Keukenhof Express bus – 2023 FAQ
Taking the Keukenhof Express Arriva bus is the easiest way to travel to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, Schiphol airport and Leiden. Here is everything you need to plan your trip.
You can plan your door-to-door journeys in the Netherlands by public and shared transport with a free Glimble app:
Tickets for the Keukenhof Express bus have a fixed time-slot. You have to book them online in advance.
FAQ:
- What is the Keukenhof Express?
- Keukenhof Express tickets in 2023
- Travelling with flexible departure times
- Can I buy Keukenhof combi-tickets at the bus?
- What types of tickets are valid in the Keukenhof Express?
- Can I use my GVB ticket in the Keukenhof Express?
- Keukenhof Express bus schedule in 2023 and travel times
- Does the Keukenhof Express have any in between stops?
- Keukenhof Express and wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- Are dogs allowed in Arriva Keukenhof Express?
- Can I store my luggage in the Keukenhof Express?
What is the Keukenhof Express?
During the Keukenhof opening season (from 23 March to 14 May 2023) there are special direct bus lines, called the Keukenhof Express, going to the gardens from:
- Schiphol airport (bus line 858)
- Leiden (bus line 854)
- Amsterdam RAI (bus line 852).
Keukenhof travel options in 2023. Source: Keukenhof.nl
Check the detailed travel instructions here:
Keukenhof Express tickets
Keukenhof combi-tickets (entrance + return bus ticket) in 2023 cost:
- € 36 if you travel from Amsterdam RAI
- € 31 if you travel from Schiphol
- € 31 from Leiden
- € 31 from from Haarlem, Heemstede, Hillegom
- € 17,50 tickets for children (4-17).
Buy bus + skip-the-line tickets to Keukenhof >>
Combi-ticketes mentioned above include the Keukenhof entrance tickets and the transportation (return transfer).
Important! The time you choose during the booking process is based on the departure of the bus. All buses departing 30 minutes before and 60 minutes after the chosen timeslot can be taken. For the buses back for the return transfers there are no timeslots. You can take any bus you want.
Please also note that Keukenhof combi tickets are sold with a 30 minutes interval. While the public transport is operating on their own schedule. The best way to see the exact departure times is via the Arriva official app called Glimble.
Tip!
If you want to have flexible departure time, you can travel with a usual OV-chipkaart (Dutch transport card) or Amsterdam & Region Travel ticket.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is valid for 1-3 days of unlimited travel by public transport in Amsterdam and surrounding areas (including Schiphol airport, Volendam, Edam, Marken, Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Zandvoort and Keukenhof).
ARTT map in 2023. Open the image in a new window to enlarge it.
Prices in 2023:
- 1 day – € 21,00
- 2 days – € 31,50
- 3 days – € 40,50
The ticket is valid from the first time you check in until 04:00 hours after the last valid day.
Another option is Tulip Festival Card, a combi that includes:
- Keukenhof entrance ticket
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
- two audio guides
- 10% discount on other attractions tickets in Amsterdam.
With these type of ticket you don’t need to book a timeslot for Keukenhof Express.
Can I buy Keukenhof combi-tickets at the bus?
No, you can’t buy Keukenhof combi-tickets from the driver.
You purchase a travel ticket from the bus driver only on buses 300, 341, 397, 50 and 90. The price depends on the distance you travel (travelling with an OV-chipkaart or a combi-ticket is much cheaper). Please note that you cannot pay for tickets in cash on the buses in the Netherlands.
What types of tickets are valid in the Keukenhof Express?
- combi-tickets
- day tickets
- OV-chipcard
- Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
- Holland Travel Ticket
- Tourist Day Ticket
The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is a good option if you are planning to visit other places (Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Haarlem, Zandvoort, etc.) and use public transport in Amsterdam.
The advantage of the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is that you can take any Keukenhof Express bus, it’s doesn’t have a fixed departure time and gives you more flexibility.
Can I use my GVB ticket in the Keukenhof Express?
No, bus 858 is operated by Arriva. Your GVB ticket, as well as I Amsterdam city card won’t be valid in the bus.
However you can use Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. It is valid in the bus lines:
- 858 (Schiphol Airport – Keukenhof)
- 852 (Amsterdam RAI – Keukenhof)
- 854 (Leiden CS – Keukenhof)
- 50 (station Haarlem – Keukenhof).
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is also valid for 1-3 days of unlimited travel by bus, tram, metro and train in Amsterdam and surrounding areas (including Volendam, Edam, Marken, Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Zandvoort and Keukenhof. Great option is you are planning to travel a lot!
