Amsterdam to Keukenhof: Shuttle Bus & Entry Ticket Flexible Return

Summary

Keukenhof’s colors, shuttle freedom and a day in flower fields

You’ll step into Keukenhof Gardens straight from an easy shuttle ride out of Amsterdam—entry ticket included—and wander among millions of blooming tulips at your own pace. Take any return bus you like; stay as long as you want. From coffee at departure to petal-scented air in the gardens, it’s a relaxed day full of color and small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to smell this one,” our driver grinned as we stepped off the bus at Keukenhof, still clutching our coffee from the waiting room back in Amsterdam. I’d never seen so many people smiling over flowers—families with strollers, couples holding hands, even a group of students practicing their Dutch by reading the map out loud. The air was damp but not cold, and there was this sweet mix of hyacinth and grass that sort of stuck to my jacket for hours after.

The shuttle from This is Holland was honestly easier than I expected—just a quick ferry behind Central Station (the kind you don’t pay for, which felt like a small win), then a short walk past that big round building with the flag. We left when we felt like it, since buses run every half hour. No one rushed us. Our local guide pointed out the best time to see certain tulip beds (“after lunch, when the light hits just right”), but mostly we wandered on our own. Sometimes I’d lose track of my friends in the crowd and just stand there watching kids try to pronounce “Keukenhof.”

I kept thinking about how many bulbs they plant here—seven million? It’s hard to picture that number until you’re actually walking through it all. There were moments when it got quiet enough to hear water trickling somewhere nearby, or someone laughing in another language. The paths are easy for anyone (I saw wheelchairs and prams everywhere), and if you get hungry there’s food around, though honestly I just snacked on stroopwafels I’d stuffed in my bag earlier. At some point I lost my sense of direction completely but didn’t mind at all—there’s no wrong way through this place.

We stayed longer than planned because no one wanted to leave yet, which was fine since return buses ran until 6:30 PM. By late afternoon the light got softer and everything looked kind of unreal, like you could almost taste spring in the air. On the ride back I found petals in my pocket and thought about how simple it all felt—just flowers, fresh air, and not having to think about parking or train schedules for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Keukenhof Gardens from Amsterdam

• Take free ferry from Central Station
• Walk 3 minutes to This is Holland
• Use facilities and wait for shuttle
• Travel by air-conditioned bus to Keukenhof
• Explore Keukenhof Gardens at leisure
• Return by luxury coach to Amsterdam

Top questions

How do I get from Amsterdam Central Station to the Keukenhof shuttle?

You take a free ferry from platform F3 behind Central Station toward Buiksloterweg. After getting off, it’s a 3-minute walk to “This is Holland,” where the shuttle departs.

Is entry to Keukenhof Gardens included with the shuttle ticket?

Yes, your ticket includes both roundtrip shuttle transportation and fast-track entry into Keukenhof Gardens.

How often do shuttles run between Amsterdam and Keukenhof?

Buses depart every 30 minutes from Amsterdam to Keukenhof throughout the day.

Can I return to Amsterdam at any time?

Yes, you can take any return bus back to Amsterdam—the last coach leaves Keukenhof at 6:30 PM.

Where does the shuttle depart from in Amsterdam?

The shuttle departs from “This is Holland” near Overhoeksplein, just across from Central Station via ferry.

Are there facilities at the departure point?

Yes, “This is Holland” offers free restrooms, an inspiring waiting area, and good coffee before you board.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

Yes, paths are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; infants can ride on laps or use specialized seats.

How long does it take to get from Amsterdam to Keukenhof by bus?

The trip takes about 40 minutes each way by air-conditioned coach.

What’s included

Your day includes fast-track entry tickets for Keukenhof Gardens plus roundtrip transport on a comfortable shuttle bus from central Amsterdam. You’ll start at “This is Holland” with access to restrooms and coffee before boarding; flexible departures mean you can stay as long as you want before returning on any available coach—all without worrying about parking or public transport hassles.