How to Get to Keukenhof From Amsterdam (2026 Guide) 🌷

If you are visiting the Netherlands this spring, Keukenhof Gardens is one of the most unforgettable and best experiences you can add to your itinerary. Known for its vibrant displays of tulips, hyacinths, azaleas, and daffodils, the botanical garden welcomes more than a million visitors each year. In 2026, Keukenhof will be open from March 19 through May 10, giving travelers a generous window to experience the best of Dutch flower season. What makes the botanical gardens even more appealing is how easily accessible Keukenhof is as a day trip from Amsterdam, whether you are traveling by car, public transportation, or booking a shuttle!

I visited Keukenhof with Brian and my parents in early May 2025, toward the end of the season, and the gardens still exceeded all of our expectations. Even that late in the spring, the displays were incredibly colorful, the landscaping was flawless, and the atmosphere felt peaceful despite the crowds. It is the kind of day trip that appeals to travelers of all ages and it remains one of my favorite spring experiences in Europe.

This guide will outline how to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, what you can expect on a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, ticketing information, and more. If you are planning a longer trip to Amsterdam, you can also browse our full Amsterdam Travel Blog for more ideas, hotel recommendations, and tips to help you make the most of your time in the Netherlands.

Table of Contents:

1. Best Ways to Get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam (2026)
2. Best Time to Visit Keukenhof in 2026
3. What to See at Keukenhof Gardens
4. Keukenhof Tickets & Tips (2026)
5. Final Thoughts on How to Get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam & Enjoying Your Visit

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Best Ways to Get to Keukenhof From Amsterdam (2026)

Getting from Amsterdam to Keukenhof is easy, and several transportation options make the journey straightforward. Below are the most convenient routes to reach the iconic botanical gardens in Lisse for the 2026 tulip season.

Keukenhof Express Bus (Bus 852)

The Keukenhof Express Bus (Bus 852) is one of the cheapest ways to reach Keukenhof from Amsterdam, especially if you are planning to purchase a Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket transit pass during your time in Amsterdam. The Keukenhof Express Bus departs multiple times an hour from Amsterdam RAI Station which is located in southern Amsterdam in the Zuidas neighborhood. The bus stop is located outside of the Europaplein Metro Station. 

The bus runs directly from the Amsterdam RAI Station to the main entrance outside of Keukenhof Gardens. The bus ride takes approximately 35 minutes. The bus does not make any stops before reaching the gardens.

Who Should Opt for the Keukenhof Express Bus (Bus 852)

I personally think the Keukenhof Express Bus (Bus 852) is a great option to reach Keukenhof from Amsterdam if you are staying in the Zuidas neighborhood or outside of the Old Centre, Jordaan, Canal Belt, Jewish Quarter, or Noord neighborhoods.

If you are not staying in Zuidas, you can easily reach this area of Amsterdam using the Metro. Metro M52 stops at the Europaplein Metro Station, connecting Zuidas with Amsterdam Centraal Station, Noorderpark, and De Pijp.  

Service Disruptions 

Please keep in mind that on Saturday, April 18, 2026, there will be service disruptions of the Keukenhof Express Bus due to road closures related to the Flower Parade. 

Operating Hours 

The Keukenhof Express Bus runs between 7:30 AM and 7:55 PM, daily, from the period of March 19 through May 10, 2026. The first bus departs from Amsterdam RAI at 7:30 AM and the last bus departs from Keukenhof Gardens at 7:55 PM. 

Ticketing Information

If you are planning on traveling to Keukenhof from Amsterdam via the Keukenhof Express Bus (Bus 852), you have two options for tickets: (1) a combination ticket that provides access to both the bus and the gardens, or (2) using the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket and purchasing your garden tickets separately.

Keukenhof Express Bus + Keukenhof Gardens Combo Tickets

The Keukenhof Express Bus offers a combination ticket that also provides admission to the botanical gardens. These tickets have designated time slots for the buses departing from Amsterdam RAI. You will need to board a bus within 60 minutes of your scheduled time slot. The anticipated costs for 2026 are outlined below. 

