I'll be in Leiden in mid-April and have two days (4/15 or 16) when I can go to Keukenhof Gardens. How far in advance do I need to get my ticket? I'd like to watch the weather forecast before doing so. Do I run the risk of not being able to get admission?
Thanks for your help.
Mary
I went on King’s Day last April and bought the tickets there. As I recall i might have stood in line for about 10 minutes at most. I arrived in the early afternoon. I would definitely plan around the weather.
I don’t think they ever “sell out.” It’s a huge place. I bought a combination bus and admission ticket right at my hotel the day before I went.
We were in the area for several days so opted for the best weather day and purchased tickets online as soon as we saw a day that we liked.
I used to buy my tickets at the door and the car park too.
I would expect that they will also sell tickets at the door this year, but there is no indication of that anywhere in this year's website or FAQs. If you want to do that you should check before.
All tickets are for particular half hour (non-changeable within 4 days) time slots on the website and in the FAQs. They say that car parking can be bought on line for those who are buying on line tickets.
They are clear that no cash is accepted for anything at Keukenhof - all credit or debit card.
It does not sell out but don't show up between 10 and 2 pm. In 2 trips different visits I took the best photos after 3 when the crowds were gone.
Thank you all for your information!
Mary
I’m not so sure the Keukenhof doesn’t sell out. It seems that all the experiences mentioned in this topic were pre-COVID. Since COVID the Keukenhof has adapted a time slot system. If a certain time slot is sold out online, it means it’s fully booked. You can’t buy tickets at the entrance for that particular time slot. If you have your heart set on visiting the Keukenhof I wouldn’t risk it and buy your tickets in advance.
Thanks, Dutch_Traveler! I think I'll monitor the website for the days I'll be there to ensure that I get tickets.
Post-trip update: I waited until the weather forecast for my two possible days (April 15 and 16) was available - about a week out. At that time both days looked good so I made my best guess and chose the 15th. I also monitored the Keukenhof website to determine how many tickets were available. Chose the first bus from Leiden for that day. The weather was beautiful, though chilly.
As it turned out, the next day was gray and colder. :-)
Thanks to all who provided guidance.
Mary
did you enjoy the day?
Yes, it was lovely. I'm glad I went early in the day and left as the tour groups were arriving. I especially liked the hyacinths - spectacular. And varieties of tulips that I didn't know existed, such as fringed tulips.
so glad
