Keukenhof from Amsterdam: Tulips, Tickets and Timing

Seasonal opening dates

Keukenhof is only open for roughly eight weeks a year, typically from mid-March to mid-May. The exact dates change annually depending on the weather and bloom cycles, so always check the official Keukenhof website before planning your trip. If you miss this window, the gardens are closed to the public for the rest of the year.

How to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam

There are several ways to reach the park, but the Keukenhof Express (Bus 858) from Schiphol Airport is the most popular. You can take a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol and then transfer to the bus. A 'Combi-ticket' that covers both bus transport and park entry is usually the best value, costing approximately €35–45.

Another option is taking a train to Leiden Centraal and catching bus 854. While you can drive and park on-site for a fee, we generally recommend public transport to avoid the heavy traffic congestion that often forms on the narrow roads around Lisse during peak bloom.

Buying tickets

You must buy tickets online in advance for a specific time slot. Keukenhof no longer sells tickets at the gate to manage capacity. Prices vary slightly each year, so check the official site for the current rates. The Combi-ticket is highly recommended as it simplifies the journey and ensures your entry time aligns with your transport.

What to see in the park

The park is divided into several themed gardens, including an English landscape garden, a Japanese country garden, and a historical garden. Beyond the outdoor displays, there are several pavilions (like the Willem-Alexander and Oranje Nassau pavilions) that host indoor flower shows featuring lilies, orchids, and roses.

Don't miss the Keukenhof windmill, which offers a great view over the adjacent tulip fields. While the fields themselves are private property, you can often see the stripes of colour from the park's edge.

Timing your visit for the best bloom

Nature is unpredictable, but the 'peak bloom' is generally in mid-April. Early in the season (March), you will see crocuses and daffodils; late in the season (May), the tulips are in full flight. To avoid the heaviest crowds, arrive right at opening (08:00) or after 15:00. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends or public holidays.

How long to spend at Keukenhof

For most visitors, 3 to 4 hours is plenty of time to walk the main paths, visit a couple of pavilions, and take photos. It is not necessarily a full-day destination unless you are a serious photography or gardening enthusiast. Many people pair a morning at Keukenhof with an afternoon in nearby Haarlem or Leiden.

The tulip fields outside the park

The vast 'bollenvelden' (bulb fields) you see in aerial photos are located outside the park's gates. You can rent a bike near the Keukenhof entrance to cycle around these fields. **Important:** Never enter the flower fields. Walking among the tulips damages the bulbs and causes significant financial loss to the farmers. Stay on the paths and take photos from the edge.

Is Keukenhof worth it?

If you are in Amsterdam during the spring opening, yes—it is a unique experience. However, be prepared for high prices and very large crowds. It is a highly managed, manicured garden rather than a wild natural space. If you are visiting in summer or winter, you will have to look for other attractions as the park will be closed.

Practical tips

• Check the 'bloemstand': The Keukenhof website often gives updates on which flowers are currently blooming.
• Check the weather: Most of the experience is outdoors. If it is raining heavily, the mud and wind can make the visit quite unpleasant.
• Bring water: While there are food pavilions inside, they can be busy and expensive. Bringing your own water and a small snack is a good idea.