Amsterdam: Day Trip to Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills

If you’re considering a day tour from Amsterdam that combines iconic windmills and a world-famous flower garden, this experience offers a solid taste of Dutch heritage. It’s particularly appealing if you want a guided yet flexible way to see two top attractions without the hassle of organizing transport yourself.

We like that this trip allows you to explore at your own pace, giving you time for photos and wandering, especially at Keukenhof—arguably one of the most stunning floral displays in the world. The inclusion of Zaanse Schans’s traditional windmills and tastings adds a nice cultural touch.

However, a potential caveat is the price—at around $78.54 per person, some travelers feel it’s a bit steep for what’s involved, especially since reviews mention timing issues and a lack of guided commentary.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a convenient, all-in-one snapshot of Dutch countryside and blooms without extensive planning. If you’re okay with some logistical quirks and want a picture of classic Dutch scenery, this might be a good fit.

Key Points

Convenient transportation: The air-conditioned bus makes the journey comfortable, and you can hop off and explore at your leisure.
Flexible schedule at Keukenhof: You enjoy six hours to wander through millions of flowers, with the ability to leave and return by bus.
Authentic Dutch sights: Windmills, traditional houses, and cheese tastings at Zaanse Schans offer a glimpse into the Netherlands’ cultural landscape.
Good value for certain travelers: The ticket includes entry to both sites plus a detailed map, which many find helpful.
Mixed reviews on organization: While some praise the smooth logistics, others cite communication and timing issues.
Limited guided commentary: The tour drops you off and provides free maps, but there’s little to no guided narration, which might leave some wanting more context.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: This is Holland at Overhoeksplein

Your adventure begins with a quick, scenic ferry ride from Amsterdam’s Central Station area. The ferry only takes about three minutes across the IJ river, offering a fun, brief start to your day. Once ashore, you’ll see the iconic This is Holland building, recognizable by its red, white, and blue flag and its famous 5D flight experience (though this isn’t included in the tour). It’s a fun way to get a quick overview of Dutch culture and history, and it’s free—a good starter before heading out.

Zaanse Schans Windmills and Cultural Scene

Next, you’ll jump aboard an air-conditioned bus for about 30 minutes to Zaanse Schans. This quaint village is the postcard image of the Netherlands—windmills, traditional wooden houses, and working crafts. You’ll have around 2.5 hours here, which is enough to appreciate the windmills (you’ll see plenty of them—more than a dozen), try some cheese at a local farm, and watch free demonstrations of traditional crafts.

While reviews vary, many enjoy this part for its authenticity. One reviewer commented, “We both enjoyed walking around the Zaanse Schans viewing the windmills and cottages—time well spent.” The windmills aren’t just for show—they are part of the nation’s heritage, and seeing them still in active use helps you appreciate their importance.

A common complaint is that this part feels a bit rushed, especially if you want to enter some windmills or museums, which are sometimes not included or require extra fees. Still, a walk through the village gives a charming picture of Dutch rural life.

Keukenhof: The Floral Showcase

The highlight for many will be Keukenhof, about 45 minutes from Zaanse Schans. This is where you’ll spend around six hours wandering through lush gardens filled with over 7 million flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The gardens are spectacular, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photos and peaceful strolling.

Reviews suggest that timing can be tricky; one traveler noted Keukenhof was past its prime during their visit, with some flowers already gone or dead due to warm weather. If you’re keen to see the garden at its peak, visiting early in the season (usually April) is best, but weather can still influence the bloom. The tour offers the flexibility to leave on your own, so if you find the gardens are winding down, you can head back earlier.

The entry fee is included in the tour price, and you also receive a detailed map highlighting must-see spots, which many find extremely useful. Keukenhof’s sheer scale and beauty make it a memorable stop, even if some visitors feel the visit is somewhat rushed given the size of the gardens.

