Florence has approved the final design for the first two sections of a new tram extension linking Florence Airport with Sesto Fiorentino, a town northwest of the city. The project, worth approximately €234.3 million, will extend the existing T2 line towards the University of Florence’s science campus and create a new connection with the regional railway network.
The decision was announced on 21 October 2026 by Florence Mayor Sara Funaro and Tuscany Regional President Eugenio Giani, alongside Florence’s transport councillor Andrea Giorgio and Sesto Fiorentino Mayor Damiano Sforzi.
The extension, known as Line 2.2, forms part of the wider expansion of Florence’s tram network. Its main purpose is to improve public transport connections between Florence, the airport, university facilities, residential areas and neighbouring municipalities.
A 6.7-kilometre extension with 11 stops
Once completed in full, the extension will cover just under 6.7 kilometres, running from the existing airport terminus to Piazza Lavagnini in central Sesto Fiorentino.
The planned route includes 11 stops: Aeroporto, Parco della Piana, Scuola Marescialli, Due Case, Castello, Frilli, Via della Pace, Agnoletti, Mille, Giusti and Lavagnini.
The project is divided into three sections, known as lots 0, 1 and 2.
The first two, which have secured funding, cover approximately 4.8 kilometres between the airport and the university science campus. Lot 0 will cross the area planned for the airport’s future terminal, while Lot 1 will continue through Castello and Via della Pace towards the Agnoletti secondary school.
The final section will extend the tramway into the centre of Sesto Fiorentino, ending near Piazza del Mercato. Although its final design has received technical approval, construction cannot proceed until additional funding is secured.
A new interchange at Castello railway station
One of the most significant elements of the project is the planned interchange at Castello railway station, which serves the Florence–Prato–Pistoia railway corridor.
Passengers travelling from Prato, Pistoia and other towns northwest of Florence would be able to transfer to the tram without continuing to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, the city’s main railway station.
The interchange would also provide connections to Florence Airport and the Novoli area, where several university departments and public offices are located.
The project includes a park-and-ride facility at Castello station and a new tram depot for vehicle storage and maintenance.
Other planned works include bridges, hydraulic protection measures and seven environmental compensation areas.
How often will the trams run?
According to the municipality’s projections, T2 services would continue to operate every four minutes as far as Florence Airport.
Beyond the airport, every second tram would continue towards Sesto Fiorentino, providing an estimated service frequency of eight minutes once the entire extension is operational.
The municipality estimates that the completed extension could increase passenger numbers across the tram network by approximately 13,000 per day.
It also projects that around one million journeys a year could shift from private vehicles to public transport as a result of the new connection. These figures are forecasts rather than recorded passenger numbers.
Where will the funding come from?
The first two sections have a combined approved budget of €234.3 million, financed by the Tuscany regional government.
According to Regional President Eugenio Giani, the funding package includes €111.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund, €113 million from Italy’s Development and Cohesion Fund and approximately €9.5 million from the regional budget.
The total also covers the purchase of six new trams, costing €26.4 million.
The third section, extending the line to Piazza Lavagnini, would require a further €59.3 million, including €13.2 million for three additional vehicles.
Regional authorities are continuing to seek financing for this final section. No funding commitment or construction timetable has yet been announced for it.
What happens next?
With the final design approved for the funded sections, Florence’s municipal government plans to launch a tender covering the detailed construction design and building works.
According to the announcement, the tender is expected to be published by the end of 2026.
The approval does not mean construction is beginning immediately. The procurement process and subsequent project stages must still be completed before work can start.
No opening date has been confirmed.
The Sesto Fiorentino extension is one of several projects intended to expand Florence’s tram network beyond its existing routes, alongside planned connections towards Bagno a Ripoli, Le Piagge, Campi Bisenzio and Rovezzano.
For residents, students and commuters, the main potential benefit will be a direct public transport connection between the northwestern metropolitan area, the university science campus, the airport and the wider Florence tram network.
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