Family cycling through flower fields in the Netherlands

Amsterdam to Keukenhof Transport and Best Time to Visit

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

Giant clog sculpture among the flowers at Keukenhof

Keukenhof opens to the general public between March and May every year. Dates vary a little year on year but, in general, we’re talking roughly March 21 to May 12. During this period, the gardens open daily from 8AM-7.30PM, with half hourly entry slots available to book in advance here.

The best time to visit kind of depends on your point of view. If you’re looking to dodge the larger crowds, the official website recommends pitching up on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday when the gardens are at their quietest, though bear in mind it’s all relative and you’re unlikely to have completely unobstructed views of the exhibits at any time. Arrive before 10.30am or after 4pm for some of the least busy times and for Insta-perfect snaps courtesy of that special morning and evening light.

Colorful tulips at Keukenhof

The flowers themselves bloom when they’re ready. That means daffs, crocuses, hyacinths and some types of tulip will be at their best early in the season while others, like the bigger tulip varieties, bloom later.

Keukenhof’s visitor numbers peak during the Easter holidays and in April, when you’re most likely to catch the largest selection of bulbs in full flower. There’s also a one-day flower parade in the middle of the month, when beautiful floats crammed with fragrant flowers weave their way along a 42-kilometer route between Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing Keukenhof along the way. While obviously a great time to be at Keukenhof, this does mean multiple road closures, and its recommended you’re in the park by 11am on the day of the parade. Discover more about the flower festival and parade here.

How to Get to Keukenhof

Train pulling out of Amsterdam Centraal Station

There’s a bewildering variety of Amsterdam to Keukenhof transport options, from straightforward coach-and-ticket packages to going it alone on two wheels. We break down the options below.

Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Coach

This is hands-down the most straightforward way of getting to Keukenhof from Amsterdam and it doesn’t take a Googling genius to discover that there are almost as many tour operators offering coach+entry packages as there are tulips in the bulb fields. It’s also an option to book direct via the official Keukenhof website, here. Prices are competitive, too. You’ll only pay a premium of around €2 (vs paying for your transport and ticket separately) for the priceless privilege of having someone else do all the organizing for you. All you have to do then is pitch up at the departure point (RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre) on time, and you’re good to go. It’s also worth noting that this is the only way to travel direct from central Amsterdam to Keukenhof via public transport as all other options require a combination of train and bus.

There’s a coach+entry package included with the Go City Amsterdam attraction pass, which can save you money if you’re in town for a few days and plan to avail yourself of several tours, attractions and other activities, such as an Amsterdam canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum, and Madame Tussauds. Find out more about the Amsterdam pass here.

Keukenhof Windmill in a sea of tulips

Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Public Transport

There are a couple of other ways to get to Keukenhof via Amsterdam’s reliable public transport system, depending where you’re traveling from. These include Keukenhof express buses from Schiphol Airport, Leiden and Haarlem, again available via the Keukenhof website. Alternatively, savvy travelers can save a euro or two by catching the 397 bus from the city center and connecting to the Keukenhof express bus at Hoofddorp, the cheapest way to make the journey.

Colorful flower fields in the Netherlands

Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Car

If you want to beat the morning crowds, having your own set of wheels will definitely give you the edge over your fellow flower fanatics. The 40-minute drive to Keukenhof, sandwiched between Amsterdam and The Hague, is a fairly straightforward one, and the gardens are of course well signposted. However, there’s a reason most Amsterdammers favor getting around on two wheels (or indeed legs). Parking in the city comes at a premium and it’s very easy to rack up an eye-watering bill if you have a rental car for even a few days – all of which assumes you can find a parking spot in the first place. In happier news, it's possible to pre-book a parking spot for your visit to Keukenhof via the official website, for a relatively acceptable €7.

Bike parked next to an Amsterdam canal

Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Bike

The Netherlands is one of the world’s best countries for cycling, with an excellent infrastructure and relatively flat landscape that makes it easy and convenient to bike to most destinations. There are 400km of lanes in Amsterdam alone, where driving is positively discouraged and most of the population gets around on two wheels.

That said, it’s around 25 miles from Amsterdam to Keukenhof so this option is really only for those with a working knowledge of Dutch road regulations, who are also fit and healthy enough to make the journey there and back. It’s well worth doing though: the experience of arriving in the sensory saturnalia that is the Keukenhof flower fields, the air heavy with the scent of a million blooming tulips, crocuses, orchids (and the rest), is not one you’ll forget in a hurry. There are plenty of bike rental stores dotted around Amsterdam and your hotel may also operate its own rental service.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Amsterdam in February

Those harboring some winter wanderlust may find Amsterdam in February to be the ideal trip to scratch that itch. Offering all of the city’s best gems without the summertime or festive season crowds, February serves as a fantastic time to experience the Dutch capital at its most genuine. Just be prepared to dress for the weather! Visiting Amsterdam in February Average Temperature: 31 – 45°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day If you’re looking to visit Amsterdam in its true low season, this is the time for it. Amsterdam in February sees some of its lowest tourism rates of the year, owing to the natural absence of peak-season travelers and the European winter chill. That can be a huge boon for those looking to get their fill of Dutch delights. Amsterdam’s core attractions are evergreen – think picturesque canals, cultural hubs and nightlife – which means the city is never truly without its crowds. 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Once the home where the famous Jewish wartime diarist managed to evade capture, the site now serves as both a museum to her life and writings and a monument to the endurance of discriminated groups throughout the darkest time in recent European history. Events in February Carnival The one exception to the Netherlands’ tranquility in February is Carnival. Originally a pagan celebration held in the lead-up to Lent, the modern-day festival began in Italy and spread to the likes of Spain, Portugal, France and, of course, the Netherlands. While primarily only recognized in the majority-Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, smaller events can be found dotted around the country. For all its religious symbolism, Carnival is anything but a modest celebration. Over the course of several days in mid- to late-February, a number of major Dutch cities engage in all-out city-wide street parties. The event is usually kicked off with some form of ceremony, often involving the burning of an effigy and a speech by the so-called Prince of Carnival and other local authorities. The largest celebration is held in Maastricht, which sees thousands of visitors flock from around the country and even the continent for up to a week of day drinking and partying. Other major events take place in Den Bosch, Breda, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Enschede, though the exact dates of celebrations may differ between locations. Although Amsterdam itself doesn’t typically engage in Carnival celebrations, you’re still likely to find some localized parties and events throughout the city. But for the true Carnival experience, make your way to a participating city in your choice of fancy dress and prepare for the street party of the year. All of the above cities are reachable within a few hours by train – though be aware that public transport will be jam-packed on festival days. 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Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal
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Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Looking to visit Amsterdam? Take a look at our recommendations for the best time to plan a trip.
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cube housing
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Best Day Trips From Amsterdam

