Vienna to Strasbourg options

I'd suggest the train. Takes a bit under 8 hours with two changes. There is also a direct overnight train, but it arrives in Strasbourg rather early. Driving will most likely take longer, especially once you add stops for lunch, fuel, bathroom breaks etc.

Definitely a tough call. Each option has some advantages and disadvantages.

Adding in at least one stop for food and fuel, the drive is approaching 9 hours. I’d also recommend checking the operating hours of the rental agencies - airport agencies are usually open longer hours but that also means more time to get there and back if staying in the city centers.

Daytime train requires a few connections - DB hasn’t been super reliable, so there’s a risk of getting stranded especially if you take a later train. If possible I’d suggest getting the earliest departure from Vienna to allow for contingencies.

Flying to somewhere nearby (also check Frankfurt (FRA) - trains serve the airport and seem faster than from Stuttgart) would likely be fastest, but with airport time and connections it saves 2-3 hours by my estimate. Is that worth it?

One other option would be the Nightjet night train - it doesn’t run every day between Vienna and Strasbourg. Big advantage is there are no connections and you travel while you’d be asleep anyways. It does arrive Strasbourg quite early however in the morning so you’d need to drop your bags at your hotel and might be fairly tired.

Because you will travel from Austria to France, I wouldn't even consider driving. Besides the long hours, there's the matter of the high drop off fee you'll likely be slammed with because you are dropping in a different country. Unless, of course, you will be returning to Austria after your France stay. I'd say it's a coin toss between the train or flying + train.

Regarding flights: also look at Basel. Basel airport is actually in France. Take the "France" exit, and the shuttle bus to st. Louis. From there you have trains to Strasbourg every hour, taking 1h10.

Badger--I am leaning towards the train, but really dislike changes on them. I doubt my husband would go for the overnight train, but I would be happy with that.

Ksea--I wondered about operating hours or rental car agencies as well as DB and any strikes etc. I had thought about Frankfurt, but then forgot, so thanks for that reminder.

CJean--I knew about the higher drop off fees, but not sure just how high those are.

WengenK--Thank you! That is one idea I had not considered at all, so will look into it.

We cannot get into our Airbnb until 2 pm, but they will hold our luggage. At least with a flight/train combo I could make it work to arrive close to our check in time. I need to research all of this. Thank you so much and if you have any more suggestions, I am all ears!

I'll bet you would see over $1k in fees to drop off in France from Austria. You could probably fly in business with a nice lounge entry included and take an executive car service to the airport for the same price.

shannon--yikes, yes that is above what I am willing to spend, lol. Thank you!

If we take the train, what is the best site to book through? We have never taken one that goes this far so this is new territory for me. Likewise, if we fly, is there a carrier that is better than others? We are on Lufthansa for AMS to VIE.

Here are the details from the expert, The Man in Seat 61.

https://www.seat61.com/international-trains/trains-from-Vienna.htm

Thank you so much Shannon:)

I have been reading more about the trains, and am leaning that way. I would love to do the night train, but not sure my husband is game for that. The day time one would be nice since we could see the scenery along the way. Has anyone here taken the night train? My only concern is my husband thinking it may not be comfortable. It would be a great time saver though. I appreciate any input:)

The time saved on a night train is relative, as you will inevitable not sleep as well. I went to Vienna a few months ago on the night train. On the way there I had a deluxe compartment (al to myself) with shower, and those are great. Then when I arrived at my hotel I they had my room already prepared, so I could get in drop my my luggage, and then head out to register for the conference I was attending. But towards the evening I started to feel that that bad night on the train, and ended up going to bed early, missing an opportunity to go out dining with a few colleagues.
It is not the same as staying in a hotel. In fact, if I had know in advance that the only interesting keynote on monday would have been in the late afternoon I would have booked the day time train...
So assume that a night train saves you some time, but not a whole day.

So by all means, if you are not in a hurry. Go by day. Take the route that has one change in Frankfurt, and leave early. That way if you do miss a connection you can just take a later train and still arrive on the same day.

WengenK--We do a lot of backpacking in the mountains, so are good with sleeping in less than luxury places, lol, but still I get what you are saying. I am going to run it by my husband this weekend. It would just be nice to not have to change trains at all, but then again going during the day would be nice for the scenery. If we do the night train, we would opt for the toilet and shower in the room.

Night trains are a very popular subject for train vloggers, just pop into Youtube and you'll find dozens. People like Simply Railways and Superalbs do a very good job, and even the Man in Seat 61 gets into the act. You should decide if you are up for such an adventure, since it can be that.

It seems the easiest option here is to break up your trip into two pieces, using two trains.