Order Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online >>
You can also use the Tulip Festival Card, which is a combi of Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket, the Keukenhof entrance ticket, audio guides and discount codes
Amsterdam Travel Ticket is not valid in any of these bus lines.
Keukenhof Express bus schedule in 2023 and travel times
You can easily plan your trip with a free Glimble app. It’s an official app of the Arriva company, which operates Keukenhof Express buses:
You will receive real-time travel advice (timetable and the route options) from your departure location.
Travel time by the Keukenhof Express:
- bus line 852 from Amsterdam RAI. Travel time 35 minutes. The bus departs up to 8 times an hour. The first bus to Keukenhof departs at 7:30. The last bus back is at 19:55.
- bus line 858 from Schiphol. Travel time 35 minutes. The bus departs up to 6 times an hour. The first bus to Keukenhof departs at 7:30. The last bus back is at 19:55.
- bus line 854 from Leiden. Travel time 25 minutes. The bus departs up to 4 times an hour. The first bus to Keukenhof departs at 7:43. The last bus back is at 19:55.
- bus line 50 from Haarlem. Travel time 40-50 minutes + 10 minutes walk. Haarlem on weekdays (bus 50): first bus at 7:30, last bus back at 22:23. Haarlem on weekends (Keukenhof Express): first bus at 10:00, last bus back at 17:45.
Travel times can vary depending on the road situation.
Does the Keukenhof Express have any in between stops?
No, it is a direct and nonstop bus that brings you to the main entrance of Keukenhof.
Is the Keukenhof Express accessible to passengers in a wheelchair and mobility scooter?
Yes, it is accessible to the passengers in a wheelchair. There is a special space in the central part of the bus enough for 2 wheelchairs.
However mobility scooters are not allowed in the bus.
Are dogs allowed in Arriva Keukenhof Express?
Yes, small dogs are allowed in the Keukenhof Express. The dog is supposed to be on a leash and may not occupy a seat. Small dogs can travel in the bus for free.
Can I store my luggage in the Keukenhof Express?
No, the Keukenhof Express is a regular line bus, not a tourist coach. Which means the bus will leave as soon as it takes you to Keukenhof.
What time does the 858 AMS-Keukenhof Express begin service?
What time of day?
My flight arrives at 7:30 AM.
In 2019 it used to operate from 08:00 AM. The Keukenhof Express bus schedule for 2020 is not live yet, but I guess it will be something around this time again.
Is Kuekenhof Gardens open in June, 2020? or is the garden only open in April and May?
In 2020 the Keukenhof gardens are open from 21 March to 10 May.
I am not able to purchase the combi-ticket. It keeps stating date not available. Seems like it wants me to buy the Tulip Festival Card.
Hi Ruth, the combi-tickets should become available in the coming weeks.
Hi Ruth, starting from today, the combi-tickets are available for purchase online.
THE COMBI TICKET PRICE TODAY IS 27 OR 32.50 EARO?
The price of the combi ticket depends on your departure location, you can check the prices and book your tickets here – https://www.tiqets.com/en/search?q=keukenhof%20transport&partner=explorer&tq_campaign=en
When you purchase a combi ticket do you need to travel and go to the gardens on the same day or can you travel to and from on different day and visit the gardens on another day?
In general, the ticket is meant to be used for a day trip to Keukenhof.
It’s better to ask the service providers (Keukenhof and Arriva) directly if it will work the way you need it.
When will the new 858 bus schedule be posted for this year?
I’m not sure when (and if) Keukenhof will publish the .pdf brochures with the bus schedules this year. But you can already check it via the 9292.nl travel planner (website or app).
Do you know what time the Express Arriva
852 buses to Keukenhoff start in the morning from Amsterdam Rai station and when they might become available to book?
Hi Anne,
It is not possible to book Keukenhof express Arriva tickets at the moment, and the timetable for 2022 is also not available yet. More information will follow soon (hopefully in the coming two weeks)!
Good news! The tickets are already available online. As faw as I can see, Arriva buses from Amsterdam RAI start at 07:30 every morning.
If I buy a return ticket can I use it over two days?
Hi Sarah, no, unfortunately not. You have to use your return ticket on the same day.
Hello, I booked a ticket for entrance to the park. I just got the entry but do not have transportation and will need to take the 852 bus, and will be coming from Museumplein. I’m wondering what to do – I can’t figure out how to buy just transportation…Thanks in advance :).
