Chania to Heraklion to see Knossos

by Ron C
(Philadelphia)

Hi, we arrive Chania 12/09 at 3:00 PM and depart Heraklion on 15/09 at 9:45 AM to Santorini via Hellenic.

Should we rent a car since we want to stop at Knossos on the way to Heraklion? Does a bus stop at Knossos on the way?

Thank you.

Chania to Heraklion & Knossos

Hi Ron,

Chania town is located in the north-west of the island. Heraklion town is located in the central north of the island. Knossos is located 5 km to the south-east of Heraklion town.

The local bus from Chania to Heraklion does not pass through Knossos. As you are departing Heraklion at 9.45am on the morning of 15th of September, this does not give you enough time to see Knossos Palace archaeological site on that day. We suggest at least two hours to see this beautiful site. Perhaps you need to see it on the 14th Sep.

Take the Bus
There is a local bus to take from Heraklion town to Knossos, however you may consider a day tour or a half day tour. To visit Knossos via the local bus, buy a ticket at a little kiosk, they are located on the street side, there is one near the Liondaria fountain in the centre of town, and the bus to Knossos leaves from near there, opposite the Loggia, at regular intervals throughout the day. It is Heraklion bus number 2 KNOSSOS. This bus stop is on 25 August Street. See the local bus information at www.astiko-irakleiou.gr or simply check at your hotel before your departure. The duration is 20 to 30 minutes depending on the traffic and the cost is under 3 Euro each.

Take a Tour
To get a local tour with a guide, which will include pick up and drop off at your hotel, see our tours info here...

Hire A Car
It is not really necessary to hire a car just to get to Knossos from Heraklion, as shown above, but if you wish to hire a car to drive along the beautiful north coast from Chania to Rethymnon then to Heraklion and Knossos, see our hire car info here...

Accommodation in Heraklion
For accommodation you may consider the Lato Hotel in central Heraklion because it is close to both the bus station and the port where you will depart to Santorini.

Your itinerary might look something like this...

Day One - 12 Sep
Arrive Chania
Stay Chania Old Town
Stay Mama Nena Hotel

Day Two - 13 Sep
Bus or drive Chania to Rethymnon 65 km
Stay Rethymnon Old Town
Stay Casa Moazzo

Day Three - 14 Sep
Bus or drive Rethymnon to Heraklion 80 km
Visit Knossos Palace
Stay Heraklion
Stay Lato Hotel

Day Four - 15 Sep
Depart Heraklion 9.45am for Santorini

Information pages that may help with your holiday planning:

Getting Around in Crete

Local Buses in Crete – Info

Chania Town

Rethymnon Town

Heraklion Town

Knossos Info here

Tips for Visiting Knossos Palace

Santorini Info here

Kalo Taxidi! Bon Voyage!