The Tulip Region (De Bollenstreek) is located in the province of South Holland, and travel time from Amsterdam is only around 40 minutes to 1 hour. The region is not well connected by trains, so we need to take buses, which makes the trip a bit longer and sometimes confusing. In this guide, you will have all the necessary information to make your trip as easy as possible, from transportation to the gardens you can visit with me or on your own, to the options for creating your photographic experience within the region.

This photo was taken in Keukenhof Gardens in the morning, outside of golden hour. Even with natural light, the key is to compose intentionally, allowing the light to shape the mood and become part of the story.

The easiest way to reach Keukenhof from Amsterdam is by taking the official Keukenhof bus. It departs from four locations: RAI Amsterdam, Haarlem, Hoofddorp, and Leiden.

This is a typical picture taken inside Keukenhof Gardens. Multicoloured flowers, not exclusively tulips, and green backgrounds, as we are in the middle of the woods.

Most people recommend taking the metro to RAI, since it is the departure point within Amsterdam. However, before deciding automatically, check what is most convenient for your location and travel plans. Consider whether you prefer a round trip to Amsterdam or if it makes more sense to continue on to another city afterward.

When photographing in Keukenhof Gardens, it’s important to know that we are not in open tulip fields, but in a carefully curated garden. This photo was taken on the second Sunday of April at 2 pm. Beautiful results are possible even later in the day; you don’t need to arrive only at 8 am to achieve this atmosphere.

If you are arriving from Schiphol Airport, have luggage to store, or plan to return to the airport after visiting Keukenhof, Hoofddorp is often the most convenient option. It is just one train stop from Schiphol. You can leave your luggage in storage at the airport and then continue to Hoofddorp easily. This option is also practical if you are staying in Zaandam, as there is a direct train connection to Hoofddorp, avoiding train changes that can sometimes feel confusing when traveling abroad.

I love creating images that feel natural, with trees in the background and layers of flowers surrounding you, so the atmosphere feels immersive and authentic. This photo was taken at 8 am. Early mornings can be a bit colder, so bringing an extra layer that you can quickly put on between sets makes the experience much more comfortable.

If you are staying near Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Sloterdijk, taking the train to Haarlem and then the bus to Keukenhof is often a smart choice. The travel time is similar to going to RAI, and once you return from Keukenhof, you can take the opportunity to explore Haarlem. It is a beautiful city, and if you enjoy beer or unique spaces, visit Jopenkerk, a brewery inside a former church (Kerk means church in Dutch).

In Keukenhof Gardens, each area feels like a complete scene of its own, with different colours and flowers in various stages of bloom. This photo was taken around 9 am.

If you are already near a metro station with easy access to RAI, or within about 15 minutes by tram, RAI can be convenient. It is not always my first recommendation because it tends to be the busiest departure point, which can mean longer lines. The bus tickets from RAI may also be slightly more expensive due to the longer route.

The beauty of Keukenhof is that it is a fully accessible garden, with wide walking paths and wheelchair-friendly areas. Here you can see one of those paths. I usually compose my images to soften or hide the walkways using perspective. However, in this photo, capturing a moment between grandparents and grandchildren, I chose to include the path to show movement and connection.

You can purchase round-trip transport tickets on the official Keukenhof website, with or without entrance to the gardens. This gives flexibility if you already have your garden ticket but want to use the transport service. More information is available at www.keukenhof.nl.

If You Prefer Not to Use Public Transport

There are alternatives, but there is one important detail to know.

GPS does not always function reliably around Keukenhof Gardens. Taxis sometimes need to leave the immediate area before they can receive new ride requests. For this reason, if you prefer private transport, I strongly recommend booking in advance.

Local taxi services can be very helpful. Services such as SnelEenTaxi (it means “a quick taxi” in Dutch) operate via website or app and work well throughout the Netherlands. For transportation within the Tulip Region itself, Taxi Bollenstreek is a specialized local service, and you can call them 24/7. The region is called the Bollenstreek (Bollen means bulbs, Streek means region), referring to the flower bulb fields.

One of my favourite areas in the gardens is along the edge of the water. Here, the hyacinths are in bloom, and their fragrance makes this part of Keukenhof truly unforgettable.

Another option is to take a train to Hillegom and cycle from there. If you already have a rental bike in Amsterdam, you can bring it on the train (bike ticket required). Bikes are not allowed inside Keukenhof, but you can cycle past the fields, reach your chosen tulip garden, and use the bike to explore the entire region. We provide a custom Google Maps route when you book an Explorer or Lifestyle Route session with us. If you prefer, you can also rent a bike directly at Hillegom station; the first tulip garden is only 7 minutes away by bike. This is my favorite way to visit the tulips, and it’s the method I’ll be using this year. I’d be delighted if you join me for a cycle to your chosen tulip garden.

This photo was taken at the beginning of the season. In March, you will mostly see narcissus and other early spring flowers, as the tulips are still growing. The gardens are still beautiful to explore during this time. Here, a mother and daughter enjoyed a day visit while their river cruise was docked in Amsterdam, proof that even a short stay can become a meaningful spring experience.

How much time do you need to explore Keukenhof?

Keukenhof is a large garden and deserves time. To explore it fully at your own pace, plan for at least three hours inside the park.

If you prefer a more structured and guided experience, my sessions in Keukenhof usually last between 90 minutes and three hours. In 90 minutes, we focus on the most beautiful outdoor areas and create a strong variety of images. With three hours, we also have time to visit the pavilions, talk about the history of the gardens, understand how they function, and learn more about the flowers and the bulb-growing region.

Keukenhof is more than a garden; it is a celebration of spring, colour, and Dutch horticulture. Giving yourself enough time will allow you to truly enjoy its beauty.

If you would like your visit to feel intentional and beautifully documented, you can discover more about my Tulip Experience here.

Spring is short, but the memories can last much longer.

See you soon in Amsterdam, or in between flowers,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam