How to go to the Keukenhof from Amsterdam

Every spring, one of the most visited gardens in the world opens its gates about 35 kilometers outside Amsterdam and disappears again eight weeks later. If you are visiting the Netherlands between March and May, Keukenhof is worth building your day around.

What is the Keukenhof

the world’s largest tulip garden, with over seven million bulbs planted by hand every autumn across 32 hectares of landscaped grounds in Lisse, a small town in the heart of the Dutch bulb-growing region.

The name Keukenhof translates as “kitchen garden” — a reference to the 15th-century estate that occupied the land before the flower park was established. The park opened in 1949 when a group of Dutch flower growers decided to use the grounds as a showcase for their bulb varieties and it has run every spring since. In 2026, Keukenhof is open daily from 19 March to 10 May. Yes, only 53 days a year.

Beyond the tulips, the park contains the largest sculpture garden in the Netherlands, spectacular indoor flower shows in the pavilions, a windmill, ponds and 15 kilometres of walking trails. For children, there is a petting zoo, a maze, a Miffy playground and a free scavenger hunt available at the entrance. The average visit is about three to four hours, but you can stay until closing if you want to!

The easiest way to get there: Hop-on Hop-off Holland shuttle bus

By direct shuttle bus, it takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic. By public transport with a connection, it takes closer to 1.5 hours. By car via the A4 or A44, about 30 to 40 minutes outside rush hour.

The fastest and easiest way to get there from Amsterdam is the direct shuttle bus from This Is Holland, located near Centraal Station. Buses depart every 30 minutes throughout the day and take you directly to the Keukenhof entrance without transfers or navigation.

You can book two ways. A transfer-only ticket if you already have a Keukenhof entrance ticket, or a combined transfer and entrance ticket that covers everything in one booking. The combined option is the most convenient and often the best value, since it guarantees your timeslot entry without having to book separately on Keukenhof’s own website.

Book online in advance. Keukenhof works with date and time-slot entry, and popular dates – specially weekends in April and the Flower Parade day – sell out weeks ahead. Walk-in availability at the door is limited and cannot be relied upon in peak season.

Tips for a better visit

• 🗓️ Mid-April is the sweet spot for tulips. The tulips reach full bloom from mid to late April, this is the most colourful and photographable window of the season. Earlier in the season you’ll see crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths; later, the larger tulip varieties come through. Every week of the season is different.
• 🕘 Go as early as possible. The park is generally quieter before 10:30 in the morning. The first and last hours of the day give you the best light for photos! 📸.
• ❗️Avoid the Flower Parade day. In 2026, the Bloemencorso Flower Parade takes place on 18 April. The parade route passes directly besides the garden, which means the roads, the buses and the park itself are significantly busier than any other day of the season. If you want to see the parade, plan specifically for it. If you want to see Keukenhof without the crowds, avoid that weekend entirely.
• 🗓️ Weekdays are significantly quieter. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently have the lowest visitor numbers. Saturdays in April are the busiest days of the entire season.
• 🥪 You can bring your own lunch. Food and drinks are available inside the park at the pavilion restaurants and cafés throughout the day. However, you are allowed to bring your own food, which can be ideal if you are vegan, have dietary requirements, or simply want to find a spot on the grass and eat without queuing.
• 👟 Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes. The paths are paved throughout the main garden, but the ground around the outer areas can get muddy after rain. Spring in the Netherlands is unpredictable! bring a light waterproof layer regardless of the forecast.
• 💐The tulip fields are outside the park. The iconic rows of colour in the surrounding fields are not inside Keukenhof itself. f you want to visit them, we recommend cycling. However, don’t step in a field without consent! the flowers in fields are mostly to sell, if you step on them you are damaging the product.

Practical information