Newcastle to South Kensington Tube Station

No worries taking the tube. The Picadilly Line goes thru Kings Cross so no need to change (unless the service is interrupted).

As xxxx has probably noticed, the Piccadilly Line isn't running for most of its Central London stretch at present.

If, when xxxx is doing the journey, the tfl site confirms it's back in service, that's the way to go. Until then, Victoria Line to Victoria, then change to the District is the only tube option. But we don't even know what the structural damage to the line is yet, as they haven't finished the forensics or moved the train. So don't expect P. line tubes east of Hyde Park Corner for some considerable time.

I don't run to cabs these days, though I would if I had luggage and had to take xxxx's journey on a Friday afternoon. I'd guess around £15.

"unless the service is interupted"

Huh? the bombings have definitely interruppted service.

WHEN is your trip? If in the next few months then follow flanneruk's advice/route. There is no telling at this point when the Piccadilly line is open again. So Vic line to Victoria then District to S. Kens.

But my choice would probably be to take the tube to Victoria and then catch a cab the relatively short distance to South Kensington. That would eliminate the line change and get me dropped right at the hotel.

Not wanting to fall out with Janis, but:

On the reasonable assumption the Piccadilly Line is still out of action east of HP Corner, the tube to Victoria suggestion requires you to hump your case down steps at Kings Cross and up again at Victoria. Incredibly, both these stations have stretches of no-escalator access to the tube, and both sets of steps are exceptionally busy.

And Sod's Law decrees that whichever way you're struggling with your case, most other passengers are struggling against you in the opposite direction with even more lethally-wielded luggage.

Go for the cab all the way.

I actually agree w/ you about just taking a cab from Kings X. But the OP did say they only have small bags so it wouldn't be too terrible on the tube.

I mentioned the tube/cab from Vic station combo if they wanted to save a bit of money

We won't be in London until early November. I'm asking today as I had a bit of free time and was looking at some details of the trip.

Sounds as if the cost of a cab might be well worth it!!

Another option might be to change at Green Park (which is likely to be a bit less hectic than Victoria), either to the Piccadilly Line to South Kensington (trains are running out of Hyde Park Corner), or to a taxi, or to a number 14 bus if they're not looking too crowded.