Vienna - Car or Train?

I don't see needing a car. Vienna is a big city with plenty of public transportation. You don't have time to worry about daytrips out of the city. Salzburg is also another place where a car isn't needed, everything is walkable from the train station, unless you plan some hard to get to stops between the two.

Absolutely not. Save your money and nerves. Everything is very accessable using public transportation. Parking is very expensive and not convenient. Pension Suzanne at Walfischgasse 4 Wien is a great place to stay if you have not already booked.
www.pension-suzanne.at/english/index_2.htm .

Jerry, I wouldn't bother with a car either in Vienna or Salzburg. Both cities have excellent public transport, and the trip between them is relaxing and enjoyable by train. Happy travels!

Jerry... I am an avid car person but only when it makes sense for a road trip. For your itinerary you do not need a car in Vienna, and you don't need a car once you end up in Salzburg unless a road trip is part of the fun. Are you going to return the car to Vienna? If you do drive to Salzburg any number of hotels have parking so that is not an issue...just check it out ahead of time, but it is so walkable you will not need your car while you are there. I just did this drive a few weeks ago and it is beautiful, but I enjoy the spontaneity of being able to stop when ever I want, but its not for everyone.

Train.

No contest: subway and tram in Vienna and train to Salzburg! When you arrive in Salzburg, you'll disembark at a temporary station (while the new Hauptbanhof is being built.) If you choose to walk to downtown, turn left and stay on the road at the front of the station; it's called Rainerstrasse (but don't expect to see a street sign! The walk will take you about 15 minutes. Buses do run to and from the station.

The drive from Salzburg to Vienna can be absolutely gorgeous ( the lake district deserves a look)- but park the car in both cities.