is located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) southeast of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, in the suburb of Knossos. The site sits in a low valley bordered by Archanes’ fertile plains, accessible via Knossos Avenue. Knossos Palace is the most famous archaeological site in Crete and the primary hub of the ancient Minoan civilization, making it a central destination for visitors seeking archaeological and cultural experiences on the island.
According to the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, Knossos Palace occupies an area of 20,000 square meters and includes iconic features such as the Central Court, Throne Room, and the reconstructed North Entrance. The site’s location near Heraklion ensures straightforward logistics for airport transfers, private tours, and organized sightseeing.
Find below a table with the Knossos Palace Location Details.
| Attribute | Detail |
| Distance from Heraklion city center | 5 km (3.1 miles) southeast |
| Access road | Knossos Avenue (Leoforos Knossou) |
| Nearby airport | Heraklion Airport (6 km) |
| Region | Heraklion, Crete |
| Geographical features | Surrounded by low hills and fertile plains of Archanes |
| Significance | Main archaeological site of Minoan civilization |
The fastest and most practical ways to get to Knossos Palace from Heraklion include taking a taxi, using bus number 2, driving a rental car, walking, or booking a private transfer. Taxis cover the distance in under 15 minutes with typical fares between €10 and €15. Bus number 2 departs every 15 to 20 minutes from the main Heraklion bus terminal or Heraklion Archaeological Museum, with a journey time of 20 to 30 minutes and a fare between €1.50 and €2. Drivers reach Knossos in 10 to 15 minutes by heading south on Knossos Avenue. Walking from the city center to the palace takes about one hour along the same main road.
Experts from the University of Crete’s Department of History and Archaeology recommend using public transportation during peak summers to avoid parking congestion and traffic delays. Private transfers, widely offered by airport transfer services, are ideal for families or groups seeking convenience and direct pickup from Heraklion hotels or Heraklion Airport. Each of these options delivers a straightforward, reliable connection to Knossos Palace and integrates smoothly into visits that combine site exploration with returns to Heraklion or continuations to other Cretan destinations.
Yes, there is free parking available at Knossos Palace in multiple designated lots near the main entrance. The largest car park lies directly adjacent to the site and accommodates private cars, tour buses, and taxis. During busy periods, additional parking areas such as Knossos Parking and Pasiphae Parking provide overflow space, each within a 2 to 5-minute walk of the main entrance.
All official lots are monitored, and parking is generally secure, though visitors are advised not to leave valuables inside vehicles. Visitors arriving during peak season or midday may experience brief waiting times for parking spaces. Accessible parking is offered close to the site for wheelchair users.
Maps that help visitors navigate Knossos Palace include official site maps distributed at the entrance, downloadable digital maps from the Ministry of Culture’s website, and interactive mobile maps using QR codes visible at entry points. These maps detail major features such as the Central Court, Throne Room, North Lustral Basin, West Magazines, and Queen’s Megaron.
Popular digital resources such as Google Maps and specialized archaeological mapping apps further guide visitors between the entrance, main site sections, and notable artifacts. Some tours provide annotated maps or audio guides with integrated mapping, enhancing visitor orientation and understanding of the archaeological layout.
Knossos Palace is historically significant as the largest and most complex center of the Minoan civilization, serving as the political, religious, and economic hub of Bronze Age Crete between approximately 2000 BCE and 1350 BCE. Its multi-storied architecture, advanced infrastructure, and extensive storage facilities mark it as an early example of urban planning and palace organization in Europe. The site’s importance is amplified by its associations with Linear A writing, monumental frescoes, and the myth of King Minos.
According to Sir Arthur Evans, who led major excavations from 1900 onwards, Knossos revealed new insights into prehistoric European societies. The palace’s discovery transformed scholarly understanding of Cretan prehistory and positioned Knossos as a model for other palace-centered societies in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean.
The ruins of Knossos include the remains of a sprawling palatial complex covering over 20,000 square meters, featuring the Central Court, storerooms (magazines), the Throne Room, the Hall of the Double Axes, and ceremonial spaces like the Grand Staircase. The site preserves several levels of construction, with visible architecture from the Neolithic through Late Bronze Age periods. Restorations introduce reconstructions of the iconic red columns and vibrant frescoes, notably the Bull-Leaping Fresco and the Prince of the Lilies.
Key features visible on site are the West Magazines, South Propylaeum, Queen’s Megaron with the Dolphin Fresco, the North Lustral Basin, and the reconstructed North Entrance adorned by bull motifs. Much of the original decorative art found at Knossos now resides in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Knossos is the largest and most elaborate Minoan palace on Crete, with a footprint nearly triple that of other major sites such as Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros. While all Cretan palaces feature central courts and storerooms, Knossos stands out for its multi-story residential quarters, advanced drainage and water management systems, extensive fresco decoration, and complexity of layout.
The palace’s scale, artistic output, and evidence for administrative activities mark it as the preeminent center of Minoan civilization. In contrast, Phaistos and Malia provide complementary examples of Minoan architecture but lack the degree of urban development and restoration found at Knossos.
The modern history of Knossos Palace began in 1878 with the site’s discovery by Cretan antiquities dealer Minos Kalokairinos, who initiated the first excavations. Sir Arthur Evans, a British archaeologist, began systematic investigations in 1900, uncovering most of the existing architecture and applying restoration practices, including the reconstruction of walls and frescoes using concrete and artistic reproductions.
