Planning to visit Keukenhof in 2026?
• Opening dates: March 19 – May 10, 2026
• Entry ticket: from €21
• Time-slot reservation required
• Bus + ticket combo available from Amsterdam & Schiphol
Check Keukenhof Ticket Availability >>
If you’re visiting the Netherlands in spring, Keukenhof Gardens is one of the most famous places to see tulips in the world.
Every year, millions of visitors come to this stunning flower garden to experience millions of blooming tulips, colorful flower fields, and classic Dutch scenery.
Because Keukenhof is only open for about two months each year, tickets often sell out during peak season, especially on sunny weekends.
👉 Check Keukenhof ticket availability here
Spring in the Netherlands: The Tulip Season
Keukenhof Gardens, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024, is one of the largest and most beautiful flower gardens in the world.
The garden attracts more than one million visitors every season, making it one of the most popular spring attractions in the Netherlands.
With over seven million tulips planted across a 32-hectare park, Keukenhof truly feels like a land of flowers.
Walking through the garden, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant colors and the sweet fragrance of spring blossoms.
Keukenhof Gardens 2026
Opening dates: March 19 – May 10, 2026
Opening hours: 8:00 – 19:00
Entrance ticket: from €21
Parking: €9
📍 Stationsweg 166a, Lisse, Netherlands
👉 Book Keukenhof tickets online
There are also combination tickets that include a round-trip bus from Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Leiden Central Station, or Haarlem.
You can also check the official website for special events and flower shows during the season.
When Is the Best Time to See Tulips?
The exact tulip blooming period changes slightly each year depending on the weather, but the following timeline is a good general guide.
Late March – Mid April
The weather is still quite chilly during this period, so bringing a jacket is recommended. Rain is also common in early spring.
However, this is often the best time to see both the Keukenhof gardens and the surrounding tulip fields in full bloom.
During late March and early April, you may also see the famous “Flower Stripes” — colorful rows of tulips stretching across the fields.
A popular way to enjoy the area is to visit Keukenhof in the morning, then rent a bike and explore the tulip fields in the afternoon.
If you want to walk directly inside a tulip field, you can also visit
The Tulip Barn, a popular show garden located just a few kilometers from Keukenhof.
Mid April – Early May
From mid-April onward, the weather becomes warmer, making it a pleasant time to walk around the gardens.
This is also a great period for picnicking inside Keukenhof while enjoying the tulips.
Even in May, many tulips are still blooming beautifully.
However, by this time the Flower Stripes in the surrounding fields may already be harvested, so the striped landscapes may not be visible.
Check the Flower Bloom Status Online
No matter when you visit during the tulip season, you will usually see plenty of flowers in bloom.
If you’re concerned about the current flower status, you can check Keukenhof’s Facebook page, where daily photos show the latest conditions in the garden.
Keukenhof is typically busiest between 10 AM and 4 PM, even on weekdays, and weekends can be crowded all day.
Personally, I think weather matters more than crowds.
A sunny day makes the colors of the flowers truly spectacular for photos.
How to Get to Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is located in Lisse, about 30 minutes from Amsterdam by car.
However, during tulip season the roads can become extremely crowded.
Even a short drive may take 1–2 hours because of traffic.
To avoid traffic, try visiting early in the morning or after 3 PM.
You can also take direct buses to Keukenhof from:
• Amsterdam RAI
• Hoofddorp Station
• Leiden Central Station
• Haarlem Station
For many visitors, the easiest option is the bus + entrance ticket combination pass.
👉 Check bus + Keukenhof ticket options
Keukenhof Ticket Information
Since 2022, Keukenhof has introduced a time-slot entry system.
This means you must:
• Choose a specific date
• Select an entry time
• Purchase tickets online in advance
Tickets often sell out on popular dates, so booking early is highly recommended.
If you’re visiting by car, remember to purchase a parking ticket together with your entrance ticket.
If you are traveling by public transport, the bus + entrance combination ticket is usually the best value.
Buy Keukenhof Tickets Online >>
Facilities at Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof covers a massive 32-hectare park, and there are many facilities available for visitors.
Pavilion
Several pavilions inside the park host flower exhibitions and themed displays, featuring many varieties beyond tulips.
Windmill
One of the most iconic photo spots in the garden is the traditional Dutch windmill.
From the top of the windmill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the tulip fields and flower stripes.
Food
There are multiple cafés, restaurants, and food stalls throughout the park.
Lunch hours can get quite crowded, so if you’re hungry it may be easier to grab something quickly from the food trucks.
There are limited seating areas, so bringing a small picnic blanket can be a good idea.
Souvenir shop
The main entrance shop and smaller stores inside the garden sell:
• Tulip bulbs
• Keukenhof souvenirs
• Dutch-themed gifts
A fun highlight is the Miffy (Nijntje) shop, which sells exclusive Keukenhof merchandise.
Don’t miss the Keukenhof Miffy statue and tulip-themed souvenirs.
Toilet
Keukenhof provides free and very clean restrooms throughout the garden.
wi-fi
Free Wi-Fi is available across the park.
Lockers
Free lockers are available at the entrance to store small bags.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed inside Keukenhof, but:
• One dog per visitor
• Must be kept on a leash
• Not allowed inside some buildings (pavilions, restaurants)
Keukenhof Gardens is often called the most beautiful tulip garden in the world, and it’s truly one of the best places to experience spring in the Netherlands.
If you’re planning to visit during tulip season, make sure to book your tickets early to avoid sold-out time slots.
Check Keukenhof Ticket Availability >>
FAQ: Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
Do I need to buy Keukenhof tickets in advance?
Yes. Keukenhof uses a time-slot system, and many dates sell out quickly.
What is the best month to visit Keukenhof?
Mid-April is usually the peak tulip season, though blooming depends on weather.
How long should I spend at Keukenhof?
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours exploring the gardens.
Is Keukenhof worth visiting?
Yes. It’s considered one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world.