HOW LONG IS THE JOURNEY FROM AMSTERDAM TO KEUKENHOF?

Keukenhof feels like an “Amsterdam attraction,” but it’s actually in Lisse, about 30–40 km away. The good news: it’s an easy day trip—and in most cases, surprisingly quick.

The short answer

For most visitors, the journey from Amsterdam to Keukenhof takes about 40–60 minutes door-to-door.

That’s because the direct KeukenhofBuzz bus from Amsterdam RAI takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll usually add a short metro ride (plus a little waiting time).

Fastest public transport option: Amsterdam Centraal → RAI → Keukenhof

This is the most popular and straightforward route during the Keukenhof season (2026).

Step 1: Metro from Amsterdam Centraal to Europaplein (RAI)

• Around 7 minutes by metro.

Step 2: KeukenhofBuzz (bus 852) from Amsterdam RAI to Keukenhof

• Around 30 minutes on the KeukenhofBuzz.

Realistic total time (including waiting)

Even though the bus ride itself is about 30 minutes, you’ll want to allow for:

• walking inside the station

• possible short queues

• waiting for your bus departure

Plan on ~45 to 60 minutes total from Amsterdam Centraal.

Alternative route: Amsterdam → Schiphol → Keukenhof

If you’re already near the airport (or coming straight after landing), this can be very smooth:

Train: Amsterdam Centraal → Schiphol

• About 16–17 minutes by train.

KeukenhofBuzz (from Schiphol to Keukenhof)

• About 30 minutes.

Plan on ~55–75 minutes total from Amsterdam Centraal via Schiphol (because you’ll also transfer between train and bus).

By car or taxi: how long does it take?

If traffic is light, driving from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof area can be around 30–35 minutes.
But in tulip season—especially on sunny weekends in April—traffic can easily stretch that.

Practical tip: if you’re driving, give yourself 45–75 minutes to be safe.

Quick planning tips (so you don’t feel rushed)

• Add a buffer of 15–20 minutes if you have a timed ticket or you’re visiting on a weekend.

• If you want a calmer trip, aim to arrive earlier in the morning.

• Remember: the KeukenhofBuzz buses only run during the Keukenhof season, so always check you’re traveling on an operating day.