1835day.year
The first railway in continental Europe opens between Brussels and Mechelen.
Europe’s first continental railway opened between Brussels and Mechelen, inaugurating a new era of rail travel.
On May 5, 1835, the steam-powered line between Brussels and Mechelen began carrying passengers and freight over approximately 20 kilometers. Engineered by Belgian pioneers and financed by the state, this railway showcased cutting-edge technology imported from England. It drastically reduced travel time and facilitated industrial growth by connecting major urban centers. The success of the Brussels–Mechelen line spurred rapid expansion of rail networks across continental Europe. Today, Belgium’s high-speed rail heritage traces its origins to this pioneering route, which transformed transportation and commerce.
1835
first railway in continental Europe
Brussels
Mechelen