Train vs Plane to Vienna

I need to go to Vienna on business (read: I am not paying for it) the weekend after next, and was thinking of taking the train over flying. I realize the flight itself is shorter than the train ride, but by the time I get to the airport, get myself and the micro-pup checked in, wait around to see if and when I get on my flight to Vienna (last time I got there an hour and a half before the flight and was told I was put on stand-by because I didn't get there early enough ), get on the flight and off and get a cab to the hotel, I'm wondering if there's not much of a time advantage to flying.

How is the train ride? Much to see out the window?

Hi Butterbean,

I am also going to Vienna with work for a week during the last week of April and was faced with the same question. I opted for the plane for my airmiles Also it's quite easy at the Vienna end to get to whereever you need (either by CAT - the airport city train, or by S-Bahn if you know where to find it).

Plus I live halfway between MUC centre and the airport, so that's no problem either.

I've driven down to Vienna once and the view was lovely on the hillside.. not sure if the traintracks run the same way although I'd assume so! The flight really is much shorter though.. so tis up to you.

Have fun!

Given the choice - I'd go for the train. It's direct and its only something like five hours. Nice route if my memory serves me correctly, plenty of mountains to see. And I think the trains run once every hour which is less hassle than messing about with planes!

As an addendum (don't know if it's possible to change sthg I've just posted..)

I think that's just bad luck the waiting list thing you had; I always get there 1 hr before take off and it suffices.

Another way to save time is not to check a bag in; I take a large rucksack with me which saves 30 mins waiting on the other end for it, plus it enables you to do Quick Check-In if you're flying witha company who has those machines (KLM.. LUfthansa..)

I always prefer to ride trains if I have the option -- European landscape is always dreamy and sitting there for long stretches also lets me read or work between glimpses out the window.

I've done the Vienna/Munich trip many a time, and can say that it's also nice. Because you're often close to mountains you sometimes get funnelled into towns that have roads/industrial areas on both sides of the track, but these towns are small and you still have views of rolling hills and landscapes.

The only big minus is that the trains involved aren't ICE trains, which means you can't reserve a table/window seat with an electrical plug for your laptop (my preferred way to travel here). Dunno if the trains to Vienna have plugs at all, but maybe somebody else knows. You also might want to PM Powerfull, since he goes to Vienna a billion times a year and probably has an opinion.

cool, thanks for all the input! I might just give the train a try then.

I took the train from Vienna to here recently, and it was fine. The view was nice, and it was convenient and comfortable. Total cost was €63.10.

You will change trains in Salzburg. You’ll be on DB to Salzburg, then ÖBB to Vienna. Presuming you take the cheaper regional train from Munich to Salzburg, there won’t be any electrical outlets at your seat. The Salzburg to Vienna train will have them, though. You’ll arrive at Westbahnhof in Vienna, which also has an U-Bahn station (lines U3 and U6).

My secretary has come up with a direct train (EC? Plugs on this one? leave Sun morning, back Wed eve). Since my firm is paying, I'm not worried about the price, though I will say it's almost the same as the flight...

And since so many of you know Vienna well - InterContinental hotel is where they are putting me. Is this close or far to the train station? Should I get a cab, or will it be a silly 3 block ride?

Just take the IC (Intercity) which goes directly to Vienna Westbahnhof. You don't have top change trains.
You can book via Internet www.bahn.de easily. Or you can call tehm up on 11861 Service no, like Auskunft) it brings u there in pretty exactly 5 hours.
From westbahnhof in Vienna you can take nearly every underground, Tram or bus.
Definitely much less hazzle then flying.
I don't know if the mini pup has to pay there too... I know it sounds ridiculous, but just check it beforehand...

EDIT:
you can try to hide Louis in his bag...
Actually do you have to pay for the dog in Austrai as well??? Otherwise u could only get a ticket for Louis to Salzburg.

On the train you get breakfast and drinks served at ur seat, I guess they even have a restaurant there. Prices on the train are pretty high but I guess u can claim that as expenses so ur company will pay for it too. Food usually isn't bad, once ur willing to pay the price.
You can book windowseat, (non)smoker, driving direction, table at seat etc...

thanks bubblylady. Mini-pup apparently must pay half fare! that's about 50€ per kilo...

What’s the address, Johannesgasse 28? If so, it’s on the other side of town from Westbahnhof. Take the U-Bahn. U3 direction Simmering to Landstraße, then change to U4 direction Hütteldorf to Stadtpark. A taxi will be expensive (then again, if your company’s paying…).

Air Berlin (I think) is now offering Vienna from EUR 29 each way. Including Tax.