Amsterdam to Keukenhof: A Perfect Bucket List Day Trip for Tulips
This post is sponsored by I Amsterdam and Keukenhof Gardens who hosted our visit. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Major bucket list item alert! For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to see the tulips in The Netherlands. Since spring is the season for that and I was planning to head to Ireland and the United Kingdom in April, I excitedly added The Netherlands to my itinerary to include a day trip from Amsterdam to Keukenhof to fulfill this dream. Tulips, here I come!!!Subscribe to my YouTube for more travel videos!
Amsterdam to Keukenhof
While you can do a tour, I highly recommend going on your own. The benefits are that you can go when you want to avoid the crowds, get the best lighting for photos, and spend as much time as you want without the pressure of having to hurry. However, if you only like to do tours (I get it), then I recommend this one from Amsterdam to Keukenhof.
Amsterdam to Keukenhof On Your Own
Getting from Amsterdam to Keukenhof on your own is actually pretty easy thanks to the ARTT card. The Amsterdam Regional Transportation Ticket provides unlimited travel via bus, tram, train, and metro in Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. Cards can be purchased at I Amsterdam Visitor Centers and you can choose the card that fits your length of stay: 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72 hour.
Our Travel Route: Amsterdam to Keukenhof
We walked 25 minutes from our hotel on the west side of the city center to Amsterdam Centraal which is on the east side of the city center. We caught the 9:24 am train to Haarlem which was only a 15-minute ride (2 stops). At Haarlem, we followed the (well-labeled) signs to where the buses were parked and swiped out with our ARTT cards.
We found the 50 bus to Lisse and took it to the De Nachtegaal stop. This was earlier than I had planned on getting off, but the driver announced “Keukenhof” and there was a mass exodus so we followed suit. We could see it as soon as we got off and after a short 10-12 minute walk, we were standing at the entrance!
Travel Tips
Total transportation time was roughly just under an hour.
See this guide from Amsterdam to Haarlem complete with ARTT card options and downloadable map.
The card is activated on its first use and runs for the specified amount of time. You must scan in and out with your card each time. For example, scan the card to board the bus and scan again upon exiting the bus.
Keukenhof Gardens
About Keukenhof
Open only two months out of the entire year 😳, Keukenhof, which means “kitchen garden” in English, is 32 hectares (79 acres) of flowers. Over 7 million bulbs of 800 varieties of tulips bloom in these 79 acres. Let that sink in. And now you know why it’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens and known as “The Garden of Europe”.
Okay, snap out of it daydreamer. We’ll get to the visuals in a minute. It is just crazy to think that all of this hard work producing millions of flowers is only on display to the public for roughly 8 weeks!
It’s much more than just a flower park though. There are exhibits, flower shows and even activities for kids like treasure hunts and a petting farm.
Welcome to Keukenhof
We were finally here, at last! Let me tell you what…I was all kinds of excited at this point!
Since we arrived in the morning, there wasn’t a huge crowd…yet. Yet is the keyword here guys. I was dying to see the tulips, you are dying to see the tulips, we ALL want tulips. So yes, it does get crowded. Just keepin’ it real for ya! 😉
Exploring Keukenhof
I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to explore Keukenhof. We just decided to do ours counter-clockwise using the entrance as 12 on the clock. So after entering the gates, we headed to the right and worked our way around.
Get ready because from here on out, everywhere you turn there are the. most. gorgeous. flowers. !!!
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The Tulip Fields
After we hung a right, we basically made a beeline for the open fields where you can gaze out at this view.
Views of the tulip fields flying into Amsterdam from London
They are so colorful and make such a statement even from the sky! How cool is that to fly over? 😱
The Tulips of Keukenhof
Now, let’s talk for a second. I’m not a flower connoisseur. I can identify a lot of flowers, know how to plant a few winter and summer mixed beds (stop snickering Mom!) and I definitely have my favorites. But that’s where my knowledge of flowers stops. Beyond the above, I don’t speak flower. 💐🌷🌺
Where am I going with this? I know, I’d be asking that question too. My point is that I had ZERO idea that there were this many TYPES of tulips and that they all didn’t look like, well, classic tulips. 🌷 I saw tulips I would never have identified as a tulip. So not only were my eyes treated to beautiful scenery, but my brain was treated to a tulip education! 😂 See, Keukenhof is an educational experience! 😜
Okay, I’ll stop with the chitchat for a second and let you enjoy a small showcase of what you will see at Keukenhof. However, be sure not to miss the special features and tips that come below after the eye candy!
The Pinks
Right: “Joop”
Left: “Joop”
The Reds and Yellows
“Paradise City”
Left: Mix of “Crocus King of the Striped” & “Tulipa Parade” Middle: “Tulipa Parade”
“Tulipa Paradise City”
The Blues and Purples
The Orange and White
Left: “Tulipa Twilight Princess” Right: “Tulipa Stunning Star”
The Rainbow
Special Features
Keukenhof Windmill
There is a traditional Dutch windmill you can go up in for a better view of the fields.
