Which railway opened in 1835 as the first railway for public use in continental Europe?

The Belgian State Railway opened in 1835 as the first railway for public use in continental Europe. Its first route ran between Brussels and Mechelen, covering about 20 kilometres.

The railway was established soon after Belgium became independent in 1830. The new state viewed railways as a way to strengthen internal trade, connect industrial regions, and reduce reliance on waterways controlled or influenced by neighboring powers.

The opening ceremony took place on 5 May 1835. Three steam locomotives hauled the first public trains, carrying passengers and invited guests from Brussels toward Mechelen.

Britain had already pioneered public steam railways, including the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The Belgian achievement therefore refers specifically to continental Europe, not the whole world. Belgium subsequently built one of Europe’s densest railway networks.