Aalst Station—A Journey to the Middle Ages

AALST – Today, Aalst Station is one of the busiest stations in East Flanders and has been a key link in the Belgian rail network for nearly two centuries. Every day, thousands of passengers use the station to travel to destinations such as Brussels, Ghent, Denderleeuw, and Geraardsbergen.

A Rich History

The Aalst train station opened on June 9, 1853, when the railroad line between Brussels and Ghent via Denderleeuw and Aalst began operating. This gave the city a direct rail connection to two of Belgium’s most important cities.

Over the years, the station developed into a major transportation hub for both passenger and freight traffic. Various local rail lines and bus routes also connected to it, giving Aalst a central role within the region.

The station today

Today, Aalst Station has several platforms and tracks that are used daily by domestic passenger trains.

Trains depart from Aalst to destinations including:

• Brussels

• Ghent-St. Peter's

• Denderleeuw

• Geraardsbergen

• Zottegem

In addition, numerous De Lijn bus routes connect to the station, making it an important transfer point for travelers from the wider region.

Updates

The station building and its surroundings have undergone various renovations in recent years. For example, special attention was paid to accessibility for people with limited mobility, the platforms were modernized, and the station area was redesigned.

Bicycle parking facilities have also been expanded, leading more and more travelers to choose a combination of bike and train.

A station with character

For many residents of Aalst, the train station is more than just a place of departure or arrival. It is a landmark in the city where thousands of people cross paths every day.

In addition, the station is also popular with rail enthusiasts and photographers thanks to the heavy train traffic and the variety of train types.

Model Railroads

Aalst Station appeals not only to train travelers but also to model railroad enthusiasts. At OVMV Aalst , the station area as it looked around the year 2000 was recreated with great attention to detail on a large model railroad layout. This helps preserve a piece of Aalst’s railroad history in miniature. We went there for a visit!