This is also where you can take a boat trip along the canal of the tulip fields.
Dutch Wooden Clogs
Traditional Dutch Clog
And you can’t forget the famous traditional wooden clogs, right? Kids had a blast crawling in these and posing for their parents’ cameras!
Glastree
Artist: Gemma en Vincent van Leeuwen
The Glastree is what I refer to as the “frozen fountain” because that’s what it looks like to me. It looks like Elsa (from Frozen for those who haven’t clued into anything at all for the past 6-7 years) blasted it with one emotional outburst of her hand. I was quite fascinated by it.
This was only one of several sculptures throughout the park. Some of them you will probably walk by and never notice. However, others will grab your attention!
Water Feature
Most parks have water features and Keukenhof is no exception. It makes for a very pretty, calming photo.
Thanks to my Dad for this photo!
This is a great location to soak up the beauty of Keukenhof. Have a seat on one of the nearby benches and take a break from the busyness. Sometimes you need to be in the moment instead of always chasing the moment (I’m really talking to myself here).
Know Before You Go
- PLAN YOUR VISIT: For 2020, the park will be open March 21 – May 10. Daily hours are 8 am – 7:30 pm with the box office closing at 6 pm.
- BEST TIME TO VISIT: Obviously, it depends on the flowers. I visited on April 22 and everything was in full bloom. For up-to-the-minute updates (in season only), see Keukenhof’s flower reports or follow along on their Facebook page.
- WORST TIME TO VISIT: Avoid weekends and holidays. Heads up-I visited on a Monday which would have been a fantastic choice except that it was the day after Easter. Everyone was off since The Netherlands observes that Monday for Easter.
- TICKETS: Basically, there are 3 main types. Regular can be bought via Keukenhof online or at the entrance. Skip-the-Line like this one doesn’t cost much more and allows you to go straight in, no waiting in (what could be) long lines. Combitickets are transportation + tickets but depend on where you are coming from and your needs. Further information and costs will be available for bus + entrance and train/bus + entrance starting in the fall.
- TRANSPORTATION: This again will depend on your needs and which ticket you’re interested in, but if you are coming to Amsterdam from Keukenhof, I highly suggest going on your own with the ARTT card so that your timing is your own.
- TOURS: Here are several to choose from. It just depends on what you’re looking for.
- FOOD: You can bring your own lunch and picnic in the park. I highly recommend this option if at all possible because the food inside the park is stupid expensive! As in a cheeseburger (albeit quite a good one), fries and a bottle of soda will set you back 18 Euros. You want “sauce” (ketchup, mayo, mustard) with that? 50 cents a piece. Picnic is sounding good, huh?
- BICYCLES: You can rent bikes in the parking lot outside the front entrance. After you explore the park, rent a bike and ride a few blocks up (back towards the De Nachtegaal bus stop) to see some of the tulip fields. Pay attention to signs and be respectful of private land.
- RESTROOMS: There are restrooms throughout the park. However, I recommend using the ones right inside the entrance to the left. They are large and the lines move fast.
- PETS: Dogs are allowed on leashes (except in restaurants) and they provide “doggy bags” to pick up after your dog.
- ACCESSIBLE: Wheelchairs can be rented for 20 Euros. Be sure to reserve them no later than 5pm the day before your visit. They are first-come, first-serve so it’s best to reserve them as soon as you know you are visiting.
- LUGGAGE: There are lockers available to store your smaller luggage. Larger bags can be checked in to the secure depot. Additional fees may apply.
- WIFI: There is free wifi available around the pavilions across the park.
- MORE INFO: If you don’t see the answer to your question here, there is a ton more information on the Keukenhof FAQ page.
Yes, this most definitely sums it up! | Photo Credit: My Dad
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My bucket list day trip from Amsterdam to Keukenhof to see the tulips was absolutely a highlight of my travels so far. As you can see, it’s a gorgeous place and one you must experience for yourself!
Thanks to my parents for this photo!
Have you been to Keukenhof to see the tulips? Did you visit on your own from Amsterdam? As always, I would love to hear about your experience!
‘Til next time…
Trimm Travels,
Absolutely stunning! I can’t even imagine how pretty this is in person. I dream of seeing it myself one day. Appreciate the great tips on what to know before you go!
Hi Dana-I wasn’t prepared for how pretty it was in person either. It’s way more than you an imagine! Glad you enjoyed the tips and thanks for reading! 🙂
I absolutely adore Tulips, they are my fave. But I had no idea there were so many types! This place looks amazing. It’s hard to imagine the amount of work that goes in to it for a mere 8 weeks of the year – but it does make it all the more special.
Hi-You’re definitely right in that it makes it that much more special! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Tulips tulips everywhere, and not one to pick (unless you want to get arrested I am sure) 😉 I love the photo of the tulip fields from the plane window — good planning on where you sat!!! Also you travel as we do — no tours for us so we can hopefully arrive before the crowds (and we have heard the crowds are stunning to behold and experience) and you can hopefully choose best lighting for photos without someone rushing you along.