Hello! You can buy a bus only ticket. They are now available online. After you pick the date and time, there will be an option to book Adult (12+) – Day Ticket Bus only. Have a nice visit to Keukenhof!
Is it possible to use the Combi ticket to leave on a different bus than when I arrived? I am leaving from Amsterdam so wanted to purchase the 852 combi ticket, but after the gardens I will go straight to AMS airport for my flight – so would I be able to then take the 858 on return instead of the 852?
Hi Dulchinea, that’s a good question.
It was always possible in the prevous years, so I expect that the answer is yes. But I’ll try to find an official proof of information. When I know more, I’ll update this comment.
hi.. is there any update on this? we are planning to request for a different bus coming back.. we take the (our combi-ticket) Amsterdam RAI to Keukonhof.. but we need to be in Leiden after the visit. is it possible to take the Keukenhof express going to Leiden on our return? Thanks a lot!
Yes, it’s possible, no problem!
When I book the Keukenhof combi-tickets, I realized that the return ticket must be used on the same day. We plan to stay in Lisse for a few days. The return time would be the first bus 25.4.2022 from Keukenhf to the Airport. Is this possible on bus line 585?
I couldn’t find a bus schedule. When will the buses start in either direction in the morning?
Hi Ene! You’re absolutely right, with a combi-ticket the return ticket must be used on the same day.
You can check the bus schedule here – https://9292.nl/reisadvies There is no schedule for 25 April 2022 yet, but the schedule for Monday 18 April 2022 says that the first Keukenhof Express bus 858 departs from Keukenhof at 08:35. Next buses depart every 10 minutes.
According to the 92929.nl travel planner, there is also a direct Arriva bus 361 from Lisse to Schiphol. It departs starting from 05:12 in the morning. It’s a regular bus, so there you can probably buy a ticket from the driver.
I wish to take the Keukenhof express bus from Leiden central, and then from Keukenhof to Europaplein. Is this possible with an OV chipkaart?
Hi Aurora! Yes, you can travel in both buses with an OV chipkaart. 9292.nl website can show you what your journey will cost.
When will Express bus + Keukenhof admission combo tickets from Leiden be available for the 2023 season?
Hi Bruce! Probably beginning of 2023. We’ll post an update as soon as they are available!
When will combi (Keukenhof entry and bus) tickets be available for purchase?
Hi! We expect them to be available online from February 22, 2023.
I plan on travelling on the Keukenhof Express with an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. Since you don’t book a seat, what are the chances that the bus will be full?
Hi Anna, it should be OK. There’s no seat reservation at the Keukenhof express, there’s only time-slot booking for the crowd control. With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you just stand in queue and enter any bus on the day(s) when your ticket is valid.
Bought a combi ticket for April 2023 can I arrive in keukeoff garden at any time slot with this ticket? Because I rented bikes first upon arrival and was planning on going in park after. Thanks in advance!
Hi Minta!
That’s a good question, because according to the rules you have to take a bus within the indicated time-slot. As far as I know there’re no rules when you have to actually enter the park. But to be sure I would contact the official Keukenhof customer support team and ask them if it’s allowed to enter any time.
Hi! As I’m planning to go to Zaanse Schans and use public transportation in Amsterdam, buying an Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket 3 days + Entry ticket to Keukenhof is much cheaper. However, I am worried about not booking a time schedule for the Express Bus to Keukenhof. Do you know if that can be a problem?
Also, on the website they say Keukenhof ticket + Keukenhof Express Bus trip from Amsterdam RAI is 36€ and a return trip is 17€. This doesn’t mean I have to buy and schedule the return ticket?
Hi Ines, don’t worry, with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket can take any Keukenhof Express bus on the day(s) when your ticket is valid.
As for the Keukenhof ticket + Keukenhof Express Bus trip from Amsterdam RAI ticket for €36 – it includes Keukenhof entrance + return bus trip.
The ticket for €17 is a return bus ticket (for those who already have a Keukenhof entrance ticket).
Thank you very much! Your website is super useful! By the way, do you know at what time is the last bus from Keukenhof to Amsterdam? Is usually at the closing time or we need to leave earlier?
Thank you!
I know that last year the last departure time for the bus line 852 to Amsterdam was 19:55. I haven’t seen the bus schedule for 2023 yet. But hopefully it will be available on 9292.nl (the Dutch travel planner website) soon.
I am planning to purchase the Express Bus ticket from RAI and Garden Admission (36Euro) Does this include the return trip….or is that purchased separately? I’m a bit confused.
