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
