My husband & I are taking train from Brugges to Amsterdam in May. We have have only 2 days in each location, but would like to visit Keukenhof gardens. Is there a way to stop enroute (would have to store luggage somewhere) or would we be better off taking high-speed train right to Amsterdam, check in to hotel to leave luggage, & then travel back to Leukenhof? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by
Beverly Hills, MI
813 posts
The easiest thing to do is go to the Keukenhof web site, they have detailed instructions on how to get there. You ultimately will need a bus from Schipol Airport which is easy to get to from downtown Amsterdam by bus or train. I just checked their web site, and I hope you are going fairly early in May since Keukenhof will close on May 20. We were there in April of this year, it is real;ly a spectacular place if you like tulips.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
It's very easy. From Brugges take a train to Antwerp or Brussels, and transfer to either the regular inter-city train or high-speed Thalys train going in the direction of Amsterdam. Instead of getting off at Amdsterdam Centraal (the final stop) get off at the stop before: Schipohl Airport (the gardens are closer to the airport than than the city center of Amsterdam). At the airport there are special shuttle buses that take you direct to the gardens. There are representatives from Keukenhof and the bus company to point you in the right direction. Keukenhof has lockers available to store your bags; they are free of charge. Purchase your train tickets for you entire journey from Brugges to Schipol Airport at this site (you can print your ticket at home): http://www.nshispeed.nl/en You can also purchase combo tickets for the gardens and the RT shuttle bus journey at the Keukenhof site (you can print the ticket out at home): http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/ When you are done with the gardens and arrive back at Schipol Airport, there are trains to get you to Amsterdam Centraal every ten minutes or so.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33851 posts
Michael's advice is very good. If you were not coming so far, and Schipol is easy from Brugge, I would suggest taking a train which stops at Leiden where the bus is just as frequent but 10 minutes quicker.
Posted by
OP
Caledonia, Ontario, Canada
7 posts
Thanks for the great advice, especially Michael. Will they let us travel on the bus from Schipol to Keukenhof with our luggage & are the lockers at the park large enough? We will have 2 large roller bags & our carryons. I understand that there are also lockers at Schipol. Easier to store luggage at Shipol or Keukenhof?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
You're very welcome. No problems with luggage on the bus. Their lockers come in all different sizes, the largest one should hold all your gear. Using the lockers at Schipol is an option, but they are pricey. If you want to leave them there, use the lockers across from the exit for immigration/customs.