Getting to the Flower Strip
Getting to the Flower Strip is a breeze. Find out how to reach the tulip fields by public transport or excursion.
Keukenhof Gardens by bus
Keukenhof Gardens is open from March to May. During this time, the Arriva Keukenhof Express bus 858 runs direct from Schiphol Plaza. The journey takes around 30 minutes and buses run frequently as they are popular. You can find the bus by Arrivals Hall 4 (next to Starbucks). A combi-ticket can be purchased at the bus stop giving you direct access to the gardens – no waiting in line! To get to Schiphol Plaza, you can either take a train to Schiphol from Amsterdam Central Station, or take bus 397 departing from the Elandsgracht bus station. Plan a journey on Google Maps, or during the opening period, follow the advice from the Keukenhof's website.
Aalsmeer flower auction
Get up bright and early for the flower auction at FloraHolland, open all year round. Connexxion Bus 357 takes you there in 45 minutes or so. The first bus departs Elandsgracht bus station at around 05:00. Plan your journey on Google Maps.
FloraHolland visiting hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 07:00 to 11:00, Thursdays, from 07:00 to 09:00.
Exploring the Flower Strip by bike
Cycling is a popular and hugely enjoyable way to explore Holland's Flower Strip. Many visitors rent a bike in Amsterdam and then take the train (bike day tickets are required) to Leiden and cycle up to Haarlem before catching the train back to Amsterdam (or vice versa). The tulip field cycle route between Haarlem and Leiden is well signposted and stretches for around 35km of flat, easily bikeable paths. If you don't want to cycle the entire route, it's also possible to rent a bike at the Keukenhof Gardens for around €10 per day, including cycle routes. Four marked routes from Keukenhof range from a relaxing 5km to the meandering 35km bulb route. Find out more about hiring a bike at Keukenhof.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
Make the most of the Flower Strip and travel around by bus and train with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. Tickets are valid on all metro, tram and bus lines operated by GVB, Connexxion, AllGo and EBS, including night buses, plus NS trains in the Amsterdam Area. Remember, you must check in and out with your card every time you enter and exit a bus, tram, train or metro. Your ticket is activated from the first check in.
