Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion Bus Tours

All top attractions covered
All top attractions covered
Regular schedules, unlimited rides
Regular schedules, unlimited rides
Last-minute availability, instant confirmation
Last-minute availability, instant confirmation
























Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Heraklion Venetian Fortress on the waterfront under a blue sky.
Lion fountain detail in Heraklion, Crete, on a sightseeing bus tour.
Visitors exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Beach with sun loungers and umbrellas in Heraklion, Crete, with mountains in the background.
Heraklion marina with yachts and cityscape, part of the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Heraklion Venetian Fortress on the waterfront under a blue sky.
Lion fountain detail in Heraklion, Crete, on a sightseeing bus tour.
Visitors exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Beach with sun loungers and umbrellas in Heraklion, Crete, with mountains in the background.
Heraklion marina with yachts and cityscape, part of the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Heraklion Venetian Fortress on the waterfront under a blue sky.
Lion fountain detail in Heraklion, Crete, on a sightseeing bus tour.
Visitors exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Beach with sun loungers and umbrellas in Heraklion, Crete, with mountains in the background.
Heraklion marina with yachts and cityscape, part of the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour.
4.2(214)

Sights of Athens: Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

from
€20
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change

Flexible duration
Audio guide
Routes
FREQUENCYOnce every hour
FIRST DEPARTUREHotel Candia Maris Resort at 10:00 AM
LAST DEPARTUREHotel Candia Maris Resort at 6:00 PM
Timeline
Map

1. Hotel Candia Maris Resort

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1 attraction
Ammoudara Beach

Ammoudara Beach

3 minutes walk

2. Agapi Beach Hotel

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1 attraction

Almyros Wetland

5 minutes walk

3. Technopolis Cinema Center

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1 attraction

Ellinoperamata Beach

5 minutes walk

4. Dolphin Bay Hotel

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1 attraction

Museum of Local Art and Agricultural History

7 minutes walk

5. Departure Point - Hotel Apollonia Beach Resort & Spa

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6. Archaeological Museum Maleviziou

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FREQUENCYEvery 30 minutes
FIRST DEPARTUREPort Station - Cruise Terminal at 9:00 AM
LAST DEPARTUREPort Station - Cruise Terminal at 6:00 PM
Timeline
Map

1. Port Station - Cruise Terminal

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2. Fitaki Megaron

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1 attraction
Eleftherias Square (Platia Eleftherias)

Eleftherias Square (Platia Eleftherias)

4 minutes walk

3. Koules Fortress (Venetian Castle "Koules")

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4. Vasiliki St. Petros

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1 attraction
Historical Museum of Crete

Historical Museum of Crete

1 minute walk

5. Natural History Museum

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6. Haniporta (N. Plastira)

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1 attraction

Venetian Walls Walking Path (West Section)

2 minutes walk

7. Kazantzakis Grave

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1 attraction

Martinengo Bastion Viewpoint

8. Gate of Jesus

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1 attraction

Jesus Bastion

1 minute walk

9. Archaeological Site of Knossos

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1 attraction
Darwin Railway Club

Darwin Railway Club

2 minutes walk

10. Hotel Galaxy

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11. Archaeological Museum

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1 attraction

1866 Street Central Market

3 minutes walk

12. Athina

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Make your cruise stopover count with a 1+1-day bus pass covering 18 of Heraklion’s top highlights!

  • Heraklion's history-packed streets are yours to explore with a 1-day hop-on hop-off pass, and one extra day free to keep you exploring!
  • Two routes, 18 stops, unlimited hops! From the heart of Heraklion to beachside Ammoudara, this bus tour runs every 30-60 minutes.
  • Heraklion's secrets, told in your language! With 8 languages, the audio guides turn sights into stories from the ultimate viewpoint of an open-top bus.
  • See sights like the Archaeological Museum with its ancient art, the Venetian Castle Koules staring at the sea, and the wreckage of Knossos Palace.

Make your cruise stopover count with a 1+1-day bus pass covering 18 of Heraklion’s top highlights!

  • Heraklion's history-packed streets are yours to explore with a 1-day hop-on hop-off pass, and one extra day free to keep you exploring!
  • Two routes, 18 stops, unlimited hops! From the heart of Heraklion to beachside Ammoudara, this bus tour runs every 30-60 minutes.
  • Heraklion's secrets, told in your language! With 8 languages, the audio guides turn sights into stories from the ultimate viewpoint of an open-top bus.
  • See sights like the Archaeological Museum with its ancient art, the Venetian Castle Koules staring at the sea, and the wreckage of Knossos Palace.