Tickets the Keukenhof Express Bus (Bus 852) are not yet available to book for the 2026 tulip season. However, they are expected to be released to the public in mid-December. Tickets, once available, can be booked directly through the official Keukenhof website. You will want to select the "Public Transport" option on the ticketing page.

A Quick Note About the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

If you are interested in purchasing the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket which provides unlimited access to buses, ferries, subways, trains, and trams in Amsterdam (for a duration of one, two, and three days), then know that the Keukenhof Express Bus (Bus 852) is included. However, you will need to purchase your admission tickets for Keukenhof Gardens separately. 

If you opt to use the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, you will have a flexible departure time. You may elect to take any bus that you choose.

Keukenhof Tickets for Those Using the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

If you are using an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket to reach Keukenhof from Amsterdam, you will need to book your admission tickets to Keukenhof Gardens on your own. I recommend booking them directly through the official Keukenhof website.

Tickets, when purchased directly from Keukenhof Gardens, are €21.00 for adults and €10.00 for children (ages 4-17). Admission is free for children under the age of four. 

Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus with Entry Tickets Included

If you would prefer a seamless, all-in-one transportation option, the Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus is one of the most convenient ways to visit Keukenhof from Amsterdam. It includes both round-trip transportation from Amsterdam and your Keukenhof admission ticket, making it a great choice for travelers who want a stress-free experience without navigating public transportation.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus depart from This Is Holland, near A'DAM Tower, in the Noord neighborhood of Amsterdam. The Noord neighborhood is located across the IJ River from Amsterdam Centraal Station. 

My Experience with the Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus 

For full transparency, I selected the Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus when I visited Keukenhof Gardens with my parents in May 2025 because it is "Certified by GetYourGuide" and has stellar reviews. Additionally, the pick-up and drop-off point in Amsterdam was within a short walk from our hotel near Amsterdam Centraal Station (shout out to the art'otel Amsterdam which is such a conveniently located hotel within Amsterdam).

For us, the departure location, near A'DAM Tower at This Is Holland was far more convenient for me than trekking across town to Amsterdam RAI and the convenience was well worth the slightly higher price point. 

With that being said, we had nothing but an incredible experience! The ticketing process was easy and straightforward. I booked our tickets via GetYourGuide and we had no problem redeeming them at the This is Holland shop near A'DAM Tower. This is Holland had a nice coffee bar, bathrooms, and a cute gift shop to browse while we waited to board our bus. The bus itself was really nice and comfortable. 

Operating Hours 

The Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus runs from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, daily, from the period of March 19 through May 10, 2026.. Buses begin departing from outside of This is Holland at 8:00 AM and continue to depart every 30 minutes. The first return bus from Keukenhof back to Amsterdam is at 11:00 AM. The return buses also run every 30 minutes, with the last bus leaving Keukenhof Gardens at 6:30 PM tor return to Amsterdam.

Jetset Seeker Quick Tip: The tour operators highly recommend that you do not wait to take the last bus back to Amsterdam as there is normally a swarm of people looking to board the 6:30 PM bus which can make boarding hectic. (Although, there should be plenty of seats available for everyone.) Therefore, I recommend getting an earlier start and heading back to Amsterdam mid-afternoon. 

Ticketing Information

Tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus include admission to Keukenhof Gardens. Tickets are the same price for adults and children, priced at $40.69 per person. Tickets can be booked directly through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide. Tickets are date and time specific.

With the Keukenhof Ticket & Shuttle option, you can take any return bus from Keukenhof back to Amsterdam after you finish your visit at the gardens. 

Additional Ticket Options

Hop-On Hop-Off Holland also offers some additional ticket options, including a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a windmill cruise at Keukenhof Gardens, and a tulip farm visit. If you are interested in any of these options, be sure to scroll down the GetYourGuide tour listing page for additional information. 

