An exhaust port timing control apparatus for a two-cycle engine includes a control valve which is moved upward and downward in the linear direction across an exhaust port by moving the control valve slidably and rotatably around a supporting axis. The control valve is operated by rotating a pivot provided at an end portion of the control valve. Since the control valve moves linearly, the clearance between the control valve and the exhaust port can be kept very small, whereby the leakage of gas out of the cylinder can be minimized and consequently an accurate exhaust port timing control and a stable engine operation are achieved.