Van Aelst is a Dutch and Flemish surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Evert van Aelst (1602–1657), Dutch painter Kees van Aelst (1916–2000), Dutch water polo player Nicolaus van Aelst (c.1526–1613), Flemish engraver Pieter Coecke van Aelst (1502–1550), Flemish painter Peeter van Aelst, 17th-century Dutch painter listed by Cornelis de Bie in his Het Gulden Cabinet Pieter van Aelst (f 1644–1654), Flemish painter Pieter van Aelst III (c. 1495 – c. 1560), Flemish tapestry weaver Willem van Aelst (1627–c.1683), Dutch painter
See also Van Aalst, Dutch surname