Logistics and Practical Tips

Transportation and Timing

The tour departs from This is Holland, which is easily accessible from the central station via a short ferry ride. The bus ride through tulip fields is about 45 minutes, providing scenic views of the Dutch countryside—definitely a photo-worthy stretch.

The total duration is approximately 10 hours, with the actual site visits lasting about 2.5 hours at Zaanse Schans and 6 hours at Keukenhof. The schedule allows flexibility, but some reviews mention confusion about timing—specifically, check-in times and bus departure times. One reviewer shared, “We arrived at 7:40 for the 8:00 start, only to find the door locked and a long line,” highlighting the importance of arriving promptly.

Cost and Value

At around $78.54, the price includes transportation, entrance fees, and a helpful map. Compared to organizing this trip independently, especially with transport and entry fees, this package can be a fair deal—though some travelers feel it’s overpriced for what it offers, especially given the lack of guided commentary.

Group Size and Experience

The tour is limited to about 50 travelers, which keeps things manageable but still can feel busy during peak times. There’s no guided narration on-site, so your experience depends on your own curiosity and use of the provided maps.

Reviews and Feedback

While many praise the scenery and the ease of transportation, some criticize the organization. One noted, “The tour suffers from lack of communication and some timing issues,” which can impact your overall enjoyment. Conversely, others found the trip well-organized and worth the cost, especially if you want a straightforward way to see Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans without the hassle.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy iconic windmills, flower gardens, and Dutch villages, this trip offers a solid overview. It’s perfect for travelers who value convenience and don’t mind a bit of independence in exploring at their own pace.

However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into each site with guided commentary or want to walk through actual tulip fields (beyond the gardens), this might fall short. The lack of guided tours means you’ll want to bring your own curiosity and some background research.

This tour is also best for those on a budget who want an all-in-one experience without additional costs for entry or transport. But if you’re expecting an in-depth cultural experience or personalized guidance, you may want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Amsterdam to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans delivers a good glimpse of the Netherlands’ most recognizable sights. The combination of windmills, traditional crafts, and millions of blooming flowers makes for memorable images and stories to bring home. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to tick those must-see destinations off your list, especially if you appreciate flexibility and are comfortable exploring independently using maps.

While some aspects, like timing and organization, could be improved, the overall value and experience suit travelers who enjoy scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and a touch of Dutch charm without the need for extensive guided commentary. It’s ideally suited for visitors with a flexible schedule, a sense of adventure, and an appreciation for the simpler pleasures of Dutch countryside and floral splendor.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour can work for families, especially since much of the sightseeing involves walking and photo opportunities. Just keep in mind the full day length and the need for patience with timing.

Do I need to know Dutch to enjoy this tour?
No, the tour is designed for international visitors, and the maps and information are provided in English. The sites themselves are culturally rich and visually engaging.

Can I join the tour if I don’t arrive at the starting point on time?
It’s best to arrive promptly. Some reviews mention issues with timing, so arriving early helps avoid missing the start or facing confusion.

Are there vegetarian or special food options?
The tour mainly covers site visits and does not include meals. You’ll want to bring your own snacks or plan to purchase food locally at Keukenhof or Zaanse Schans.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the bus is air-conditioned, which is a relief on warmer days. The short ferry ride to the starting point is also quick and scenic.

What if I want to stay longer at Keukenhof?
You can leave earlier on your own by bus, giving you flexibility to customize your visit—an advantage mentioned in many reviews.

Is this trip guided?
No, there’s no guided commentary during site visits. You’ll receive maps and information about locations to explore at your own pace.

What’s the best time to visit Keukenhof?
Early in the blooming season (usually April) generally offers the best flower displays, but weather can influence the blooms.

How much time should I allocate for each stop?
Expect about 2.5 hours at Zaanse Schans and around 6 hours at Keukenhof. The total day is about 10 hours including travel and breaks.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, giving some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

In essence, this tour offers a practical way to see Dutch icons with some caveats. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking a balance of scenic views, cultural insight, and ease of access—just be prepared for a busy day, and don’t expect a guided commentary on-site.