How to Get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam (2026 Guide)

Keukenhof is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Amsterdam. During tulip season, getting there is straightforward — but choosing the right option can save you a lot of time and stress.

I guide visitors to Keukenhof every spring, and there are four realistic ways to travel from Amsterdam: shuttle + entry ticket, private tour, public bus, or driving yourself. The best choice depends on how much flexibility and comfort you want.

Below, I’ll walk you through each option so you can choose what fits your trip. If you’re still deciding whether Keukenhof itself is the right choice, see my full Keukenhof 2026 guide first.

1️⃣ Best Option for Most Visitors: Shuttle + Entry Ticket

For most travelers, a shuttle + entry combination ticket is the simplest and most reliable way to visit.

⤷ Book Shuttle + Entry from Amsterdam (Flexible Return Option)

This includes:

• Your Keukenhof entrance ticket
• The correct timed entry slot
• Round-trip transport from Amsterdam
• A guaranteed seat on departure

The departure from ADAM Tower (This is Holland) is my preferred option because it offers flexible return times. The Central Station departure has a fixed return.

Arriving at Schiphol Airport?
There is also a direct shuttle + entry from Schiphol Airport option.

This is a much better option than the public transportation busses which are heavily advertised. For the public transportation busses there are almost always very long lines. And costs for the shuttle are about the same.

This option removes the stress of:

• Booking separate tickets
• Waiting in long public bus lines
• Managing time slots yourself

If you want convenience without going fully private, this is the best balance.

⤷ Check availability and time slots here

2️⃣ Private Tour or Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)

If you prefer full flexibility, a private option is the most relaxed way to visit.

With my Tulip Fields + Keukenhof tour or Keukenhof-only private tour, I pick you up at your hotel in Amsterdam and bring you back at the end of the day.

This works well if:

• Tulips are a priority
• You want door-to-door service
• You prefer not to travel with groups

Private transport also allows you to combine Keukenhof with real working tulip fields far away from the tourist crowds — something most shuttle visitors don’t see.

3️⃣ Pre-Booked Taxi (More Flexible Than a Shuttle)

If you don’t want to join a group but also don’t need a full private tour, a pre-booked taxi is a comfortable middle option.

• You choose your departure time
• You avoid bus lines
• You travel directly

The key is to pre-book both directions. That way you have a fixed price and guaranteed return — Uber availability outside Amsterdam is unpredictable.

⤷ Book a pre-scheduled taxi to Keukenhof

This works well for families or couples who want flexibility without a guided experience. Make sure to also book your tickets for Keukenhof separately.

4️⃣ Keukenhof Express Bus (Public Transport)

The Keukenhof Express buses are regular public transport services.

Main routes:

• Bus 852 – from Amsterdam RAI
• Bus 858 – from Schiphol Airport
• Bus 854 – from Leiden

Important to know:

• You must book your Keukenhof entry ticket separately with a time slot.
• Buses can have long waiting times, especially from RAI and Schiphol.
• Seats are not guaranteed.

Public transport is only slightly cheaper, but during peak bloom weeks it can be less predictable.

If you prefer certainty, the shuttle + entry combination is usually a lot smoother.

I’ve seen visitors start their day relaxed — and I’ve seen visitors start it frustrated because of long bus lines. Choosing the right transport makes a real difference.

5️⃣ Driving to Keukenhof

Driving from Amsterdam takes:

• Around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic

Parking is available at Keukenhof.

Expect:

• Heavy traffic on weekends
• Delays entering the parking lot
• Congestion during mid-April

If you drive, arrive early (before 10:00 a.m.) or later in the afternoon.

For full parking details, see my Keukenhof parking guide.

I only recommend this options for those that already have their own wheels. It’s not worth renting a car, just for going to Keukenhof.

If you’re considering staying closer to the gardens instead of traveling from Amsterdam, see my guide to hotels near Keukenhof.

Navigation address:
Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse

From Amsterdam, most drivers take the A4 or A44 toward Leiden and follow signs for “Keukenhof.” Google Maps works great for navigation.

⤷ Open route in Google Maps

Is the Train a Good Option?

Not really.

There is no train station at Keukenhof. You would need to take a train to Leiden and then transfer to a bus.

This usually takes longer and costs more than taking a direct bus or shuttle from Amsterdam.

Unless you are already staying in Leiden, I don’t recommend this route.