- Must visit
't Gasthuys - Stedelijk Museum Aalst
Main city museum covering Aalst’s history, carnival culture, and collections in a former hospital complex; the essential museum stop in town.
Cheapest price
$21
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
52 m
Average duration
1 h
Trains per day
2
Distance
32 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brussels Airport to Aalst is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brussels Airport to Aalst will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 2 trains that leave Brussels Airport for Aalst on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 32 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 1 h 7 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels Airport to Aalst among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $15.
Distance: 19 miles (32 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 20m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels Airport to Aalst:
A bus is $11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brussels Airport to Aalst costing on average $21.
Other travel options to Aalst take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 11m.
Tickets start at around $21 compared to roughly $8 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.98. The journey takes 50m versus 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Brussels Airport to Aalst trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:29 AM Brussels Airport | 1h07 | 8:36 AM Aalst | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:57 AM Brussels Airport | 0h50 | 9:47 AM Aalst | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:57 AM Brussels Airport | 0h50 | 10:47 AM Aalst | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Brussels Airport to Aalst run on average 14 times per day, taking around 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 but you can travel from only $10 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:29, the last at 21:24. The fastest train covers the 19 miles (32 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 19 miles (32 km) |
Average train duration 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 6:29 AM |
Last train 9:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Aalst — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aalst trip today.
Main city museum covering Aalst’s history, carnival culture, and collections in a former hospital complex; the essential museum stop in town.
Specialized exhibit space on Aalst Carnival, explaining the UNESCO-recognized tradition through costumes, objects, and festive local history.
Museum section focused on Dirk Martens and early printing, highlighting Aalst’s importance in book history and humanist culture.
Aalst’s central square framed by major monuments, terraces, and civic life; the best starting point for exploring the old city.
Historic street lined with shops and city architecture, connecting key central sights and giving a lively feel of everyday Aalst.
Green riverside park ideal for walks and local relaxation, with broad lawns and water views close to the urban core.
A strong dark regional beer from Aalst, brewed since the 19th century. It is a local classic tied to the city’s beer culture and carnival traditions.
Small eel cooked in a fresh green herb sauce, a classic Flemish river dish long eaten across East Flanders and found in traditional brasseries.
Slow-braised beef stew made with dark Belgian beer, onions, and mustard. It is one of Flanders’ most beloved comfort dishes.
Refined fine dining in Aalst with modern Belgian cooking, polished service, and an intimate atmosphere suited to a special meal.
Stylish brasserie known for Belgian classics, seasonal dishes, and a comfortable central setting for lunch or dinner.
Established casual spot for Belgian fare and beers, with a relaxed atmosphere and reliable brasserie-style menu.
Moderate for Belgium. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, while local transit is reasonable. Tourist costs are usually lower than Brussels or Bruges.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis can be rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Aalst Station -> Grote Markt, Aalst
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brussels Airport to Aalst by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Aalst, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Brussels Airport to Aalst trains use the Bruxelles-Central to Aalst station pair, with some services arriving at Erembodegem. Use this guide to compare Brussels Airport and Aalst train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Aalst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Kraanvogel, Restaurant 't Overhamme
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aalst. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Aalst. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aalst: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aalst: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aalst.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Royal Astrid, Keizershof Hotel Aalst, Tower Hotel.
Erembodegem is 2 km from Aalst city centre. Public transport options include:
Erembodegem has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Erembodegem.
ATMs are available at Erembodegem.
Available at Erembodegem: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erembodegem.
Aalst Kerrebroek is 1 km from Aalst city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Aalst Kerrebroek has practical services for this route, including Dining and Hotel.
Food and drink options are available at Aalst Kerrebroek.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need