I'll be travelling to London soon and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get from the airport to my hotel near King's Cross.

Since I'll be arriving with luggage and I'm not very familiar with London's public transport, I'm considering booking an airport taxi in advance rather than taking the train or Underground.

While looking at different options, I came across https://londonairport-taxi.com/ and was wondering if anyone has experience with this service or similar airport transfer companies.

Is it generally better to book a taxi online before arriving, or is it easy enough to find a reliable taxi at the airport?

I'm also curious about typical prices, waiting times, and whether pre-booked drivers track flight delays.

I'd really appreciate any advice or recommendations from people who have travelled to London recently, especially solo travellers.

Thanks in advance!

Here is a brief news and tourist advisory roundup:

US Embassy Italy Travel Advisory: Demonstration Alert - October 19, 2026
Protests, demonstrations, and gatherings may occur across Italy over the next few days.  Recent demonstrations in Milan and Bologna resulted in looting and violent clashes. More demonstrators may gather in city-center squares and near main railway stations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate quickly. Local authorities may increase security measures, including road closures, traffic restrictions, or more security in areas where demonstrations occur. Expect more security around tourist sites, transportation hubs, and schools.

Anticipated Impacts:

• Rail: Train services may be canceled or delayed. Demonstrations near stations can also force last-minute closures.

• Local Public Transit: Metro, bus, and tram services in major cities may be reduced or suspended.

• Air Travel: Flights and access to airports may be affected. Confirm travel plans with your airline.

• Roads: Demonstrations, blockades, and heavier traffic during protests can cause road delays and closures.

ANSA English: Govt to approve deployment of 500 troops with police powers in Milan

New York Times: Italy Faces Parallel Protests in the North and South

Here are two sites you can check for updates:
ANSA English
The Local IT

How about changing money (cash)? Are there "Bureaux de change" in several localtions?
Yes, there are currency exchange windows throughout the city as well as at the airport. However we usually recommend that you pull out local currency directly from the ATM once you arrive, because currency exchange windows usually charge high commissions. With an ATM, make sure it's a bank ATM and not a free-standing Euronet ATM (found in busy tourist areas) because those also charge high commissions and fees.

With the Primo Fare, are we allowed into the Italia Rail lounge?
Yes, you can book your day and time by using the link in your confirmation/welcome email and then putting in your Primo code on the booking page.

Is it legal to play poker in Italy and are the Casinos in the large cities?
Gambling is legal in Italy but usually it is in sports betting and off-track betting places such as Planetwin365. There are casinos in Venice and Sanremo.

It seems like the Primo Fare entitles us to a free tour of the Colosseum and other attractions in Rome and Florence. How do I book ahead of time? And what does it give access to (for example in the Colosseum)?
You can book with the link in your confirmation email. The Primo fare for your ItaliaRail ticket comes with the following benefits:

• High speed train ticket + Free seat selection

• Refundable ticket (100%)

• RailAid + lounge access (Rome)

• Free City Sightseeing tour - Rome, Florence, or Milan

• Murano glass factory experience (Venice)

• ItaliaTours - $50 Off

• ItaliaDrive - $20 rapid rebate

• Priority 24/7 English-speaking support + WhatsApp

• 12-month Premium subscription to ItalyMagazine.com

Plus your choice of one of the following:

• Free ItaliaDriver airport transfer (Rome)

• Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery (Florence)

• Skip-the-line Pompeii ticket (Naples)

• Exclusive 30-min gondola ride (Venice)

I am traveling from Rome to Sorrento. I am taking high speed train Rome to Naples. However, can you confirm that the train from Naples to Sorrento is only regional now? Is the high speed no longer active? And I saw that I could take the Napoli train downstairs at the station is this the best way to do it to get to Sorrento?
Yes, the Campania Express high-speed train only runs during high season between Naples and Sorrento (it stops running on October 1). In the off season you can take the Circumvesuviana local train, which you can catch on the ground floor of Naples Garibaldi train station.

How easy is it to get a taxi in Rome, Florence and Venice?
In Rome and Florence you can use the app itTaxi. In Venice there aren't taxis (except in Mestre on the mainland) but you can take public water buses to get around. The water bus is known as a vaporetto and is run by the company Actv.

In a previous webinar you mentioned 3 places around Rome that you have a 15 Euro welcome pack. Can you tell me where they are?
Here is a link to the Welcome Experience.

