Ride a Steam Train Through the Dutch Tulip Fields 🌷🚂

A Different Way to See the Tulip Fields

Most tulip experiences in the Netherlands involve walking paths, timed entries, or carefully managed viewpoints. This one feels different from the start. Instead of moving through the landscape, the landscape moves past you.

The steam train follows a historic rail line through North Holland, passing rows of tulips, small villages, canals, and farmland along the way. There’s no route to follow and no pressure to keep moving. You sit, look out the window, and let the countryside unfold naturally. The view changes constantly, which makes the experience feel more immersive than stopping at a single field.

Why the Steam Train Works So Well for Tulip Season

What makes this steam train special isn’t just the tulips. It’s the pace of the ride. There’s no set path to follow and no need to plan where to stop for photos. You stay seated as the train moves through villages and open farmland, with tulip fields appearing on both sides of the tracks.

Because the train runs slowly, there’s time to take in the views as they pass. Some carriages have windows that open, which makes it easy to take photos along the way. Even outside peak bloom, the route still feels peaceful and very much like spring in the Dutch countryside.

What the Ride Is Like

The journey runs between Hoorn and Medemblik and takes about an hour and a half each way, with a short stop at a small village along the route. That pause gives passengers a chance to step off, stretch their legs, and see the steam engine up close.

Inside the carriages, seating varies, but the atmosphere is relaxed. Some cars have tables, others have wooden benches or cushioned seats. The experience is intentionally old-fashioned, which adds to the sense that you’ve stepped briefly out of modern travel rhythms.

Food and drinks are available onboard, including classic Dutch snacks, making it easy to treat this as a low-effort day out rather than a tightly scheduled excursion.

When to Go for Tulip Season

Tulip season typically runs from late March through early May, depending on weather conditions. The steam train operates seasonally, generally from spring through autumn, but spring departures are especially popular because of the flowers.

If your main goal is seeing tulip fields, aim for April. That’s when blooms are most likely to be widespread along the route.

We’ve also found a great spring travel deal that bundle flights, hotels, and this steam train experience, which can make planning a tulip-season trip to the Netherlands much easier. If you’re coming from abroad, it’s worth taking a look at package options.

Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets for the steam train between Hoorn and Medemblik can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket offices at the stations.

During tulip season, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for weekend departures, as spring journeys are popular and can sell out.

👉 You can buy tickets on the official Museum Steam Train website here:


If you’re hoping to wander through a single tulip field for close-up photos, this may not replace that experience. But if you want a broader, more relaxed way to see the Dutch tulip landscape as a whole, this steam train offers something quieter and more memorable. It’s less about checking off a sight and more about spending time in the scenery itself.

FAQ: Steam Train Through the Tulip Fields (Hoorn–Medemblik)

Where does the steam train run?


The Museum Steam Train runs between Hoorn and Medemblik in North Holland.

How long is the steam train ride?


The full journey takes about 1.5 hours each way, with a short stop at a village along the route.

When is the best time to see tulips from the train?


April is generally the best month for tulip blooms, though timing can vary year to year depending on weather.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?


Advance booking is recommended during tulip season, especially on weekends and holidays.

Can you see tulip fields from the train?

Yes. During spring, the train passes directly alongside multiple tulip fields, offering continuous views from the windows.

Is this suitable for families?


Yes. The steam train is family-friendly, but children should be supervised, as doors and railings are part of historic equipment.

Is the train accessible for wheelchair users?


Wheelchair access is limited. Passengers must be able to transfer from a wheelchair, and chairs must be collapsible.

Does the steam train run year-round?


No. The steam train typically operates from spring through autumn. Exact dates vary each year.