If you are heading into Rome, do take the train. You can easily get a cab from the train station to your hotel.

I fell for the cab driver greeting me as I exited customs, who was more than friendly in escorting me to his cab. He quoted a price--no more, he said! Got into Rome, was staying at the Marriott Grand Flora, and he parked just down the block to let us out. Gave him 200,000 lire (was quoted 155,000 for the trip) and he quickly switched the bills and showed me 20,000 lire. Suddenly, his English was not so good. He wanted me to believe I had only given him 20,000. I called for the hotel bellman to come over, and he quickly started to make change, shorting me another 20,000 lire.

STAY AWAY from unlicensed cabs--if there are no meters, don't take them.