Ostia Antica - travel time

Sure you could do it. Ostia Antica is about an hour away by Metro and train. The RS Rome book has all the details about how to do it. If you don't have it yet, get a copy. It will be the smartest money you spend on your vacation. And there's tons of helpful info at the excellent Ron in Rome website: Ostia Antica

How much time should I allot for touring Ostia Antica? Would a couple of hours do it?

OA is pretty huge. I would try to allow 3 hours. Have lunch at the cafeteria on the grounds to save time.

The answer is: Absolutely! But in November the days are shorter so keep that in mind as a starting time. OA is one of those places that I rank as an easy top 10 in Italy. I spend full days there when I go, but in full disclosure, I did a thesis on ancient Roman concrete construction methods. I took my mom, who asked if it was destroyed during the crusades, and she still found it fascinating to spend half a day. It's that cool. Rome in November is probably my favorite time of year as the crowds are not as bad too.

I've never been to OA in weather that was not sunny. I "rushed" through it in about less than 2 hours, taking, as a total amateur, a lot of photos; but, far fewer than I wanted to take. I had read up on the history of the place so I easily could have spent a lot more time. Your November day may be rainy or sunny/beautiful. The ruins are in the open and there is not much cover from sun or rain. You are going to love OA. RS's website shows how to take the subway (for example from the Colosseum stop) to OA. It is pretty easy, but it is about 90 min round trip. Here is the problem, for me: If I were seeing the Forum/Col and OA for the first time both on the same day, I would spend a lot more time in the F/C than in OA, and I am saying that as a big fan of OA. So, I would start early and end late.

We spent an entire afternoon there and are sure we missed lots. We were exhausted after the visit. It was wonderful.

'how to take the subway (for example from the Colosseum stop) to OA' Nope. The subway/metro doesn't go within ten miles of Ostia Antica.

using the subway to Ostia http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/ostia.htm

One should examine the link above and a map concurrently. Interestingly, the link does not state the subway goes to OA, but that it does provide a way to get to a train station - - for which feet or a donkey cart would work as well. Nope. Edit: Come to think of it, once you get to Piramide, the metro isn't even a subway, it's popped above ground.

If you have a transit pass for Rome, that includes Ostia Antica. If not, buying a subway ticket includes Ostia. You do switch stations and trains at Piramide, but it's easy to do. See that Ron in Rome link IN THE VERY FIRST RESPONSE for all the details. Happy travels.