I booked the standard Keukenhof Ticket & Shuttle, which I especially recommend if you are visiting Keukenhof Gardens at the beginning and/or end of the tulip season. The tulip season peaks in mid-April and I have been told that the windmill cruise is very worthwhile (as well as a tulip farm visit) if you are visiting the Netherlands during this peak bloom period. Otherwise, you can skip these add-ons since the surrounding fields will not be as colorful at the very start and end of the season. 

Driving from Amsterdam to Keukenhof 

Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to stop at multiple tulip farms or explore beyond the region outside of Keukenhof Gardens. From Amsterdam, you can expect the drive to take anywhere from 35 to 40 minutes. However, it may take as long as an hour if there is traffic. 

International Driving Permit (IDP)

As always with renting a car in Europe, I highly recommend obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can get your IDP in the United States via AAA for $20.00 USD. You can apply either in person, at your local AAA office, or by mail. For additional information, please visit the AAA website. 

Admission Tickets

If you are driving to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, you will need to book your admission tickets to Keukenhof Gardens on your own. I recommend booking them directly through the official Keukenhof website. Tickets, when purchased directly from Keukenhof Gardens, are €21.00 for adults and €10.00 for children (ages 4-17). Admission for children under the age of four is free.  

Parking at Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens has plenty of on-site parking available. Parking is available for €14.00. However, if you pre-book your parking online, through Keukenhof Gardens directly, you can save some money on parking. The parking can be booked when you purchase your admission tickets via the official Keukenhof website. You will want to select the "Car" option on the ticketing page.

Best Time to Visit Keukenhof in 2026

With Keukenhof open from March 19 to May 10, 2026, there really is no wrong time to visit. However, depending on when you visit Keukenhof Gardens, you may have a slightly different experience. 

• The start of the season (late March) tends to be cold, and some outdoor blooms may still be emerging, but the indoor pavilions are already stunning and fully planted.
• Mid-April is generally considered the best time to visit Keukenhof. This is when the gardens, and many of the surrounding tulip fields, reach peak bloom. This is also the most expensive time to visit Amsterdam during tulip season. 
• The end of the season (early May) sees almost no tulip fields in full bloom (commercial tulip fields cut off the tops of the tulip flowers during the growing season to direct energy to the tulip bulbs which can then be sold), but Keukenhof Gardens remains incredibly beautiful. I visited in early May 2025 and was still blown away by the flowers, so do not worry if your trip falls later in the season.

One Important Note: Try to avoid visiting Keukenhof on the day of the Flower Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026. This is the busiest day of the entire season, and the roads, buses, and pathways inside Keukenhof become exceptionally crowded.

When to Visit: Mornings & Weekdays 

Regardless of when you go, it is best to arrive as early in the morning as possible. The gardens get progressively busier as the day goes on, especially from late morning onward.

Alternatively, if you cannot make it to Keukenhof for an early morning entry time, know that late afternoons also see smaller crowds. Since Keukenhof Gardens is open until 7:00 PM, if you arrive after 4:00 PM, you will find that many visitors have already left for the day. 

Additionally, weekdays are going to see much smaller crowds than weekends when locals also make a point to visit the beautiful gardens during the short growing season. In general, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays have the smallest crowds.

What to See at Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof is far more than just rows and rows of tulip beds. Instead, it is a thoughtfully designed floral park filled with interactive areas for children (including a playground and animal meadow), beautifully curated floral displays, sculpture gardens, and more.

Here are the must-see highlights to make time for during your visit to Keukenhof:

Flower Mosaic

Each year, Keukenhof unveils a massive flower mosaic created from thousands of flowers arranged in intricate patterns. It is one of the most photographed areas of the park and the design changes annually based on the season's theme.  

Historic Garden

The Historic Garden is a charming and picturesque area within Keukenhof Gardens, featuring more traditional planting styles and garden layouts. The area is quieter than the main paths, but still really beautiful. 

Playground, Animal Meadow, & Maze

Keukenhof (and the Netherlands as a whole) is surprisingly family-friendly, and the playground, animal meadow/petting zoo, and maze are perfect areas for younger travelers.

