Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle

I think you will find that the fastest route, although not the most scenic, will be through Salzburg and Munich (6½+ hours), and that can all be done with public transportation (trains). One days travel each way and one day in Füssen will be more than enough time. But that is a lot of time spent just seeing Neuschwanstein. If you spend two nights in Füssen, you'll have enough time to see both castles (Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau and the town of Füssen.

You are investing a huge amount of time to get to a place that is somewhat underwhelming when you are actually there. Make sure that this is worth the effort to you.

I will be in Vienna the first week of December. I would like to see the Neuschwanstein Castle. I was hoping to take a train to Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the wrong place to go to. Look at a map. There are no border controls between Austria and Germany, but there is a big range of mountains (the Alps!).From Vienna you need to go Vienna - Salzburg - Munich, and then south to Füssen.

But, this is really too far for a day trip.:

Wien Hbf depart 07:30, Salzburg Hbf arrive 09:52
Salzburg Hbf depart 10:00, München Hbf arrive 11:41
München Hbf depart 11:52, Füssen arrive 13:58

By the time you get there it is 2pm, no time to visit the castle and get back to Vienna the same day!
There are plenty of other places to see nearer to Vienna

Thanks to all...these posts are extremely helpful. I thought visiting the castle would provide me with excellent views of the mountains. Any suggestions on other destinations?

We will be in Vienna for an entire week. My husband has a conference to attend. We thought we would arrive a few days early and be able to take a train or rent a car to see some beautiful mountains, lakes and interesting landscape. I thought train travel would be an interesting way to see the countryside. I'm open to any suggestions you may have on places to go. Thanks.

Clare, the Alps stretch all the way through Austria. There are places a lot closer to Vienna you could go to.

Chris, I appreciate your help. Any suggestion for an interesting side trip from Vienna that would give us mountain views? I get overwhelmed by reading the tour books.

Thank you. Very helpful.