Keukenhof is the Netherlands' best-known flower garden, and for a few weeks each year it is the most colourful place in the country. It lies at Stationsweg 166A in Lisse, in the bulb-growing region between Amsterdam and The Hague, and it is a seasonal attraction: it opens only in spring, when the bulbs flower. The ticket page lists the 2026 season as roughly 19 March to 10 May and warns that dates can change, so treat any date as provisional until you have checked. It is closed at the moment, and the dates for the 2027 season should be confirmed before you plan your trip. When it is open, the booking page shows daily opening from 8:00 to 19:30, with last entry earlier than closing. The garden is laid out in themed landscapes of paths, ponds, woodland and glasshouse pavilions, and the page says about seven million bulbs flower here in the season, with tulips the stars alongside daffodils and hyacinths. The indoor pavilions are a good choice in wet weather. Entry is by timed ticket, and the operator lists several types: entry-only tickets, guided tours, day trips that include transport from Amsterdam, and bundles with a windmill cruise or other attractions. Because it is such an important seasonal attraction, it is wise to decide early which version suits you and book well ahead.
Is it worth it
Yes, if your trip falls within the season. A day among the tulips is one of the most photogenic experiences in Europe, and the combination of formal planting, informal woodland and indoor flower shows is hard to beat. Be realistic about the crowds, though: the page says mid-April is when peak bloom usually occurs, and that is also when it is busiest.
Weekday mornings are calmer, and arriving close to your timed slot helps the ticket scan smoothly. If you travel outside the season, there is no point going; choose another day trip instead.
Getting there
The booking page mentions Keukenhof Express buses, number 858 from Schiphol Airport and number 852 from Amsterdam RAI, with schedules that vary by day and season. Entry-only tickets do not include transport, so check whether a bundle with a coach transfer from Amsterdam suits you better. If you are driving, buy a parking ticket in advance.
Bikes can be rented at the entrance, which is a lovely way to see the surrounding bulb fields, although the fields themselves are usually private working farms best viewed from public roads. Paths are wide and flat, wheelchair access is described as good, and dogs are allowed on a leash but not inside the pavilions.
Tips for the day
Bring rain gear, as spring weather is changeable. Stay on the paths, do not pick the flowers, and note that drones are prohibited over the gardens. Allow at least three to four hours, and consider combining it with a visit to the nearby town of Lisse or a tour of the flower fields by bike. Because the bloom depends on the weather, flexible tickets and a spare day in your itinerary are sensible. Outside spring, the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam or a day in Haarlem offers a gentler horticultural fix.
What to expect
The experience
A timed-entry spring flower garden of themed landscapes and glasshouse pavilions at Lisse; open only for a few weeks each spring, usually from late March to May.
Best time
Weekday mornings in season; peak bloom is usually mid-April, though the weather can shift it. The garden is closed outside spring.
How long
Three to five hours in the garden, plus travel from Amsterdam.
Tips
Check the 2027 dates before planning, book a timed slot early, bring rain gear and choose between entry-only and a day trip with transport.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Flower lovers and photographers visiting Amsterdam between late March and mid May.
- Families
- Good for families; paths are flat and wide, though crowds can be heavy in peak weeks.
- Couples
- A romantic spring day, ideally on a weekday morning when the paths are calm.
- Pair with
- A bike tour of the bulb fields, or a day in Haarlem or at the Zaanse Schans on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day including travel.
Good questions
When is Keukenhof open?+
Only in spring. The ticket page lists the 2026 season as roughly 19 March to 10 May and says dates can change. It is closed now, so check the dates for 2027 before you plan.
When is the best time to see the tulips?+
The page says peak bloom usually occurs around mid-April, but the weather can shift it. Weekday mornings are less crowded.
How do I get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam?+
By Keukenhof Express bus, number 852 from Amsterdam RAI or 858 from Schiphol, or by a day trip that includes transport. Entry-only tickets do not include travel.
Is Keukenhof wheelchair accessible?+
The page describes access as good, with wide, flat paths, and says manual wheelchairs can be reserved in advance, though availability is limited.
Can I bring a dog or a drone?+
Dogs are allowed on a leash but not inside pavilions or restaurants. Drones are prohibited over the gardens.