• The playground is split into two areas: one for younger children (featuring the Dutch icon, Miffy, as well as swings and a small slide) and a second area for older children.
• The animal meadow/petting zoo area is home to goats, pigs, bunnies, and other small animals.
• The hedge maze is fun for visitors of all ages!

Iconic Dutch Windmill 

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Keukenhof, the large, traditional Dutch windmill dates back to 1892 and offers an elevated viewing platform. Climb to the top for beautiful views over the entire garden and surrounding landscapes. The windmill is also one of the most popular photo spots in the gardens.

Indoor Flower Pavilions & Flower Show

Keukenhof’s indoor pavilions are a highlight in their own right and a major reason the gardens are impressive from the very first day of the season.

The four pavilions include: 

• Beatrix Pavilion: Famous for its spectacular orchid and anthurium displays
• Willem-Alexander Pavilion: Home to the world’s largest indoor lily and tulip show
• Oranje Nassau Pavilion: Hosts rotating exhibitions and creative floral arrangements
• Juliana Pavilion: Features large tulip displays, while providing an educational background on tulips in the Netherlands
  

These curated shows are vibrant, colorful, and meticulously designed. They are also perfect for cooler or rainy days! 

Sculpture Gardens

Throughout the gardens there are sculptures incorporated into the landscapes and flowerbeds. The sculpture gardens change each year, and wandering through them adds depth and variety to the Keukenhof experience.

Keukenhof Tickets & Tips (2026)

With a little bit of planning and some of my helpful tips that I learned from my trip in May 2025, here is what to know before you head to Keukenhof to make the most of your visit.

Ticketing Information

While I already briefly touched on tickets in the first section of this guide concerning exactly how to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, here is a recap and some additional information for those looking to purchase tickets directly for a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens.

For those of you who are booking a shuttle service (i.e., the Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus), admission tickets to Keukenhof are included and you do not need to purchase tickets to the botanical gardens on your own. 

Ticket Prices (2026) & Where to Purchase

General admission tickets for Keukenhof Gardens for 2026 are now available to purchase. Tickets can sell out quickly, especially for weekends in mid-April, so be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible.

General admission prices for 2026 are as follows:

Combination tickets that include public transportation from Amsterdam and admission to the botanical gardens are set to go on sale sometime in mid-December. This guide will be updated once they go on sale. 

I recommend booking your tickets directly through the official Keukenhof website. If you are driving to Keukenhof, you can pre-book your parking (for a discount) via the same Keukenhof ticketing page.  

How Long to Spend at Keukenhof

I recommend that you spend at least a half-day at Keukenhof. This will provide you with ample time to walk through the gardens, take photos, explore the indoor flower pavilions, and grab some food. However, I suggest planning to spend additional time at Keukenhof if you are interested in taking one of the "Whisper Boat" cruises and/or bike tours. 

I ended up spending around six hours at Keukenhof which gave us plenty of time to walk through the gardens and various pavilions at a leisurely pace, enjoy a couple of snacks and a relaxing lunch, browse the shops, and take hundreds of photos of the beautiful flowers. 

Where to Eat Inside the Gardens

Keukenhof has several cafés, food stands, and dining options spread throughout the gardens. Everything is casual, but I will say the prices were on the higher side compared to what we were expecting (think theme park food prices). Overall, we had no complaints about the food! I really enjoyed the frites (fries) I got from one of the food trucks, but the real highlight was the warm stroopwafels! 😋

The variety of food was pretty good too! Vendors at Keukenhof had everything from sandwiches and salads to poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes), burgers, and more. 

Picnics at Keukenhof Gardens

There is a designated picnic area not far from the Willem-Alexander Pavilion, if you are planning on bringing your own food and drinks with you to Keukenhof.

You are permitted to bring your own food and drinks into Keukenhof with you, but you are only allowed to consume those items in the designated picnic space and not in any other indoor dining facilities at Keukenhof.

Whether you decide to bring a packed lunch with you or not, I do recommend that you bring a reusable water bottle with you. Water bottle refilling stations were available throughout the botanical gardens. 