Inclusions

  • 1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass + 1 day free
  • Access to Heraklion & Ammoudara routes
  • Audio guide in English, Greek, Russian, German, Spanish, Italian, French & Hebrew
  • Free earphones & map

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Hop-on hop-off tour - Heraklion line
Moving from mighty Venetian fortresses and ancient museums to hilltop graves, city gates, and the legendary Palace of Knossos, this line blends bustling markets, seaside stones, and timeless mythology into one vivid sweep of Heraklion’s past and present.

  • Popular stops: Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, Venetian Castle Koules, Kazantzakis Grave, Natural History Museum, Gate Of Jesus, Port

Hop-on hop-off tour - Ammoudara line
This route drifts along the coastline like a sunny postcard, passing beachfront resorts, breezy promenades, and the golden stretch of Ammoudara Beach. It’s a relaxed, sea-soaked ride dotted with modern culture spots and soft Mediterranean light.

  • Popular stops: Hotel Dolphin, Technopolis, Agapi Beach Hotel, Port, Fitaki Megaron

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your guide dogs are welcome onboard.

Additional information

  • Baggage is allowed onboard.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Knossos Palace interior and Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus tour in Crete, Greece.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Knossos Palace interior and Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus tour in Crete, Greece.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
Knossos Palace interior and Heraklion hop-on hop-off bus tour in Crete, Greece.
Guests exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace in Crete.
Family exploring Knossos Palace ruins in Crete, Greece.
Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off bus with tourists near a cruise ship.
Tourists enjoying Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with sea view and map.
Knossos Palace frescoes and ruins in Crete, Greece, with visitors exploring the site.
Knossos Palace fresco with dolphins and geometric patterns, Crete archaeological site.
Antique Minoan vases with rope patterns at Knossos palace ruins in Greece.
Heraklion tourists discussing with guide near Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Group of tourists at Heraklion harbor with Venetian fortress in the background.
4.2(1,237)

Combo (Save 8%): Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets + Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

from €47
€43.37

8% off

Audio guide

Get fast-track access to Knossos Palace with a bus drop-off nearby & see 18 Heraklion gems on a 2-day bus tour.

  • Step back in time with priority access to the Knossos Palace, where the 3700-year-old ruins tell tales of Europe's oldest city.
  • Stroll through the legendary Knossos Palace and discover its treasures, including the famous Prince of the Lilies fresco and the Snake Goddess statues.
  • Hit 18 prime spots like the sun-kissed beaches of Ammoudara, and the Venetian Castle Koules for 1 day of unlimited bus rides and 1 day for free!
  • Discover Heraklion's secrets aboard an open-top bus tour with 8-language audio guides, free earphones & maps that turn sights into stories.

Get fast-track access to Knossos Palace with a bus drop-off nearby & see 18 Heraklion gems on a 2-day bus tour.

  • Step back in time with priority access to the Knossos Palace, where the 3700-year-old ruins tell tales of Europe's oldest city.
  • Stroll through the legendary Knossos Palace and discover its treasures, including the famous Prince of the Lilies fresco and the Snake Goddess statues.
  • Hit 18 prime spots like the sun-kissed beaches of Ammoudara, and the Venetian Castle Koules for 1 day of unlimited bus rides and 1 day for free!
  • Discover Heraklion's secrets aboard an open-top bus tour with 8-language audio guides, free earphones & maps that turn sights into stories.

Inclusions

Knossos Palace

  • Entry to Knossos Palace (near Stop #9 on Heraklion route)
  • Online audio guide for Heraklion city

Heraklion hop-on hop-off tour

  • 1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass + 1-day free by Sights of Athens
  • Access to Heraklion & Ammoudara routes
  • Audio guide in English, Greek, Russian, German, Spanish, Italian, French & Hebrew
  • Free earphones & map

Please click here for a detailed map and boarding points.
You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Hop-on hop-off tour - Heraklion line

  • First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Port Station - Cruise Terminal)
  • Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Port Station - Cruise Terminal)
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • Popular stops: Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, Venetian Castle Koules

Hop-on hop-off tour - Ammoudara line

  • First bus: 11am from stop #1 (Apollonia Hotel)
  • Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Apollonia Hotel)
  • Frequency: Every 60 minutes
  • Popular stops: Hotel Dolphin, Technopolis, Agapi Beach Hotel

What to bring

Knossos Palace

  • Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip, because the ancient stones are uneven and slippery.
  • Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you're travelling during the summer months.

