So, you’re soaking up the vibes in Amsterdam, cruising along the canals, and suddenly it hits you: “I gotta see those world-famous tulips at Keukenhof!”
Good news — you’re just a short train ride (and perhaps a quick bus transfer) away from this floral paradise.
Ready to navigate your way from the bustling city center to the blooming fields? Let this guide show you how to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, step by step.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Olena Z. Image Location: Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, Amsterdam.
Getting to Keukenhof route 1: train + bus/taxi combo
From Amsterdam Centraal to Sassenheim by train
Hop on the Trainline website or use our app to seamlessly book your picturesque train journey from Amsterdam Centraal to Sassenheim, the closest train stop to the legendary Keukenhof gardens. In just about 30 min, you’ll find yourself a step closer to tulip paradise.
From Sassenheim to Keukenhof: bus or taxi?
Once you arrive at Sassenheim, you have options. Buses and taxis are both available to take you on the final leg of the journey. A quick ten-minute taxi ride will take you directly to the gardens, but if you’re feeling adventurous, the bus is also a fantastic option. Though hopping on bus 50 or 361 could triple your travel time compared to catching a quick taxi, the fares are much more budget-friendly, usually clocking in at about $3. It’s a small price to pay for a little extra time enjoying the Dutch scenery on your way to the tulip fields.
Pro tip: Want to sound like you’re Dutch-born and tulip-bred? Say “Keukenhof” like the locals: [K-yu-ken-hof]. Think of “yu” as a flirty wink between “y” and “u” and give that “hof” a guttural “h” — as if you’re clearing your throat or half-whispering a secret.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pavlo Vakhrushev. Image Location: Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, Amsterdam.
Getting to tulip gardens from Amsterdam route 2: the Keukenhof Express buses
Various Keukenhof Express buses can whisk you to the tulip gardens directly from the Dutch capital. Lines 852, 858, 850, and 50 are your go-to for a smooth transition from Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Haarlem, and Leiden.
With frequencies as high as six times an hour and a travel time of 25-35 min, these buses are designed to drop you right at the garden’s main entrance.
Keukenhof Express bus schedules
- Amsterdam RAI Station (Bus 852): 6 times an hour, 35 min
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Bus 858): 6 times an hour, 30 min
Keukenhof Express bus tickets: get them in advance
To make life easier, snag a combined bus and Keukenhof entrance ticket. It will save you both time and money.
Tulip Festival Card: a thrifty option
The Tulip Festival Card offers free travel in the Amsterdam region and is valid on Keukenhof Express buses. If you’re planning to explore more of what Amsterdam has to offer, this card is a no-brainer.
Pro tip: As a bonus option, you can also take a 40-min train to Leiden Centraal from Amsterdam. Once there, hop on bus line 854, which will take you directly to Keukenhof gardens. A combo ticket covers both your entrance and the return bus transfer.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Wjarek. Image Location: Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, Amsterdam.
How to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam: quick answers to your questions
- Where is Keukenhof located exactly? Stationsweg 166A 2161 AM Lisse
- Closest train station to Keukenhof tulip gardens? Sassenheim
- How far are the gardens from Amsterdam? Approximately 22mi
- Wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the trains and Keukenhof Express buses are wheelchair accessible
Beyond Keukenhof: your train journey continues
You’ve conquered the tulip fields, but why stop there? Trainline’s extensive network connects you to Europe’s gems, from the historic allure of Haarlem to the buzzing international vibes of Brussels.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Clive Nichols. Image Location: Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, Amsterdam.
