Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) to Aalst

Meeting Point at Brussels Zaventem Airport

Your driver waits at Java Coffee House holding a personalised name sign. The spot is easy to find after you have collected your luggage, so you can head there straight away and meet your driver without searching around the terminal.

The Drive from BRU to Aalst

The route covers 41 km (25 miles) and usually takes about 33 minutes. Aalst is a regularly booked destination, so drivers know the way well. The journey leads you west from the airport, past the Brussels ring area and on towards East Flanders. Weekday morning and late afternoon traffic around Brussels can slow things down, so it is wise to allow some extra time if you have a fixed appointment, a train to catch or a hotel check-in deadline. Heavy rain or roadworks can also add a few minutes.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Smaller parties are well served by a private taxi, available for 1-3 or 1-4 passengers. The four-passenger option is useful if you travel as a small family or have a few extra bags. For larger groups, private minibuses are available with 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 or 48 seats. This makes the route practical for wedding parties, company teams, school trips, sports clubs or visitors coming to a local event. Choose the vehicle according to both passengers and luggage, as suitcases take up more space than most people expect.

Aalst as a Destination

Aalst is a city in the province of East Flanders, on the river Dender, roughly between Brussels and Ghent. It is best known for its annual carnival, which takes place before Lent, and for its central market square with the town hall and the historic belfry. The centre is compact and has shops, cafés and restaurants within a short walk of each other. Because it lies close to both Brussels and Ghent, it works equally well for business trips, family visits and a base for exploring the region. During carnival weekend the centre gets very busy and some streets are closed, so mention your exact destination in advance if you travel then.

Public Transport Connection

If you prefer to travel by rail, a scheduled connection exists: Train to Brussels-South (Brussels-Midi), then intercity train to Aalst, 1 change required, approx. 60–75 minutes total. Check the current timetable on the day of travel, as services and travel times vary by hour and weekday. With luggage or in a group, a private transfer is usually more direct and avoids the change at Brussels-South.