Wezzie

We are flying to Egypt and have a long layover in Amsterdam on Saturday, May 14th. My husband wants to take a train/cab and go see the tulips. We have been to Amsterdam before but alway to late to see them. Is it possible arriving in Amsterdam around 12:00 pm and departing at 8:00pm to leave the airport, go see the tulips and make it back in time for our flight. If so any recommendations on how to make this happen?

Ozarksbill

Many years ago (1982) we did what you want to do out of Schiphol...but don't remember how much lay over time. En route to Egypt we caught a brief tour taking in downtown Amsterdam, canals, a windmill, shoe factory, etc. This was in the Fall. I should think that taking a cab for a couple of hours might work.
Good luck.
Bill in Missouri

Wayne

Assuming you have your luggage checked through and will have only a carry-on each, and assuming you are really serious about seeing the tulips, you could consider hiring a taxi for the entire time, never letting it go even while you are visiting the Keukenhoff Gardens. Get the taxi as quickly as you can, negotiate about a 4 to 5 hour deal, and go. Don't pay the guy anything until you complete the day and return to the airport. With luck you could have about 2 hours to see the tulips, which for me is more than enough. If you are willing to spend the money, it's possible. If you choose not to go to the Gardens, just ask the taxi driver to take you to some areas where tulips are growing. Good luck.

Sjoerd

Very easy. If your arriving flight is on-time, you will be out of Schiphol airport by 12:30. Take a train to Leiden (15 minutes from Schiphol) and a connecting bus to De Keukenhof. More details to be found at www.keukenhof.nl
You will have plenty time at the Keukenhof flower gardens and even have time for a nice meal in Leiden, or just walk around there. Have fun!

Intrepid1

It can be done. You can also get information from the tourist desk located in the "Schipol Plaza" area of the terminal.

Intrepid1

You can also check any carry-ons in the left luggage room, either in lockers or with an attendant.

Travelnut

There is a Holland Tours desk at Schiphol. They have special tours to accomodate layover timeframes, including a 4-hour one for tulips for 50€ per person. The requirement is minimum of 4 people. But talk to them anyway.

http://www.hollandtoursschiphol.nl/