Hi Cindy, yes, it includes a return trip!
I can’t seem to be able to purchase the combi tickets online. It is saying that it is not available. Are they all sold out? What is the alternative way? Thanks!
Hi Irene! No, don’t worry, they are not sold out. Probably there’s a technical issue. They should be available in the coming days.
Hi, I am just wondering how strict the rules are around dogs on the Keukenhof Express? I noticed it only mentions small dogs but we are really hoping we could bring a well behaved Labradoodle. Thanks!
Hi Cat!
These are the rules from the Arriva (operating bus company) website:
Travelling with pets
Small pets carried in a bag or basket can travel free of charge on trains and buses. Dogs are allowed on public transport, but the following rules apply:
– Dogs can travel free of charge on buses but must be kept on a short leash.
– Dogs can travel free of charge on trains if they are carried on a passenger’s lap.
– To take a larger dog on the train, you need to purchase an NS Dagkaart Hond dog day ticket.
– The dog must not occupy a seat on the train or disturb other passengers.
– Harnessed guide dogs travel free.
The rest I think depends on the driver and on how crowded it is in the bus.
I don’t have personal experience with dogs in the bus. But hope this helps!
Hello, do 2 year olds also need a ticket on the Keukenhof express bus? The website just asks to select number of tickets it does not specify adults or children.
Hi! What website are you checking? Here you can select adult, kids or infant ticket (for 0 euro). But in general kids under 4 don’t need a ticket in public transport in the Netherlands.
I have purchased a combi-ticket for bus+entrance and had to choose an arrival time. I cannot see how to book the Express bus from Schiphol. Questions/responses on the Keukenhof site and email to not answer my question.
Also I cannot find the stops for the 397 bus going to Schiphol on a map. We are staying near the Rijksmuseum. Thank you
Hi Trish,
When you buy a combi-ticket, you choose the departure time from the selected locaiton. So you don’t need to book anything extra for bus from Schiphol. That’s what Keukenhof website says:
With a combi-ticket you only reserve the departure time for the outward journey with the Keukenhof Express bus, not the arrival time slot for your entrance at Keukenhof or your return journey.
As for the bus stop – bus line 397 stops near Concertgebouw (this stop https://maps.app.goo.gl/o1imJShS1nMntni77?g_st=ig OR the other side of the street – please check on the spot). I would also recommend you to download Glimble app – it shows all travel directions (including walking routes to the closest bus stop).
That’s how you can see it in Glimble app:
Enjoy your visit to Keukenhof!
Hi, I bought entrance tickets for 2adults and 1child.
As we will use ARTT for 2 adults, so the transport to Keukenhof is included.
But for child, we forgot to buy her express bus tickets with entrance ticket. Can we buy express bus ticket round trip separately for a child and the fare? Thanks!
Hi! I’ve checked several websites that sell tickets, including Keukenhof official website, Arriva (bus company) website and app. But unfortunately I don’t see kids bus-only tickets. They all sell only adult bus tickets. Can that be an option? Or maybe you can contact Arriva customer service and ask for solution? Good luck and have a nice trip to Keukenhof!
Hi, i would like to ask if I miss my departure of the express time will I still be able to take the next bus? Thank you.
Hi Jason, yes, you can also take a later bus to Keukenhof.
Is it possible to take Keukenhof express bus with a larger dog, for instance, a Labrador?
Hi! Please check my reply above https://holland-explorer.com/keukenhof-express/#comment-55565
It’s better to contact Arriva (bus operating company) if you want to know for sure.
are small mobility scooters allowed on the 852 or is there a luggage compartment that they can be put in
Unfortunately, mobility scooters are not allowed on Arriva buses
https://www.arriva.nl/consumers/service-contact/i-have-a-question/traveling-with-a-disability.htm
Hi there. Is it possible to catch the Keukenhof bus with our regular OV chip cards and just buy the Keukenhof entrance tickets, or do we need to buy the tickets that include the bus tickets?
Hi Katie, it’s possible to use regular OV chip cards in the Keukenhof bus.
Hello! I bought combi tickets with the bus departure from the RAI location, but our accommodations changed and it would now be much easier for me to travel from the schipol airport bus line. Do you know if I can use my combi ticket at a different bus departure location than the one I originally selected?
Hi! Honestly, I don’t know. My guess is that it’s possible, because it’s the same company (Arriva) and the ticket from Amsterdam is even more expensive than from Schiphol. But it’s better to double check it with Arriva, or your tickets provider, directly.