Keukenhof Tulip Fields: Self-Drive Tour & Audio Guide

Summary

Colorful fields near Keukenhof by Twizy with stories and stops

You’ll drive your own electric Twizy along quiet country roads near Keukenhof Gardens, stopping wherever you want among blooming tulip fields. Listen to stories on your audio guide, visit a real bulb farm for coffee or souvenirs, and take in all those colors without crowds or hurry — just you and whoever’s riding with you.

What’s the experience like?

It started with the guy at Renzy handing me the keys to this odd little Twizy — he grinned when I asked if it was really as easy as a bumper car. “Easier,” he said, which I doubted until we rolled out of the lot. The electric hum was barely louder than the wind, and my partner kept laughing every time we passed cyclists who did double-takes. I didn’t expect to feel so exposed in an open cab, but honestly, it made the air smell sharper — like wet grass and something sweet I couldn’t name (tulips, maybe?).

The GPS audio guide kicked in right away, telling us about the Flower Bulb Region around Keukenhof Gardens — apparently this area has been growing bulbs for centuries. The road was narrow, lined with water on one side and rows of color on the other. We stopped whenever we felt like it (which was often), just pulling over to get close to the flowers. At one point I tried to pronounce “bollenstreek” out loud; my partner nearly choked on her coffee laughing at me. There’s something nice about being able to go slow or stop completely without anyone rushing you along.

About halfway through our tulip fields tour, we pulled into The Tulperij — a bulb nursery that looked like someone’s family farm more than a tourist spot. There were muddy boots by the door and a woman arranging buckets of cut flowers inside. She offered us coffee (strong) and pointed out which fields were best for photos that day. I still think about how quiet it felt there except for distant birds and the crunch of gravel underfoot.

I guess what surprised me most was how much freedom we had — no crowds, no schedule except our own. The sun started dipping low by the time we finished (we booked an evening slot), so everything looked softer somehow. If you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam or want to see Keukenhof’s tulip fields up close without feeling herded around, this is probably your thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive tulip fields tour

• Start electric tulip fields drive
• Stop at Tulperij bulb farm
• Explore flowerbulb region at leisure
• View tulip fields near Keukenhof
• Visit The Tulip Barn farm

Top questions

How long is the self-drive tulip fields tour near Keukenhof?

The fixed route is 20km and usually takes around 2 hours including stops.

Is entry to Keukenhof Gardens included in this tour?

No, entry to Keukenhof Gardens is not included; you’ll explore the surrounding tulip fields instead.

Can I book this tulip tour from Amsterdam?

Yes, Renzy’s starting point is easily accessible from Amsterdam by car or public transport.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you need to arrive at Renzy’s location near Keukenhof yourself.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide comes in English, German, and Dutch.

Do I need an international driver’s license?

If your license isn’t in English or from Europe/UK/North/South America/Australia, bring an international driver’s license.

Is this tulip tour suitable for children?

The Twizy fits 2 people (2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child); infant seats are available if needed.

When is the best time to see tulips in bloom?

The best period is mid-April to early May but blooming times vary with nature each year.

What happens if it rains during my tour?

The tour runs rain or shine; just dress appropriately for Dutch weather!

Are refreshments included at the tulip farm stop?

No refreshments are included but you can buy coffee or souvenirs at The Tulperij bulb nursery stop.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a fully charged electric Renault Twizy for two people along a fixed 20km route through the Flower Bulb Region near Keukenhof Gardens, GPS navigation plus an audio guide in English or German packed with local stories and facts about tulips, flexible stops wherever you want among flower fields, entry to a working bulb nursery where you can grab coffee or souvenirs if you like — all at your own pace before returning when you're ready.