The first public railway in Bulgaria opened on 7th November, 1866, from Varna to Rousse (Ruse) on the Romanian border. The State railway company was formed in 1885 to control all existing and new railway development in the country.
Railways in Bulgaria are generally built to standard gauge (1435mm). The State railway monopoly continued until May, 2004, when a private freight operator was licensed. Further privatisation of the network is being studied.