What's not allowed

Knossos Palace

  • Flash photography is not permitted inside reconstructed areas of the palace.
  • Travel light, as there are restrictions on large bags at the venue.

Accessibility

Knossos Palace

  • The site is partially wheelchair-accessible, with a ramped pathway available at the main entrance.

Heraklion hop-on hop-off tour

  • The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your guide dogs are welcome onboard.

Additional information

Heraklion hop-on hop-off tour

  • Baggage is allowed onboard.

Concession eligibility

  • Children and young people (EU citizens): Individuals up to 25 years old from EU member states are entitled to free admission upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
  • Children and young people (Non-EU citizens): Individuals up to 18 years old from Non EU member states are entitled to free admission upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
  • Senior citizens: Individuals over 65 years old from Greece or other EU member states are eligible for a reduced admission fee upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
  • Persons with disabilities: Individuals with an 80% disability or more, regardless of nationality, and one escort (if applicable) can access free admission upon presenting a valid disability certificate along with their ID or passport.
  • Greek citizens (special categories): Greek families with many children (with children up to 25 years old, or any age if they have disabilities) are eligible for free admission upon presenting a valid large family certificate and disability certificate (if applicable). Greek unemployed citizens can also receive free admission with a valid unemployment card and ID.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

What is the Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off tour?

Heraklion is a lively port city that blends ancient Minoan myths, Venetian walls and fortresses, buzzing markets and easy access to the sea, so it can feel like a lot to take in on a short trip. A Hop-on Hop-off bus tour lets you glide between big hitters like Knossos, the Archaeological Museum and Koules fortress without stressing over buses, taxis or parking. You get two routes on this Heraklion bus tour, frequent rides, open-top views and an audio guide in multiple languages, so you can jump off where it looks interesting, explore at your own pace, then hop back on and keep connecting the dots of the city in one relaxed, sun-soaked loop.

Why the Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion bus tour just makes sense

Skip the taxi shuffle

Taxi prices add up fast, and you still have to explain where you are going. With the Hop-on Hop-off, you don’t have to research what to see in Heraklion, because the bus tour covers all the main sights!

See the hits without getting lost

Heraklion’s highlights are spread out, and the streets can be confusing. The Heraklion sightseeing tour follows a ready-made loop across 18 must-see sights, so you simply ride, hop off, explore and hop back on.

Built-in guide on wheels

Renting a car or using local buses rarely tells you what you are looking at. The Heraklion bus tour comes with audio commentary, so the ruins, harbor, and neighborhoods actually make sense.

Budget-friendly, time-smart

Car hire, fuel, parking, and random buses eat time and money. One pass gives unlimited rides on the Heraklion bus tour, so you cover more ground without torching your holiday budget.

Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion tour is a great choice for

History buffs on a mission

If you’re here for the Minoans, all you need to do is take the Heraklion city tour, hop off at Knossos and the Archaeological Museum, soak up thousands of years of civilisation, then ride on without missing a beat.

Families with curious kids

Little legs tire fast, but open-top Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off bus rides feel like an adventure. Cruise to Koules Fortress, let them spot ships in the harbor, and keep everyone happy.

First-timers getting their bearings

If you’re wondering what to see in Heraklion, the bus loops past the old town, Venetian walls, and waterfront, giving you a full picture before you decide where to wander deeper.

Cruise visitors watching the clock

Port time is precious. Skip the taxi queue, jump on the Heraklion Hop-on Hop-off tour near the harbor, and tick off Lions Square, the market, and city highlights without stressing about getting back late.

Discovering Heraklion with Sights of Athens Hop-on Hop-off tours

This open-top Heraklion sightseeing tour rolls through Heraklion's greatest hits in one easygoing loop, blending ancient Minoan heritage, Venetian architecture, and seaside charm without the hassle of maps or parking. The Heraklion city tour line focuses on city landmarks and archaeological treasures, while the Ammoudara line stretches out to sandy beaches and resort areas if you fancy a swim between sightseeing stops. Whether you are a history buff chasing Minoan legends, a family looking for an easy day out, or a cruise visitor racing the clock, this tour packages all the essentials into a stress-free ride.

