We are trying to decide if it is best to catch a train from Vienna to Salzburg or hire a car and drive. Both seem to take roughly the same route, as far as I can see.
Do you see as much if you catch the train, or is it better to have the flexibility and freedom with a car in that you can stop along the way. Are there many things that we should be stopping to look at along the way?
Thanks
I would go for train. Cheaper, faster and you can look at scenery. Car goes on freeway. Little bit of scenery too, but you have to concentrate more on driving.
The rail line more or less follows the same route as the highway for most of the way. Certainly the person who would have to do the driving would be able to enjoy the scenery a lot more if he was sitting in a train instead of concentrating on the road and traffic. And taking the train means you don't have to concern yourself with parking at your destination (can be both expensive and scarce).
The only really worthwhile place to stop and explore (IMO) would be Melk Abbey. It's quite impressive, and can easily eat up a couple of hours.
This highway stretch is horrible for traffic and construction. It is also not particularly scenic. Take the Westbahn train as you can board at Praterstern, Wien Mitte/Landstrasse, Rennweg or Hauptbahnhof. You also buy your tickets on the train from the conductor. If you want to see Melk, make a day trip from Vienna and take the time to explore the entire Wachau Valley.
Hands-down take the train. We drove this not that long ago and the traffic was terrible. There was construction, trucks, places where we slowed down to 15-20 MPH for several miles. Took three times as long as we had anticipated and we were exhausted when we got to Salzburg. There really isn't much to see along the way...it's a highway that has nothing at all remarkable about it.
Thank you all so much for your replies. I really appreciate it.