Greed. Gordon Gecko said it was good. We'd argue he was right, but not for the same reasons. See, sometimes it's good to be greedy for more. But not money. No, we're talking about the greed and need for experiences. Prepare for the segue, because we're talking about journeying outside of Amsterdam and discovering the wonders that lie beyond. Did that make sense? Not really. Will our guide to the best day trips from Amsterdam open your mind and blow your socks off? Quite possibly. Read on, and discover the hidden - and not so hidden - gems that lie a short trip from Amsterdam's shores! Including: Zaanse Shans Edam Keukenhof Gardens Brussels Rotterdam and more! Windmills, glorious windmills Let's kick things off with a blast from the past. Zaanse Shans is a village stuck in time, transporting visitors back to the pre-industrial days. Simpler times, for sure, but certainly more arduous. While it may appear that Zaanse Shans is a giant, open-air museum, it is, in fact, a community. So don't go prodding any life-like statues; those are people. Just a fifteen-minute train from Centraal Station, this charming village is full of explorable windmills, museums, and shops where you can pick up authentic cheeses, grains, and condiments milled on-site. On top of that, Zaanse Shans is simply a beautiful travel destination brimming with photo opportunities. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Zaanse Schans Card, which gives you access to all the good stuff for one low price. Plus, you can see everything in about half a day, giving you more time to make the most of your Amsterdam vacation! Alternatively, take a bus tour of Zaanse Schans and the surrounding towns to sate your rustic fix in a single day! So, if you're looking to take your foot of the gas and relax, it's one of the best day trips from Amsterdam! A bit cheesy Next on our tour of fun beyond Amsterdam's walls is a town famous for its biggest export - Edam. Yes, Edam isn't just a cheese; it's a cheese named after the town that birthed it! Just a 30-minute drive, or a 40-minute train trip north of the city, you'll find this delightfully rustic town, cloaked in medieval brick and mortar. You'll only need a short stay to see everything, as it isn't exactly a tourist hotspot. However, the cobbled streets, centuries-old bridges, and aforementioned medieval decor do make it a breath of fresh air after staying in the Netherlands' biggest city. On every Wednesday over the summer, Edam holds a cheese market that attracts connoisseurs from far and wide, so plan your trip appropriately and go sample the town's crumbly delights! If you want a more curated experience, why not take a bus tour from the city that will let you hit up all the rustic glory of Amsterdam's satellite towns in a single day? Tulip Town If you want some of the most romantic sights in the country, head to Keukenhof. Famous for its rolling fields of colorful tulips, it welcomes nearly one million people every year. A 30-minute drive, or bus tour from the city, Keukenhof boasts the biggest flower garden on the planet. Comprising over a million bulbs, you'll see all sorts of beautiful flowers alongside tulips, such as hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers. If you take the bus tour, you'll have the chance to explore the fields on foot as you wander along 15km of footpaths. Many gardens make up Keukenhof, with each representing different landscapes across the globe. English, Japanese, and Dutch are just some of the many on display. Keukenhof is well worth a visit if you want to squeeze a bit more beauty out of your vacation! Brussels Now, you may be wondering why Brussels is on this list. Isn't it in Belgium, after all? Well, yes, it is. But the beauty of Amsterdam is that you're a stone's throw from the border! Brussels is a beautiful city, with its mix of medieval and modern, the abundance of cafes, bars, and museums, and plenty of other things to do too. It is a 2-hour train ride from Centraal Station, so you'll want to make the most of it. However, if you want to cram your vacation full of as many sights and sounds as possible, why not make the trip? While English isn't as ubiquitous in Brussels as it is in Amsterdam, you'll still be able to fumble your way through food and drink orders if necessary. Just point at the menu and give a thumbs up. Or don't do that, and maybe learn the basics you need to get about and try your best. It's entirely up to you. As it's a long trip, plan ahead and make sure you know what to do when you get there. The last thing you want is to waste your precious time coming up with an itinerary on the fly! Rotterdam is anywhere? Amsterdam's growing sibling, Rotterdam is well worth a trip if you want to see something new. A mix of old and new like much of the Netherlands, it's a picturesque place with plenty to do and see. Rotterdam is home to the largest harbor in Europe, so why not take a tour by sea and see it from a different perspective? You'll also find a bunch of places to eat, drink, and shop, and a heap of museums if you want to learn more about the city's history. For the architecturally-minded, you'll be fascinated by the Cube Houses (or Kubuswoningen). These lob-sided square houses need to be seen to be believed. And, if you're looking for tasty food in an awe-inspiring setting, head to Market Hall (or Makthal) and pick up something delicious. Hague. No, not William And finally, we end our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam with a journey to the center of the Dutch government. But don't worry, it's not all politics. The Hague has plenty for budding adventurers to explore. Take a 45-minute train from Amsterdam, or hop on a bus to tour the surroundings. See the famous Girl With the Pearl Earring up close at The Mauritshuis, stroll past the Peace Palace - where international law is presided over, and enter the topsy-turvy world of M.C Escher. Oh, and did we also mention there's a beach there? The Hague is also a stunning seaside town, so if the weather's good, go get your tan on! And that wraps up our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

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