Heraklion line

  • Ideal for: History lovers, first-time visitors, cruise passengers, and families wanting a complete city overview.
  • Popular stops: Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum, Koules Fortress, Nikos Kazantzakis Grave, Natural History Museum, Jesus Gate​
  • Timings:
    - First bus: 9am from the Port Station - Cruise Terminal
    - Last bus: 6pm from the Port Station - Cruise Terminal
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes​
  • Stops: 12​
  • Full loop duration: Approx. 80 minutes​

Ammoudara line

  • Ideal for: Beach lovers, resort guests staying along the coast, and travelers wanting a mix of city sights and seaside relaxation.
  • Popular stops: Apollonia Hotel, Hotel Dolphin, Technopolis, Agapi Beach Hotel, Fitaki Megaron, Ammoudara Beach​
  • Timings:
    - First bus: 11am from Hotel Candia Maris Resort
    - Last bus: 6pm from Hotel Candia Maris Resort
  • Frequency: Every 60 minutes​
  • Stops: 6​
  • Full loop duration: Approx. 35 minutes 

How to book Hop-on Hop-off tickets

Step 1: Choose your tour

Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.

Step 2: Book your tickets

Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal, credit/debit card, or iDEAL.

Step 3: Check your email

Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.

Step 4: Download the operator’s app

Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.

Step 5: Hop-on & explore!

Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your adventure!

Tips to make the best of your Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion tour

  • Catch the first Heraklion bus tour around 9am if you want Knossos to yourself, because by mid-morning, the cruise ship crowds and school groups start flooding in.​
  • Sit on the upper deck for open-air views and better photos, but put on some sunscreen and bring a hat because the Cretan sun can be intense.​
  • Start with the full loop without hopping off so you can scout what interests you, then do a second round and get off at the spots that caught your eye.​
  • If you are arriving on a cruise, skip the port taxi queue and just walk to the Hop-on Hop-off stop outside the port, where buses run more reliably.​
  • Wear comfortable shoes because every time you hop off, you will end up walking on cobblestones, uneven ancient ruins, or marble streets.​
  • Bring a bottle of water with you since Knossos and the old town get dusty and warm, and you will not always find a vendor nearby.​
  • Do not try to rush through Knossos in 30 minutes; give it at least 90 minutes to two hours so you actually absorb what you are looking at.​
  • Take advantage of the free city map that comes with your ticket so you can wander confidently once you hop off in the old town, especially if you’re clueless about what to see in Heraklion.​
  • Lions Square is the perfect pit stop for a cold coffee or a snack, and from there you can easily walk to Market Street and the harbor.​
  • If you want beaches and city sights in one day, use both the Heraklion and Ammoudara lines since your ticket covers both routes.​

Frequently asked questions about Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion tour

How long is my Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion ticket valid for?

Your Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion ticket is valid for one full day of unlimited travel from first use, plus you get an extra day free.​

Can I use my Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion ticket on both bus routes?

Yes, one ticket gives you access to both the Heraklion red line and the Ammoudara blue line at no extra charge.​

Do I need to book or reserve a seat in advance on the Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion tour?

No reservation is required; you can simply show up at any stop and board the next bus that arrives.​

How often do the Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion buses run?

The red Heraklion line runs every 20 to 30 minutes, while the blue Ammoudara line runs every 60 minutes.​

What time do the first and last buses depart?

The red line starts at 9am from the port, and the last bus leaves at 6pm, the blue line runs from 11am to 6pm.​

Does the Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion bus stop near Knossos Palace?

Yes, there is a dedicated stop at the Knossos archaeological site, though entrance tickets are sold separately.​

What languages is the audio guide available in?

The audio commentary is available in eight languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Russian, and Hebrew.​

Is the Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion bus wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes, the buses are wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are also welcome onboard.

Are children allowed on the Hop-on Hop-off Heraklion bus tour, and do they need tickets?

Children under 5 travel free, children aged 5 to 15 need a child ticket, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.​

Do I need to validate my Heraklion bus tour ticket every time I board?

Yes, it is mandatory to scan the QR code on your ticket at the validator when boarding the Hop-on Hop-off bus each time.​