ItTaxi can be used in Sorrento and Naples too?
You can use itTaxi in Naples, but not in Sorrento. Instead, go to official taxi stands located at:

• Piazza Tasso (next to Bar Fauna)

• The Sorrento train station

• Marina Piccola (right by the docks when ferries arrive)

Anything we should know about public restrooms around the city?
Public restrooms are scarce. Many locals will buy something small like a bottle of water or pack of gum at a coffee bar and then ask to use the restroom. Fast food restaurants like McDonald's are also reliable places, although they too require a purchase because there's a code for the restroom door. The city does have public restrooms at their tourist info. points. Here's a list of those. It costs €1.50 per person.

Are there certain taxis that run from the airport to the city center that I should be looking for and do they take credit cards?
Look for the official taxi queue outside the airport terminal. Yes, they take credit cards. The cost is a fixed rate of 55 euros to any destination within the city walls.

Does Uber operate in Rome?
Yes.

Is there a certain time at night after which we need to be more careful about walking the streets?
Not really. Take the same general precautions as you would in any large city: avoid dark places like parks or remote areas, avoid walking alone if possible, stay in well-lit areas, know where you're going.

Are taxi drivers trustworthy?
Generally speaking yes, if they are driving an officially licensed Rome city taxi (white, with license information and phone number on the side of the car). Avoid rides with anyone claiming they're a "taxi" service that isn't official.

Could you tell me about tipping?
Tipping isn't necessary at restaurants or in taxis. You can leave a euro per person generally if you feel like you had great service at a restaurant, and with taxis you can round up to the next euro if you're paying cash. At hotels you can tip 1-2 euros per bag to the porter, 1-2 euros per day for housekeeping (in cash in the room), and 5-10 euros per person for a guided tour. If you have a private tour, a 20-50 euro tip for the whole group suffices. These are just general guidelines, it's really up to your discretion. The tipping culture in Italy isn't anything like the US.

What is the best way to get from the airport to my hotel (Hotel Damaso) in Rome?
You can take a taxi from the airport. There's a dedicated taxi queue outside the terminal, you just wait in line and it costs 55 euros fixed to go into the city. Alternatively you can book a private transfer through our sister brand ItaliaTours, here's the link: https://italiatours.com/tours/fco-airport-rome-hotels-transfer

Wheelchair access to museums?
Most of Rome’s major sights—including the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Pantheon—are fully step-free, offering ramps, elevators, and free priority entry for visitors with certified disabilities and a companion. While the cobblestone streets outside require extra navigation, each of these sites provides accessible routes and complimentary manual wheelchairs on request.

How can I find my seat and car number on my train ticket?
Look for small icons on your ticket, a seat and a train car, and the numbers next to them.

Are local area storage areas for luggage safe to use? In other words if we are going to be walking around is there a place to store a small/carry on suitcase? Are they safe to use?
Generally speaking yes. Most franchise storage businesses are self-service lockers. If you purchased an ItaliaRail Viva or Primo fare or you're an ItaliaPass Primo member, you can store your luggage at our ItaliaPass Lounge in Rome for free during business hours.

Are the luggage storage on the trains safe?
If you store your bags near your seats and you're able to keep an eye on them you shouldn't have any problems. If you have to store your bags far from where you're sitting, it's probably a good idea to check on them from time to time. It's rare to have bags stolen, especially on the high-speed trains, but it's a good idea to keep valuables with you as a precaution (passport, cash, etc.)

1) Is the sea still swimmable around Taormina/Isola Bella in early October, or is it more a walking-and-views season?

2) Etna: which half-day tour is worth it from the Taormina side - north (Linguaglossa) or south (Rifugio Sapienza)?

3) Driving the coastal road toward Siracusa - scenic enough to justify a rental car for that leg, or better by train?

Any hidden gems between Catania and Siracusa are welcome too. Thanks!

To book the Leonardo Express train, go to ItaliaRail.com. To book the ItaliaPass Lounge, here is the booking page. If you're an ItaliaPass Primo member or purchased an ItaliaRail Viva or Primo fare, you'll need to enter your membership ID to waive the $25 charge.

Can you bring your own stainless steel water bottle into the Colosseum or Vatican Museum?

Yes.

Do taxis take credit cards?

Yes.

Any issues using cell phones?

In terms of coverage and reception, there shouldn't be issues unless you're traveling in a remote area. If you need a data plan, check with your home cell phone provider or get an eSIM with a company such as Airalo.

Is American Express readily accepted or just stick with Visa/Mastercard?

American Express is fairly widely accepted in large stores and large travel venues such as 4 or 5-star hotels, resorts, rental car agencies, etc. Keep a Mastercard or Visa on hand for transactions where AmEx isn't accepted.

I've read that you must carry your passport with you. Is this true? Will driver's license be sufficient?

You'll need your original passport to gain access if you plan to enter the Colosseum. Keep a copy of your passport on your cell phone in case you need to show it for identification elsewhere.