Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Express Bus (public transport) is the least expensive option, departing eight times an hour from Amsterdam RAI station and Schiphol Airport, with direct service to the gardens. Bus 397 leaves from several major points in the city centre and travels to Hoofddorp station, where you switch to the Keukenhof Express Bus. Most journeys take around 30 minutes.

As you’d expect, lines are long and booking an online, timed ticket well in advance is essential. For ease, you can purchase an online Combiticket that includes round-trip travel and admission to the gardens. Other options include private tour buses, most of which depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Expect to spend about three hours exploring the gardens. There are multiple cafes inside the gardens for rest and refreshments.

The opening date varies, depending on when the flowers start blooming, but it’s generally in early March and lasts for only eight weeks. The last two weeks of April are the best time to see everything in full bloom.

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest; Mondays and Tuesdays see fewer crowds as do mornings and late afternoons.