Every spring, the tulip fields and gardens in the Netherlands turn into one of the most beautiful landscapes you can imagine. Many travelers think they need to rent a car to see them, but the truth is simple: you don’t. You can reach the tulip gardens easily without driving, and the experience can even feel calmer this way.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want to enjoy tulips without the stress of driving, these are the best ways to get there.
1. Public Transportation (No Pre-Booking Needed)
This is the regular, flexible way to reach the tulip area. It’s perfect if you prefer moving at your own pace.
How it works
From Amsterdam, take a train to either Hillegom, Leiden, or Haarlem. These stations connect you to the tulip region. Many visitors choose Hillegom because the walk from the station to the fields is short and quiet. This is my way to reach the region every year, and I usually meet you at Hillegom station if we are making a Lifestyle route, which means cycling together to all the tulip gardens open during the season.
Once you arrive, follow the walking paths, rent a bike, or simply wander toward the colorful fields. You don’t need to book anything in advance, just check the train times, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the day.
Why choose this option
- You can avoid the big crowds near Keukenhof
- You can visit real working fields
- Great for taking peaceful photos
- More freedom to stop whenever something looks beautiful
2. The Official Keukenhof Bus (Pre-Booking Required)
If you want a simple, direct route, this is the easiest choice.
The official bus connects Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, and Schiphol directly to Keukenhof.
How it works
You buy a combination ticket: transport + Keukenhof entrance. The ticket has a time slot, and buses run often during the season. These tickets will be available on the Keukenhof site from mid-December.
The most common departure from Amsterdam is Europaplein (Metro 52). The ride takes around 35 minutes and drops you right at the garden gate. As a personal preference, I choose Schiphol airport, as the lines are shorter and the train from Amsterdam to Schiphol is sometimes faster than the metro to Europaplein, depending on the side of the city you are.
Why choose this option
- Zero planning needed
- Easy for families and groups
- Smooth, relaxing day
- Keukenhof is curated and beautiful, perfect for first-time visitors
3. Cycling From Amsterdam (For the Adventurous)
Yes, you can bike from Amsterdam to the tulip region.
It’s a long ride, around 30 to 40 km depending on the route, but it’s doable if you’re comfortable with longer distances. I’ve done it myself, and it’s such a lovely way to experience the countryside.
What to expect
You’ll cycle through quiet paths, small villages, and green fields, and you will find lovely places along the route. The moment you start seeing pops of color in the landscape, all the effort feels worth it.
If you choose this option, leave early, bring water, and plan your route in advance. Once you reach Lisse or Hillegom, you can spend the rest of the day walking around the gardens or cycling between locations.
Why choose this option
- A full-day adventure
- Beautiful landscapes the entire way
- You can stop anywhere for photos or a break
Make It a Full Day: Visit Nearby Towns and Events
The tulip region is more than fields. Small towns around the area host markets, events, and seasonal activities during tulip season. They’re easy to reach if you’re already in the area by train, bus, or bike.
Towns worth visiting
- Lisse – home of Keukenhof, with cafes and shops
- Hillegom – quiet, close to many fields
- Noordwijkerhout – cozy center and nice walking paths
- Noordwijk – beach town perfect to end the day by the sea
Seasonal touches
Some weekends you’ll find flower parades, local artisan markets, and spring events. They’re small, friendly, and add a nice local feeling to your tulip day.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on the day you want.
Go for public transport for freedom.
Choose the Keukenhof bus for a smooth, simple plan.
Pick cycling if you want an active adventure.
If you’re booking a photo session with me, I’ll guide you to the best option depending on the light, the fields, and how busy the season is that week.
Final Tip Before You Go
Tulip season is short and changes fast. Start early, wear layers, and always respect the gardens by staying on the permitted paths. There are many places where we can create beautiful photos without stepping into the flowers.
Until next time in Amsterdam, and please remember when you think of visiting the tulip region, choose gardens, not fields.
Joanna
Your Vacation Photographer in Amsterdam