Hi Michael-Yes, exactly! Can’t say I never do tours, but there are times to do them and times to not for sure. I like control over my photos! The tulips are amazing and yes the crowds, well they are too. Thanks for reading! 🙂
All the colours are remarkable. I never thought about different types of tulips. When I think about the Netherlands and tulips, perhaps I should think about Keukenhof.
Hi Rhonda-I had NO idea there were that many types either! I thought a tulip was a tulip-nope! Definitely go to Keukenhof when you’re in Amsterdam! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I see so many IG posts of the lovely tulips and always wanted to know what it was actually like getting there. I just assumed it was a quick stop alongside the road, but realize how I assumed wrong. I definitely would go on my own instead of on a tour since I like to take my time and don’t want to be rushed with photos. I just love that photo you captured on your flight. The colors of the tulips are just so beautiful! And great tip list! I always like to know where the less crowded bathrooms are 🙂
Hi Candy-You didn’t necessarily assume wrong. They are alongside the road too! You can rent bikes and drive up to some of them from Keukenhof actually. It’s a great idea to both the gardens and some on your own. And yes to your own tour for this-it’s easier and less pressure. Thanks for reading! 🙂
We absolutely loved our time in Keukenhof! We visited in the first week of spring and the tulips had not fully bloomed but it was so stunning. We had to give the fields a miss, though I would have loved to cycle around them. Lovely post which reminded me of my time there.
Hi Ketki-Did you go this year? Hate the tulips weren’t in full bloom for you but I know they were still incredible! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous!! I’ve wanted to visit Keukenhof for years, but my timing to Europe is always too early or too late. Tulips are my favorite flowers, so I know I will get there someday, but I didn’t realize that the gardens are only open 2 months of the year! I guess I imagined that at other points of spring and summer, there would be other types of flowers to enjoy.
Your pictures are stunning. I know I need to get there. I just have to plan it correctly. Thanks, Heather!
Hi Juliann-Is it not stunning that it’s only open 2 months of the year? I mean I get it because tulips are only in bloom so long. But it’s the amount of year-round work that goes into it for the public for only 2 months! It’s incredible and I know you will get there if you love tulips! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I love flowers and therefore Amsterdam to Keukenhof trip is high on my wish list. It is good that you listed about the opening dates of 2020. I would skip weekends to avoid huge crowd.
Hi Yukti-Yay! I hope you get to go and yes, definitely avoid weekends and weekdays that are holidays! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I’ve been to Keukenhof twice, once during the early season when the daffodils were out and once during Queen’s Day when the tulips were going strong. I agree that the variety of tulips are overwhelming. I love the colors and the textures. We have over 1,000 daffodils at the family farm but mom never planted them in mass like the beds at Keukenhof so they just don’t have the same effect.
Hi Jenn and Ed-Wow over 1000 daffodils at your family farm? I’d love to see those even if they didn’t all bloom at once, but I totally get what you’re saying. I’m jealous you’ve been to Keukenhof twice! I’m already trying to figure out how to go back! Thanks for reading! 🙂
This has been on my bucket list too, for too long. I loved reading about this place, and have saved for future reference. I am with you, I never do a tour, so that you can go at your own pace. I can only imagine how stunningly beautiful this must be in person, although your photos are superb! I love how you went with your parents, it will make for an extra special memory.
Hi Renee-Aww thank you! It was super special moment and memory with my parents. It was their first overseas trip and they allowed me to have the honor of taking them and being their tour guide. I was so thankful! I’m so glad you liked the post and the photos, I appreciate your sweet comments! Thanks for reading! 🙂
How are these places even real?! Look at that windmill! It is my DREAM to visit The Netherlands during the spring season, hopefully I can make it happen next year 🙂
Hi Carmen-Yes, next year! It is sooo pretty! I felt like you…I was dreaming of all things tulips and Netherlands in the spring. I had been in the fall (and that’s my second favorite time to visit) but those tulips…Hope you get there soon and thanks for reading! 🙂
Tulips are one of my favorite flowers and luckily I live about 15 minutes from the Skagit Valley Tulip fields and get to see them every year. I’d love to see the tulips in The Netherlands and I loved that they mixed the daffs with the tulips in some of the displays. You never see that in Washington as they come about a month before the tulips do. 🙂 I would totally get the ski the line card!
Hi Lara-Yes Skagit is on my list too! I want to see tulips everywhere! But I had to start with the macdaddy of them all in The Netherlands! Hope you get there soon. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Tulips are SO pretty. I wonder, is there a way to see them that is off-season so that you don’t have to deal with the crowds. Is there a right on the cusp time to see them?
Hi Andi-There might be in the fields…but Keukenhof is literally only open 8 weeks of the year. The reason being is the tulips are only in bloom for just so long which is why there’s such a short window and thus the crowds. You might could see the ones in the fields right on the cusp but for the same reason, it would be a gamble if they are in bloom or not. If you go right when it opens (like it’s first couple days provided they are weekdays and not weekends) and first thing in the morning you might not have crowds…but you might not have peak tulips either. Not sure! Thanks for reading! 🙂