Shopping at Keukenhof

Keukenhof has multiple shops on premise selling flowers and souvenirs. Some popular items include:

• Tulip & Other Flower Bulbs (with Export Paperwork for the USA & Canada) 
• Faux Tulips
• Flower-Themed Gifts (Ceramics, Handbags, Artwork, Scarves) 
• Other Dutch Souvenirs (Miffy, Delftware-Style Ceramics, Keychains, Postcards)

I found the prices of souvenirs to be in-line with those sold in shops around Amsterdam. 

Photo Tips

From my experience, everyone seemed to stop and crowd around the first few flower displays after entering Keukenhof. However, there are so many flower beds and flower-lined walking paths that you can easily find others - some that are even more impressive - throughout the gardens. So, if you find that an area is particularly crowded, you do not have to walk far to get the photos you may want in an area that is less busy. 

If you are looking for people-free photos, you are definitely going to want to arrive at Keukenhof around opening time. 

What to Wear & Bring

Spring in the Netherlands is famously unpredictable, so it is best to come prepared for changing temperatures and light rain. When I visited Keukenhof in early May, I was surprised by how cool it still felt at times (especially in the shade). Yet, the indoor pavilions were very warm.

Wearing layers that you can easily add or remove will make your visit much more comfortable. I also suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes, as you will spend several hours on your feet exploring the gardens. A small umbrella and a reusable water bottle are also smart additions to your bag, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter what the weather brings.

Family-Friendly Amenities at Keukenhof  

As I briefly mentioned already, Keukenhof is very family-friendly. Aside from the playgrounds, maze, and animal meadow, there is a lot of lawn areas for children to run around. The walking paths were all stroller-friendly and the bathrooms (both male and female bathrooms) are equipped with baby changing facilities. 

Facilities & Accessibility 

Most of the gardens are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Keukenhof is also well-equipped with:

• multiple restrooms
• accessible paths
• benches throughout the park
• cafés and picnic areas

Final Thoughts on How to Get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam & Enjoying Your Visit

No matter when you plan your visit during the 2026 season, understanding how to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam is the key to a smooth and enjoyable day trip. Whether you choose the Keukenhof Express Bus, a shuttle bus from Amsterdam like Hop-On Hop-Off Holland, or driving a rental car, getting to the gardens is easy. 

When I visited with my parents, we honestly did not know what to expect, but we were completely blown away by the experience! The gardens were far more beautiful and immersive than we imagined, and transportation from Amsterdam was straightforward and stress-free. Taking the Hop-On Hop-Off Holland Shuttle Bus made the entire process seamless, especially since we were staying near Amsterdam Centraal. It allowed us to simply sit back, enjoy the ride, and spend our energy exploring the gardens themselves.

Once you are inside Keukenhof, take your time. Wander the pathways, enjoy the indoor flower shows, stop for a warm stroopwafel, grab lunch, and soak in the colors and creativity that define the botanical gardens.

For travelers planning to spend additional time in Amsterdam either before or after their visit to Keukenhof, do not miss the top Amsterdam landmarks. Even if you only have 1 day in Amsterdam (in addition to your day trip to Keukenhof Gardens), it is entirely possible to visit still see a large swath of the city, explore a world-class museum (or two), and enjoy a canal cruise all in a single day.

Whether you visit Keukenhof to see the early floral blooms in mid-to-late March, the best of the tulip season in mid-April, or the end of the season in early May, Keukenhof offers a memorable look at Dutch spring traditions. As you plan, let this guide help you decide how to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam and once you are there, simply enjoy! A visit to Keukenhof is truly one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences you can have during a spring trip to the Netherlands.

Have questions about visiting Keukenhof?

If you are planning your own spring trip and want more ideas for building the perfect itinerary, do not forget to check out our full Amsterdam Travel Blog; packed with guides, tips, and inspiration for making the most of your time in Amsterdam.

Or, if you have additional questions about how to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, what to expect at the gardens after you arrive, or simply want to share what you are most excited to see at the gardens, drop us a comment below. ⬇️ We love hearing from our readers and are always happy to help fellow travelers plan unforgettable trips! Happy travels!