Controversy over the extent of Evans’s restorations remains a key theme in modern discussions of the site, as reconstructions blend original remains with conjectural rebuilding. Today, conservation science and historical research continue to shape preservation strategies for Knossos Palace. The palace is managed by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a protected heritage site and is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Knossos Palace is deeply connected to Greek mythology and major archaeological discoveries. The myths of King Minos, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur are set at Knossos, while the site’s excavations uncovered extraordinary remains of Minoan civilization. Archaeologists discovered storerooms filled with pottery, fragmentary frescoes, ritual basins, and early examples of Linear A script, deepening knowledge of Europe’s prehistoric cultures and their relationship with myth and legend.
The intertwining of myth and archaeology makes Knossos a unique site for cultural education and imaginative exploration, attracting scholars, tourists, and heritage professionals from around the world.
The main archaeologist involved with Knossos is Sir Arthur Evans, who led large-scale excavations from 1900 to 1931 and completed extensive restoration and documentation of the site. Prior to Evans, Minos Kalokairinos made the initial discovery in 1878, uncovering the West Wing. Evans’s work established the framework for modern study of Minoan civilization and coined the term “Minoan” from the legendary King Minos.
Evans’s influence extends to the site’s layout, interpretation, and global recognition. His decision to reconstruct major sections using reinforced concrete and commissioned frescoes remains controversial in archaeological circles.
The Labyrinth, in the context of Knossos Palace, refers to the mythical maze that housed the Minotaur, a creature said to be half-man and half-bull. According to Greek legend, King Minos ordered Daedalus to construct the Labyrinth beneath Knossos to imprison the Minotaur, which was ultimately slain by the Athenian hero Theseus. The story formed a key element of ancient Greek myth and allegory.
Archaeologists associate the complexity of Knossos’s architecture, with its maze-like corridors, storerooms, and passageways, as the inspiration for the Labyrinth myth. This link remains a draw for visitors who seek tangible connections to ancient Greek cultural narratives.
Visiting Knossos Palace connects visitors to its ancient context through direct exposure to the ruins, reconstructions, and landscape that shaped Minoan society, supported by expert guides, audio tours, and museum exhibitions. Knossos Palace, the top airport transfer destination for private and group tours in Crete, enables tourists to experience the heart of the Minoan civilization and see firsthand how ancient architecture inspired both historical and mythical traditions.
Immersive site interpretation, well-preserved artwork, and linkage to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum offer comprehensive perspectives on Cretan history and the regional significance of Knossos as the largest and most accessible Bronze Age palace in the eastern Mediterranean.
The best way to travel from Heraklion Airport to Knossos Palace is by taxi, especially for those seeking a convenient and hassle-free journey. Taxis are readily available at Heraklion Airport, and this mode of transportation offers several advantages. First and foremost, it provides a direct and swift transfer from the airport to Knossos Palace, taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This quick and efficient option particularly appeals to travellers who want to make the most of their time and avoid any potential delays associated with public transportation.
Additionally, taxis offer door-to-door service, which means visitors can be dropped off right at the entrance of Knossos Palace. This is especially advantageous for tourists who may not be familiar with the area or prefer not to navigate public transportation systems. Heraklion airport taxi also provide a comfortable and air-conditioned ride, offering relief from the Mediterranean heat and making the journey to the archaeological site more pleasant.
While the cost of a taxi may be slightly higher than public transportation options, its convenience, speed, and comfort make it the best choice for many travellers, especially those with limited time in Heraklion.
The taxi fare from Heraklion Airport to Knossos Palace typically ranges from 15 € ($16.50, £13.20) to 20 € ($22.00, £17.60), depending on factors such as the time of day, traffic conditions, and the specific taxi company. This price range represents a reasonable and affordable cost for the convenience and speed of a taxi journey, making it an attractive option for travelers looking to reach Knossos Palace without hassle.
The best way to travel from Chania Airport to Knossos Palace is by taxi. This choice is ideal for those seeking a hassle-free and time-efficient journey. While alternative options like buses and car rentals are available, taking a taxi offers a convenient and comfortable experience, especially for travellers with limited time or those carrying luggage.
Upon arrival at Chania Airport, visitors can easily locate a Chania airport taxi stand outside the terminal. Taxis are readily available, and the drivers are experienced in navigating the route to Knossos Palace. The journey typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours by taxi, depending on traffic conditions. This mode of transportation is particularly advantageous for travellers who value convenience and a direct transfer without the need for multiple stops or transfers. Moreover, taxis offer door-to-door service, ensuring that tourists are dropped off right at the entrance of Knossos Palace, saving the trouble of finding parking and walking long distances.
While taxis might be slightly more expensive compared to other options, they provide a comfortable and time-saving way to reach Knossos Palace. Visitors can sit back and relax during the scenic drive from Chania Airport to Heraklion, making it the best choice for those who want to maximise their time exploring this remarkable archaeological site.
The taxi cost from Chania Airport to Knossos Palace in Heraklion can vary depending on factors such as traffic conditions and the specific taxi service provider. The average fare for this approximately 2 to 2.5-hour journey ranges between 150 € ($162.45, £129.75) and 200 € ($216.60, £173.00).Travellers are advised to confirm the fare with the taxi driver or the service provider before commencing the journey to ensure transparency and avoid surprises. While taxis might be more expensive than other transportation options, they offer a convenient and direct transfer to Knossos Palace, making them a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and time-efficient journey.
