Is there a direct train from Paris to Vienna or should we fly?
 

My husband, 7y/o and I are either flying or taking a train from Paris to Vienna. Is there a direct train from Paris to Vienna? What do you suggest and what website should I go to reserve these tickets? We live in the US. Thanks!

No direct train but there is an overnight train you can take with just one change of train - either Paris to Cologne then night train to Vienna or Paris to Zurich then night train to Vienna - leaving Paris about 5 pm getting in Vienna around 8 am - when my son was that age he thought night trains to be a real adventure - get a private compartment - bring a picnic - could be a real memory for you both - check www.voyages-sncf.com for schedules and fares - for general info on overnight trains and what to expect: www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

Booking is generally cheaper thru European sites but if want to book in U.S. try either of first two sites I give above - but in U.S. you may not get the whole range of discounted tickets available often only online from Europe.

Fly. I have gone between Vienna and Paris on several occasions and my entire transit is around 6 hours, door to rental apartment/hotel. From another of your posts you are considering the overnight train from Vienna to Venice; that should be enough train experience for your 7 year old. Look at AirBerlin, Niki, and even AustrianAir for flights.

16:23 TGV from Paris to Zurich from 25 euros at www.capitainetrain.com

You've time for dinner in Zurich.

Sleeper leaves Zurich at 21:40 arriving Vienna 07:52. 2-bed sleepers from 89 euros per person, or deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet en suite, bookable at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at

The overnight routing via Paris to Cologne and then a German CNL train to Vienna gets to Vienna quicker - take whatever route you can get vheaper.

fly

I prefer the train if you have no reason to arrive as quickly as possible. The suggestion of Man in seat 61 sounds lovely.